Want to explore the world of healthcare in Perth? Whether you’re a resident or a traveller curious about the city’s medical options, it doesn’t hurt to do some research early on.

So, find a comfortable spot and learn more about healthcare and hospitals in Perth in detail below!

What is the healthcare system like in Perth?

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In Perth, healthcare is free – all Australian citizens are covered by Medicare, the health care system run by the Commonwealth Government. It pays for medical appointments, medications, and low or no-cost hospital care.

Australia’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private care. And good for you, Australia was recently ranked as having the second-best healthcare system in the world (only next to the United Kingdom)!

This is based on factors such as the care process, access, administrative efficiency, and healthcare outcomes.

Moreover, some of the most modern and well-equipped hospitals in the country are in Perth. With state-of-the-art medical equipment and some of the best doctors and nurses in the business, we feel you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

But that’s not all! There are also some special benefits to Perth’s health care system that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Did you know that some hospitals have training dogs that live there? Yes, these furry friends are here to cheer you up and make your day better when you’re feeling sad (sometimes, when you have a cute dog, who needs a pill?).

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Another interesting thing about Perth’s public health system is that we think it’s very easy to access and use. Everyone, regardless of their budget, may get a variety of services, so you can have the care you need when something inevitable happens.

Plus, online booking systems are available too. This way, you can make reservations and take care of your health needs with just a few clicks.

But we can’t talk about Perth’s health care system without talking about the people who make it all possible: our hardworking health care workers. 

How does private healthcare work in Perth?

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Private health insurance in Australia is so-called ‘community-rated’. This means that people have the right to buy the same product at the same price (except for lifetime health coverage and age-based discounts).

In addition, every citizen has the right to renew their policy – health insurance companies can’t turn you down for coverage or refuse to sell you a policy you want.

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When looking into private health insurance, there are just some things we believe you’ll need to consider.

Firstly, most Australians get their healthcare through Medicare, which is Australia’s state health system. But it’s important to keep in mind that Medicare doesn’t cover everything.

If you want a bigger range of health care options and more complete coverage, you can get private health insurance instead.

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Now, there are 2 kinds of health insurance: hospital and general care (also called ancillary or extras) coverage. 

You can buy different policies for each of these types of coverage. Still, most insurers offer policies that cover all of them. 

Any insurance you buy will have limits on what you can claim and when. So, make sure to read everything before you sign any document.

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How much you pay for private health insurance also depends on the private health insurance rebate, the lifetime health coverage policy, and the age-based rate. 

People who make more than a certain amount and don’t have private hospital insurance are charged the Medicare Levy Surcharge. 

Is healthcare free in Perth for foreigners?

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Unfortunately, foreigners living in Australia who aren’t regular residents have to pay for their own health care. 

This includes most people who live and work in Australia on work visas. People who move to Australia should have their own private global health insurance policy to cover their medical costs.

This might be a bit of a hassle, but here’s the deal: We think Australia’s healthcare system is pretty good in terms of coverage, but it just isn’t free for everyone. 

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If you’re a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, the government will pay for or give you free access to a number of health services. But if you’re not from Australia, the rules are a tad different.

Though if you come from a country that has a health agreement with Australia, you may be able to get some healthcare services. This goes without saying that if you’re not from one of those countries, you’ll likely have to pay for medical care here.

But before you start to worry and sell everything you own to pay for health insurance, we need you to take a step back. You can still do some things to get the coverage and assistance you need before moving to Perth.

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First, we suggest finding out if your home country has a healthcare deal with Australia that works both ways. Just note that in this situation, your medical care might still be limited.

Second, you might want to think about getting travel insurance that covers medical costs. This can help ensure you don’t have to pay for medical bills you didn’t anticipate while you’re living your best life in the city.

So overall, foreigners in Perth might not get free health care. Yet, there are ways to make sure you’re covered in case of a health emergency for you and your loved ones. 

What health services are available in Perth?

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Healthcare in Perth is part of the same system as the rest of Australia. The city also has a lot of private and public health care facilities for you to choose from. 

When in doubt, we believe a general practitioner (GP) or doctor is usually the first person you talk to about your physical and mental health. 

GPs often work in private offices or practices. They help people of all ages with health problems like illness, pain, and mental health and give professional, unbiased advice for living a healthy life.

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And don’t fret if you need a GP outside of standard work hours – some of them see patients in the evenings and on weekends too!

GP urgent care is for people who need to see a doctor right away but don’t have a life-threatening injury or illness. In our opinion, it’s always better to consult a medical expert than self-diagnose.

