About the Australian Health System

Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world – a unique mix of public and private health care designed to make sure all Australians are well covered for their needs.

But with an ageing population, the increasing cost of caring for more people with chronic conditions, and continuing medical improvements, the demands on our health system are increasing. Medicare is the basis of our public health system. It’s a first-class scheme. But it was never meant to meet these demands on its own.

Private Health Insurance also plays a key role in covering Australian’s needs. In fact, more than a third of all hospital treatments are performed through private health cover. If private health insurance wasn’t there, there would be huge pressure on Medicare. We need a balanced, viable heath care system, with public and private cover working together.

There are nearly 600 private hospitals operating in Australia and they treat more than 4 out of every 10 admitted hospital patients, representing nearly half of all days of hospitalisation.