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Post by roxane on Sept 8, 2012 9:22:06 GMT 7
I never had to deal so far with hospitals, never had health insurance, and so far only paid very minimal fees for dental, and other small treatments. But now I can experience how our fantastic health system works.... it's very different when you hear it in the new, to when it comes to personal experience.
To cut it short, I will have to have a surgery because something is blocking the air passage in my nose so I can't breath properly, which is pretty annoying. It's a chronic thing, so it's all the time blocked, not like a flue which comes and goes.
So here are the options. Can take out private H.I, with waiting period 1 year. Or wait for public hospital, waiting time: 3-5 years.
or pay for it myself: about $ 3.5 -4000
I called up a few Health Ins. companies, no one would waive the 12 month waiting period and if I wanted to take out private H.I. , I would need to pay the loading fee, meaning for every year had no insurance, extra 2% / year. Unbelievable! Because you can't afford paying $ 25 - 30 / week, you're penalised for it!!!
But to be honest I don't think it worth on the long run, unless you've got so many problems, diseases like one of my relative.
You pay minimum $1000 / year and you might not have any problems for 15 years or more.
So wouldn't you be better off - if you have this extra $30/w - keeping it in your own saving a/c which you even get interests on it, and when need it, you'll have enough to pay for surgeries.
Our health system is a disgrace, those who make these policies and waiting times should be tortured for 3-5 years!!!
Australia gladly contributes billions for foreign aid, but couldn't be bothered to take care of their own people, those who really need support
Anyway, I am paying for this surgery this time. But not happy!
At least I can chose my doctor and hospital.
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Post by Banjo on Sept 8, 2012 11:06:28 GMT 7
Have it done in Thailand, there's very professional doctors there, most trained in the US.
Have a nice holiday on what you save while your there.
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Post by Banker on Sept 8, 2012 15:46:28 GMT 7
I dont agree with you on that Banjo. Thailand medical is over pricing now days. There is a Government inquiry into what these private hospitals are charging, because they are mainly catering to the rich Arabs coming here.
The Eye Hospital "Rutnin Hospital" in Bangkok is more expensive that a private hospital in Australia.
I went to Chonburi Hospital and after waiting for 6 1/2 hours to see the eye surgeon only to be told " Come back when you can no longer see" I was not impressed. From what I saw at that hospital it would be closed down by the Health Department in Australia.
Many people are now going to India for cheap medical, less than half the price of Thailand.
Check the health forum on Thaivisa.
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Post by Banjo on Sept 8, 2012 16:18:53 GMT 7
Well you're one of a few I've heard complain, the goss on the forums is still good.
I'd hate for her to miss out because of one or two bad experiences.
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Post by Banker on Sept 8, 2012 18:54:57 GMT 7
I still disagree with you. Many are complaining, perhaps you should get out a bit more Banjo. ;D
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Post by hypoman on Sept 8, 2012 20:32:26 GMT 7
how about the philippines? its reasonably cheap for minor things... as long as they dont bugger it up so you have to stay in there longer (= more pesos for the Drs and hospital!).
dental is cheap and most are good quality there...
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Post by roxane on Sept 9, 2012 8:31:06 GMT 7
for a surgery overseas, how would you manage with the 6 weeks portability??? Maybe dental is ok, but anything else, it seems very short time to be assessed, diagnosed, treated., + recovery time
I was thinking o/s is a good option, I would go to Hungary as I know how the system works there: very straight forward, you pay the doctor some money (though not just a few $, at least 1000) and you have top treatment. But it probably would take at least a month or two. So again I don't know how this would work with the 6 weeks port.
Nobody mentioned anything about private health insurance. I guess you guys didn't take it out either.
But don't you find it disgusting that had you take it out, you'd be penalised for ALL!!!! the previous years you did not have private H.I???
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Post by Banker on Sept 9, 2012 8:55:37 GMT 7
Last year I was quoted $3,600. PA for health insurance... over 65 years of age. No I did not take it out.
At the moment you can get 13 weeks away, or at least you should be able to. If they say NO then appeal on the grounds of overseas medical care because you can not afford it in Australia.
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Post by roxane on Sept 9, 2012 10:06:22 GMT 7
OMG! They really want to rip you off!!! what's would be the point taking it out???
I though they would only allow the treatment o/s if in Asutralia that specific treatment is not available at all. But it's definitely a good idea to appeal on these grounds.
But for this damn sinus surgery, I gonna have it here, and pay whatever it's gonna cost, I can't delay it any longer. I can't even imagine how those who can't afford it, could wait 5 years, even 3 would be a nightmare. This is a joke!
Anyway if anything comes up in the future, I will get it done o/s. for sure. At least this ENT specialist bulk bills for the appointments
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Post by Banjo on Sept 9, 2012 11:26:51 GMT 7
I gave mine up because I was overseas so much where it couldn't have helped me if I did get sick.
Like a lot of things, the longer you have it the cheaper it gets in real terms.
As Banker says, once you get over a certain age it's probably cheaper to pay for the surgery than sign up for hospital benefits.
If you do think about getting it done in Thailand you might like to have a look in the health section of ThaiVisa.com, the moderator there is a nice helpful lady if you want to join up.
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Post by bundyrum on Sept 11, 2012 4:29:47 GMT 7
BANKER Iwas cut off, told them I was o/s getting treatment..but back always in 13 weeks..didnt matter CUTTT...They said your pension is for treatment and help in Aussie only,unless you can't get it there.Doesn't matter about better for your pocket.The S.S.A.T has deferred a decision on me till 20th..doesn't look good.Been cut over 4 months now.They won't give me payment pending.If you get surgey o/s check the doctor's credentials..Thai and Philo are getting dearer..India may be the go.cheers.
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Post by ghostbuster on Sept 11, 2012 5:56:51 GMT 7
;D Yes i`ve had dental work in Philippines and it was great and very cheap. Top and bottom dentures replaced with 4 extractions.The cost 30,000 pesos which is $750. But as for surgery EXPENSIVE..
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Post by Banker on Sept 11, 2012 6:48:55 GMT 7
BANKER Iwas cut off, told them I was o/s getting treatment..but back always in 13 weeks..didnt matter CUTTT...They said your pension is for treatment and help in Aussie only,unless you can't get it there.Doesn't matter about better for your pocket.The S.S.A.T has deferred a decision on me till 20th..doesn't look good.Been cut over 4 months now.They won't give me payment pending.If you get surgey o/s check the doctor's credentials..Thai and Philo are getting dearer..India may be the go.cheers. All reports I have been reading is that India is the place to go these days. I have never been there and I dont want to go, I dont like the way they keep wobbling their heads.. ;D |
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Post by Banjo on Sept 11, 2012 6:59:04 GMT 7
The open air dentist surgeries are popular.  |
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Post by howdo on Sept 11, 2012 6:59:59 GMT 7
So long as there not wobbling yours Banker. ;D
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