Inquiry About Medical Costs
Hello everyone! I’m considering relocating to Australia with my Kiwi wife. Since I’m not from a reciprocal country, I’ll need to take care of my own medical expenses, which I’m fine with.
I have a few pre-existing conditions that I suspect may not be covered by insurance. I require blood tests every 4-6 months, ongoing prescription medications, and I’d like to schedule yearly MRIs and CT scans if my budget allows.
Could anyone offer insight into the potential out-of-pocket costs for these procedures?
Thanks in advance!
TL;DR: I’m a foreigner without access to Medicare. What should I expect to pay for blood work, medications, and scans?
Disclaimer:
1. I plan to get a work visa before pursuing permanent residency, so I won’t have Medicare access.
2. I previously posted this on the Australia visa subreddit, but since this topic isn’t directly related to visas, it seemed more appropriate to share here.
Hi there!
It’s great to hear that you’re considering a move to Australia! Navigating the healthcare costs without Medicare can be a bit daunting, especially with pre-existing conditions. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect to pay for the services you mentioned:
Blood Work: The cost of blood tests can vary widely depending on what specific tests you need. Basic blood tests might cost anywhere from AUD 30 to AUD 150. If you require more specialized tests, it can go higher. It’s worth asking your doctor for a quote beforehand.
Prescription Medications: The price for prescription medications can also vary significantly based on what you need. Some medications may cost as little as AUD 10 to AUD 50, while others, especially specialty medications, can cost hundreds of dollars. You might also want to check if the medications you need are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to reduce costs.
MRI & CT Scans: The out-of-pocket cost for an MRI or CT scan can range from AUD 300 to AUD 1,000, depending on the type of scan and the facility you go to. It’s a good idea to shop around and see if there are any bulk-billing clinics available that might help reduce costs.
Since you won’t have Medicare coverage, I recommend looking into private health insurance that can help cover some of these expenses, even though pre-existing conditions may limit your options.
Make sure to consult with healthcare providers when you arrive to get exact quotes tailored to your situation. Good luck with your move and your healthcare planning! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!