But if you think you need more help, you may take it further and see a specialist. Your GP can always refer you to one.

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You’re in luck because Perth has many specialists like dentists, cardiologists, dermatologists (dermatologist Perth), ophthalmologists, paediatricians, neurologists, podiatrists, and prosthodontists, among others!

It’s best to know a couple of them, whom you might need to contact later. Moreover, it’s advisable that their clinics or hospitals be easily accessible from your residence or work location.

How can I acquire healthcare in Perth? *

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In Perth, healthcare may work differently from what you’re used to. Instead of a specific health card, Australia boasts a system known as Medicare, which provides essential healthcare services to its citizens and eligible residents. 

The good news is that, if you’re a resident, you don’t need a separate health identification card to access healthcare in Perth.

But while every citizen and permanent resident in Australia is automatically eligible for Medicare, there are a few things to keep in mind. To enjoy the benefits, you must obtain your own Medicare card. 

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More often than not, we think the process can be as easy as pie. Simply visit a local Medicare office or apply online, and voila – you’ll be on your way to unlocking a world of healthcare.

But for the adventurous souls who aren’t Australian citizens or permanent residents, fret not! In some cases, certain visa holders may also be eligible for limited access to Medicare services. 

However, we believe it’s always a good idea to check with the Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from an immigration expert to understand your specific circumstances.

What are some of the best-ranked hospitals in Perth? *

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Ready to get settled in? For us, it makes a big difference to know about the hospitals in and around Perth in case of emergencies or to regularly maintain your health.

Learn more about these Perth hospitals in detail below.

Royal Perth Hospital

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Are you sick of hospitals that make you feel like you’re in a scary movie? Well, don’t worry, because the Royal Perth Hospital is here to save the day! 

We think this hospital is like the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, but without all the drama and love plots. 

Also, we believe you won’t have a hard time if you need to be confined because it has 450 beds. Since 1855, it has been known as a long-running and well-known hospital in Perth.

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Here, a lot of people get their medical degrees, and there are a lot of research centres doing new things in the medical sciences. 

Patients can also get different kinds of treatments, including major trauma care for adults, mental healthcare, and more! And because it’s close to the city, we think it’s a great hospital to go to if you get sick while travelling.

Fiona Stanley Hospital

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Next up, we think Fiona Stanley Hospital is more than just a healthcare facility – it’s a wonderland of medical marvels and human compassion. From top-notch doctors to state-of-the-art technology, this hospital may just have it all. 

It’s the latest hospital to open in Perth City, so we feel they have lots of new equipment. It was done in 2013, and it has a lot of buildings with places to take care of a lot of people. 

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As it stands, there are 783 beds (so you know where to go if Royal Perth runs out of them). Also, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including state rehabilitation, pharmacology, surgery, general care, and more. 

Their emergency room has a lot of space and supplies too. For us, this hospital is a well-rounded option when you need it.

Fremantle Hospital

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The Fremantle Hospital is close to Perth as well. This hospital has been known in the area for a long time as a good place to get health care. It opened in 1897 with a very small 60-bed capacity. 

In our opinion, this hospital is not your average healthcare facility. It’s more like a home away from home (minus the annoying siblings).

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But though its building is a bit old-looking, the services and equipment at this hospital have changed a lot in the present. For one, we like that there are now 575 beds for increased accessibility!

Hollywood Private Hospital

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Moving on, another one of the best medical centres near Perth is the Hollywood Private Hospital. 

With luxurious rooms and a team of medical professionals who could easily pass for Hollywood stars, we think this hospital is the place to be if you want to feel like a celebrity while getting your health back on track. 

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The hospital is popular because of the number of services it offers. Plus, it has 738 licenced beds and can serve 70,000 people each year.

From orthopaedics to dermatology, from diagnosis to surgery, and more than 20 other basic medical services, this hospital seems to be a no-brainer option on your list.

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

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Lastly, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is also among the giants in the game. This hospital  is known as one of the oldest and most famous hospitals in the Western Australian region. 

For us, this is an ideal choice if you want to feel like you’re in the future of healthcare. This place is so clean, we might say even the germs wear masks!

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There are also 600 beds, and 76,000 people are admitted to the hospital every year. It offers treatments for adult major trauma, dermatology, epidemiology, orthopaedics, mental health, and more.

More importantly, cancer patients have a lot of options for research and care at this huge hospital. They have been working with nearby schools to find new ways to help people with the illness.