Information for Medicare-ineligible patients
As a Medicare-ineligible patient, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have health insurance or adequate funding to cover the cost of your healthcare.
A Medicare-ineligible patient is someone who:
- does not hold a valid Medicare card
- is not an asylum seeker
- is not a visitor from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia (subject to RHCA criteria).
If you are not eligible for Medicare, you will need to pay for all hospital services. Before you receive care, please speak with a Patient Liaison Officer to arrange payment.
Charges vary depending on the treatment provided and whether you have an Australian private health insurance policy.
I don’t have private health insurance
If you don’t have private health insurance, you will need to pay for the full cost of your care and treatment at Western Health.
Full payment is required if you are admitted to hospital, and upfront payment is required for elective surgery or any outpatient services.
Your costs may include:
- outpatient or inpatient care
- emergency treatment
- allied health services (like physiotherapy)
- theatre and anaesthetic fees
- medical imaging (like X-rays and scans)
- prosthetics
- pathology
- medicines from the hospital pharmacy.
For more information about costs, please speak with our Patient Liaison Officers or refer to the ‘Guide to costs’ table below.
I have private health insurance
You will still need to pay a deposit before receiving care at Western Health. This deposit contributes to any costs not covered by your health fund.
You must pay for any gap between what your care costs and what your health fund covers. Any balance remaining will be refunded to you.
Please note: All outpatient services must be paid in full before your visit. You can then use the receipts to make a claim with your health fund. The amount you get back will depend on your individual policy.
Information you’ll be asked for
When you come to hospital you will need to provide us with:
- your passport and visa information
- proof of asylum seeker status (if relevant)
- upfront payment for services (if relevant)
- details of your private health insurance policy (if you have one)
- your home address and phone number overseas
- your residential address in Australia and the contact details of your sponsor.
General guide to costs
See below for a breakdown of our costs per service. Additionally, you can download a brochure for Medicare-ineligible patients.
| Emergency services | |
|---|---|
| Emergency Department consultation | $600 per visit ($550 upfront) |
| Emergency Department stay (incl. procedure) | $1600 per visit |
| Outpatient services | |
|---|---|
| Outpatient visit | $425 per visit |
| Allied health | $212 per visit |
| Pharmaceutical services | Full cost |
| Medical fees including anaesthetic fees | Full cost |
| Radiology and pathology services | Full cost |
| Day Procedure Unit/theatre charges | Full cost |
| Prostheses or aids and appliances | Full cost |
| Interpreter services | $152 |
| Day/overnight stay | Shared room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | $1,700 | $2,040 |
| Surgical | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| Advanced surgical | $2,400 | $2,880 |
| Coronary Care Unit | $3,100 | |
| Intensive Care Unit | $6,000 | |
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit | $3,600 | |
| Psychiatric admission | $1,850 | |
| Dialysis | $1,600 | |
| Day chemotherapy | $1,700 | $2,040 |
| Rehab | $1,800 | $2,160 |
| Hospital in the Home | $600 | |
| Special care nursery | $3,000 | |
| Geriatric and palliative care | $1,500 | |
| Maternity | Click here |
*Western Health requires the upfront payment for the cost of your care. This payment contributes to any costs not covered by an Australian health insurance policy or an overseas health fund. You must pay for any gap between the amount charged and the amount covered by your health fund. Any balance remaining will be refunded to you. Fees current as of May 2025 and subject to change.
Unpaid accounts
Unpaid accounts or breach of payment arrangements will result in your account being referred to a debt collection agency.
How do I pay my account?
Payment options are listed on the bottom on your invoice. These include paying by phone, BPAY and Australia Post. You may also be able to pay in person, depending on the hospital location.
Paying by phone
Contact Patient Accounts for payment options for all hospital services.
Phone: (03) 9057 8241
Paying in person
Payments can be accepted as cash, credit card or EFTPOS. Please speak with your Patient Liaison Officer.
Need more information or support?
We’re here to help you understand what to expect and how to plan for your care. Please contact our Patient Liaison Officers who can answer any questions you have about costs, payments and claims.
Footscray Hospital
Phone: (03) 8345 7151
Email: [email protected]
Sunshine, Sunbury and Williamstown Hospitals
Phone: (03) 8345 0184 or (03) 8345 1083
Email: [email protected]