Public vs Private

This blog series has been developed to help you navigate through your healthcare journey. We have added hyperlinks throughout the page if you would like more information.

This blog is a part of a five-part series including information about the following:

  1. Public vs Private Care 

  2. Choosing a doctor 

  3. Private healthcare Considerations 

  4. Inpatient Care and appointments 

  5. Practical tips for understanding your journey 

This blog relates to the Australian healthcare system and how to access care, this advice is general advice designed to help you navigate your journey. 

When accessing healthcare in Australia there are two main ways that you can access healthcare, through the public system or privately. 

Provided that you are eligible for Medicare, accessing healthcare in a public hospital will come at no cost to you. However, if you access care publicly it can take longer to get an appointment and surgery if required. 

If you have private health insurance, you can access care with any doctor of your choosing in most private hospitals (confirm with your insurer that they will cover your stay). In a private hospital you will often get a private room, and more hotel-like facilities. The level of clinical care provided will be the same (you just have a slightly nicer room, may have free internet and TV, and carpet).

Accessing care privately comes at a cost to you from both your insurance and the out-of-pocket costs of your treating team. 

If you have private health insurance, you also have the opportunity to be treated as a private patient in a public hospital, if you have health insurance this is often cheaper than going private. This still allows you your choice of doctor. It is best to discuss with your doctor and hospital the costs of this. To be treated as a private patient in a public hospital you can either see a doctor through the public clinic (at no cost) or go to a doctor's private rooms (at a cost). 

If you do not have private health insurance, you can choose to be treated as a private patient in a public or private hospital. This will occur at a cost which can be provided by your doctor and the hospital. The only way to guarantee your choice of doctor is by being treated as a private patient. 

At the end of the day Australia has a fantastic public health system which will care for you - you just receive additional luxuries going private and may receive care quicker - it just comes at a cost. 

Key factors to consider with public: 

  • There will likely be a longer wait time compared to private healthcare. 

  • Your referral will be triaged based on clinical urgency. Your referral is triaged alongside all referrals for the service. 

  • You will likely be seen by a doctor in training who is working under the supervision of a specialist (consultant).

  • If you require surgery, you will be added to a public wait list. You will be added to the list of the consultant in the clinic the day you are there, however you may need to be moved under a different doctor at the discretion of the hospital. 

  • When being treated as a public patient in a public hospital your surgery may be done by a doctor in training under the supervision of the specialist. This is on the consent form that you will sign for your surgery, if you do not agree to this you will need to access care privately.

  • Depending on where you live you may not have a choice of public hospital. 

Key factors to consider with private care: 

  • You will have your choice of doctor and will be seen and have your surgery done by this doctor, they will be there for your follow up care and any issues that may arise. 

  • You will have your choice of hospital (based on where your chosen specialist has admitting rights).

  • There are a number of additional costs which may arise including:

    • Hospital excess (Contact your provider to obtain the fee)

    • Doctors fees (surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant surgeon) 

    • Pathology fees

  •  The level of clinical care provided privately is the same - you are paying for the choice of doctor and luxury facilities in the private hospital. 

The below table summarises your choices

This blog does not constitute medical advice and is a personal story by someone living with pelvic pain conditions. The medications, supplements, health providers mentioned in this blog are not endorsed by QENDO nor does QENDO receive financial incentive for these products or by the medical professionals mentioned. Please consult with your health care team before considering taking any supplement, medication or treatment pathway.


Kathryn Thomason