International visitors and students

As an overseas visitor or student, you will be required to pay for your hospital treatment before leaving the hospital if you do not have a valid Medicare card.

The triage nurse will assess the urgency of your condition and allocate a triage category for your stay in the Emergency Department. The fee will be dependent on both your clinical condition and your triage category.

If you need to be admitted to the Emergency Short Stay Unit or a hospital ward for further treatment, this will be discussed with you by your treating medical team. 

A written estimate of your expected treatment will be provided to you by a Private Liaison Officer. If you are insured, it is recommended that you contact your insurer to check your level of cover and check any exclusions, excess costs and rebates.

Out-of-pocket expenses may still apply, such as excess or gap fees, if you have travel or private health insurance, as your policy level may not cover all of your hospital fees. You may be required to pay these costs before leaving the hospital.

In addition, you may be charged for pathology, radiology and pharmacy, which are provided by external providers and will invoice you separately. 

You will be asked to present a passport, insurance details and a valid credit card.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreement 

Overseas visitors holding a valid visa and being a resident of a RHCA country are covered only for medically necessary care whilst in Australia. RHCAs are not intended to replace travel insurance and do not cover planned treatment, procedures or operations. 

You will need to provide your passport, proof of country of residence, and any other documentation required by overseas visitors as evidence of eligibility from one of the following RHCA countries: United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia. 

Patients from Italy and Malta are only covered during the first six months upon arrival to Australia. You may be billed if you do not have a copy of your passport or can confirm RHCA eligibility.To find out more about RHCA and periods of cover, visit the Services Australia website.

General treatment fees 

General treatment fees by the hospital may include: 

• Overnight inpatient accommodation 
• Same day inpatient accommodation 
• Emergency Department treatment
• Clinician fees 
• Prosthesis/surgically implanted prosthesis 
• Specialised orthoses 

Outpatient clinic visits 

You may also be charged by third parties for the following:

• Radiology, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound imaging 
• Pathology
• Pharmaceuticals

Costs of treatment for inpatient care

If you are admitted into a hospital ward, an estimate of the charges will be provided. However, please note that these may vary depending on the actual treatment provided and your level of private health insurance. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide a deposit or full payment of the estimated charges during your stay. 

Making a payment 

You can make a payment using EFTPOS, cash or credit card.

Further information

Whilst in the Emergency Department, please ask to speak to a Private Liaison Officer  or email or email: [email protected]

For all other billing enquiries, please telephone 1300 556 089 or email: [email protected]

Interpreter services 

A free health care interpreter service is available to you. Family and friends cannot interpret on your behalf. Please speak to one of our staff if you could like an interpreter.