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Why are specialist referrals important?

OSHCstudents – Your GP or specialist will provide you with a referral if your condition needs specialist care that your referring doctor can’t provide.

Why do I need a referral to see a specialist and who will give me the referral?

Your GP or specialist will provide you with a referral if your condition needs specialist care that your referring doctor can’t provide.

Some specialists may be willing to see you without a referral letter, but it’s a good idea to see your GP first, as they are generally in the best position to decide on the kind of specialist you most need. Also, if you see a specialist without a referral, Medicare will not cover any of the costs and your specialist may be missing some details about your health that normally come from a referring doctor.

Before you leave your doctor with a referral letter, you might want to:

Ask your GP
for the name(s) of a recommended specialist
about specialist options in either a public hospital clinic or a specialist private consultation room, as the pathway you choose may impact your wait times and potential out-of-pocket costs
for referral letter(s) to recommended specialist(s)
about the timeframe for consultation period (e.g., 6, 12, 18 months or indefinite)
about any fees you may have to pay when you see a specialist

Ask your specialist
about your treatment options
about specialist options in either a public hospital clinic or a specialist private consultation room, as the pathway you choose may impact on your wait times and potential out of pocket costs
for referral letter(s) to recommended specialist(s) if you would like a second opinion
about any fees you may have to pay. Download the Australian Medical Association’s Informed Consent Form to take with you to your next appointment
about when you need your next appointment

How do referrals affect what I pay?

When you are eligible for Medicare and have a referral, Medicare will reimburse you for a portion of your specialist consultations and treatments.

When you are eligible for Medicare and don’t have a referral, you’ll pay in full for all specialist consultations and treatments.

Does my health insurance cover specialist fees?

Out of hospital
No health insurer in Australia can cover this as set out in the Health Insurance Act 1973.

In hospital
It depends on your policy and level of cover.

OSHCstudents (source: Bupa)

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Baek Ah Yeon

I trust Allianz Care since it is one of the largest insurance companies in Australia, with the medical centres where I only have to pay for what is left from insurance support. (no need to claim later). Besides, those centres are located at the centre of the city, close to schools. Very convenient, right? Credits to Allianz Care for providing reliable medical centres for health check and treatments.

Baek Ah Yeon | University of Queensland

Ariella Pei

I’ve been living with homestay family for 2 years. I’m now 19, I can move out but I don’t want to leave my host, who has become my family. It feels like I’ve met my second family. Thanks OSHCstudents for sending me to this homestay!

Ariella Pei | University of Canberra

Chatchawat Paton

I realised how important insurance was when I started living in Australia. There I switched to using Allianz Care instead of the previous service. Allianz Care is extraordinarily good in its consulting service and customer care. I’ve learned a lot about Australian health care, also I was consulted with mental issues and how to live a healthy lifestyle. I am very happy now.

Chatchawat Paton | Torrent University

Phuong Anh

Having lived in Australia for 2 years, I’ve been reliant on AHM OSHC to pay for my health care, which supports me for other expenses. Last year, I sent my claim requests for several times and always received the claims within two days. Everything is easy, fast and simple.

Phuong Anh | Victoria University

Xiaoyu Cheng

Thanks to Allianz Care, every time I claimed my medical receipts it processed much more quickly and easily than I expected. I was initially a bit concerned since Allianz Care is more expensive than other insurance companies, but now I can ensure that it is totally worth the money.

Xiaoyu Cheng | Monash University

Emma

My homestay was very comfortable and convenient. My host was really kind. He showed me where to shop, which buses to catch, where the nearest train station is, to get off at which station so that I wouldn’t be taken to another suburb. Travelling was easy since the place was close to public transports. It only took 30 minutes to get to my college, actually I could go anywhere easily!

Emma | Macquarie University

Jing Zhang

When told that I was going to live with an Italian family, I was pretty nervous and doubted whether or not they could speak English well as the local people? Yet it was no longer a problem when I saw them. They knew the problems of people who first came to Australia and always tried to help me. I learned so many things about both Australian and Italian culture and enjoyed tasty Italian meals every time. Awesome!

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