Diabetic care in Australia

[becks92]

Hi all,

I am a Type 1 diabetic of 5 years (21 y/o) and I am applying for a PhD in Australia. This will involve 3-4 years study in Adelaide, Australia. Clearly this will be a problem for my diabetic care as I will not have access to NHS facilities during this time. Does anyone have any idea how health care provisions work over there?

- Am I allowed to take a 1 year bulk supply of insulin with me? (Will the GP prescribe it AND will customs in Australia allow it through?)
- Are my family and friends allowed to arrange a pick up service with the GP to take medication to Australia to me (again, do customs stop this as they are not the patient, and would this be a problem as I would not have attended any 6-month check ups..I would only return annually)?
- Do I qualify for free (or subsidised) care in Australia (that the English government pay for, eg)?
- How much is health care in Australia (as a UK citizen) if I have to pay? (hospital appts, dr appts, emergancy appts, insulin pens, blood testing kits, testing strips, needles, lancets, insulin (bolus and basal))

It's really important that these questions are answered accurately and truthfully as this reflects on my entire career, so I am keen to hear your response.

Thanks!
Becca

 

[Osidge]

Hi

I hope that this will help: http://www.internationalstudent.com/stu ... australia/

Regards

Doug

 

[becks92]

Unfortunately i've found many sites like this, and from the Australian government. It appears that Medicare (their NHS equivalent) covers general health accidents for all British immigrants as a reciprocal health care agreement, but not chronic conditions. I am trying to call the Australian High Commission in London but the phone is 'busy' all the time. Very irritating!!

Thanks for your time and help though.

Becca