Medicare is the Australian government healthcare system that offers universal access to free public hospital care and assistance. Medicare covers a basic amount of services offered by doctors, specialists, optometrists, and other medical professionals. Doctors or medical service providers may charge above the scheduled fee, and the difference will have to be paid for by you.

The government encourages the public to take out private health insurance. This covers for medical expenses not covered by Medicare like dental, optical, private hospital charges, ambulance charges, etc. It also offers you the flexibility to choose your doctor, your hospital, and when you want the treatment.