Know your options
In Australia, there are two main types of healthcare systems: the public system, and the private system.
The public system, which includes public hospitals, are managed and funded by Australian state and territory
governments1. In comparison, the private hospital system is made up of private hospitals that are owned and
managed by independent organisations2. Private hospitals help take the pressure off the public system.
Both systems offer different types of hospitals that can be accessed depending on your health needs.
Why go to a private hospital?
With hospital insurance, your health fund will help cover costs if you go to a private hospital for treatment. As a
private patient in a private hospital, you have more control over your health care experience. You’ll be able to
choose your hospital, your specialist, avoid public hospital waiting lists and gain access to a private room (subject
to availability).
Types of private hospitals
Services provided
Overnight hospitals
Provide a range of services including elective surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation,
palliative care and psychiatric services. Some private overnight hospitals also
include 24/7 emergency departments.
Day hospitals
Offer diagnostic, surgical and medical treatments and services that are suitable for
same day/23 hour care. Treatments and services offered include oral surgery,
colonoscopies, chemotherapy, and ear, nose and throat procedures.
Psychiatric hospitals
Specialise in both short and long-term care for patients experiencing mental health
difficulties.
Rehabilitation hospitals
Offer rehabilitation services for patients to restore function and recover from injuries
or surgeries.
Why go to a public hospital?
If you are entitled to full Medicare benefits, you can choose to be treated in a public hospital as a public patient
even if you have an appropriate level of hospital insurance. In this situation, Medicare would cover the full cost of
your treatment. Unless your treatment is considered urgent, you will likely be placed on a waiting list. You can’t choose the hospital where you’ll be treated, or when you’ll be admitted. When you are admitted for treatment as a public patient in a public hospital, you will be treated by a doctor appointed by the hospital. It's also more likely that you'll share a room with other patients.
If you have an appropriate level of hospital insurance you can also choose to be treated in a public hospital as a
private patient. In this situation, both Medicare and your health fund will contribute towards the cost of your
treatment, however you may still have some out-of-pocket costs. The flip side is if you choose to be treated as a
private patient is a public hospital, you may still be placed on a waiting list. When you are admitted for treatment,
you may not have your choice of doctor and may have to share a room with other patients.
Types of public hospitals
Services provided
Acute hospitals
These often offer 24/7 emergency departments, intensive care units, elective surgery
and other specialised care units, with the option to stay overnight or for a longer
period of time (if deemed medically necessary).
Psychiatric hospitals
Specialise in both short and long-term care for patients experiencing mental health
difficulties.
Rehabilitation hospitals
Offer rehabilitation services for patients to restore function and recover from injuries
or surgeries.