1. Introduction to the Australian healthcare system
Compared to other developed countries, the average life expectancy of Australian residents is relatively long, with 78 years for males and up to 83 years for females. This can be attributed in part to Australia's excellent healthcare system.
Australia established a Medicare system in 1984 that applies to the majority of its citizens and covers surgeries, hospital services, and prescription drugs. Most health care programs are funded by government tax dollars and are completely free of charge. Data show that the Australian government funds about 70% of the nation's health care costs. Of this, 67% is spent by the federal government and the remaining 33% is spent by local governments. There are three main national health care programs in Australia, which are the General Medical Insurance (GMI), the Drug Reduction Scheme (DRS), and the fee waiver policy for the use of private health care facilities. In addition, about half of Australian citizens will also choose a commercial insurance for themselves to get a broader and more comprehensive health care coverage, covering dental care, eye care, podiatry, body physiotherapy and so on. Once purchased, the government will reimburse 30% of these costs either in the form of healthcare funding or direct bill payment.
Introduction to health insurance in Australia
Australia is an "all-insurance country", and you can't get around without insurance. Its healthcare system is different from China's, which is divided into two main branches: public **** and private. So, accordingly, health insurance is also divided into two major parts: national health insurance and private health insurance.
1. National Health Insurance (NHI)
People living in Australia - except for Norfolk Island - are eligible if they have one of the following conditions:
? Australian citizenship
? Permanent visa
? New Zealand citizenship
? Permanent Resident status
? Have applied for a specific permanent resident visa
? A valid visa authorizing you to work in Australia
? A valid visa if one of your parents, spouse or children is an Australian citizen
? Hold a valid visa and have a parent, spouse or child who is a permanent resident
With this insurance, access to a doctor is free in most cases, including Bulk Bill-supported family doctors, public hospitals, and some specialist outpatient clinics. The main areas covered by the Australian Medicare system are: Hospital, Medical and Pharmaceutical.
In short, Medicare is provided by the government and is only available to Australian residents and permanent residents. It's a huge shock to international students that they can't afford to pay for medical treatment in Australia without insurance, and that's why they can't afford to pay for medical treatment in Australia without insurance. There's a private health insurance scheme that can help us:
2. However, high-income Australian citizens (individuals earning more than AUD$7.7 per year & families earning more than AUD$154,000 per year) are required to purchase private health insurance, or else they will be charged a 1% surcharge on their personal income tax. here are some of the things that public healthcare doesn't cover, but private healthcare can help ease the burden:
? Medical checkups required by your life insurance, pension company, or other member organizations (such as insurance companies, employers, or government agencies);
? non-clinical medical treatment such as cosmetic treatments;
? ambulance costs (some regional state governments provide free ambulance services for retired and low-income people or residents of their state, such as Qld and Tasmania);
? Most dental check-ups and treatments;
? Most physiotherapy, prosthetics, chiropractic, home care, etc.
? Acupuncture (unless recommended by a doctor);
? Myopia glasses and contact lenses;
? Hearing aids;
? Home care;
? Medical expenses incurred by the cardholder outside of the country.
2. Notes on immigrant life
Language exchange and communication. English is the official language of Europe, so before immigrating in advance to learn English, at least can be a simple daily work and life communication. This kind of immigrant language learning, the more test English learning is still very different, basically in the learning process for grammar and sentence requirements are not high, the most important thing is to complete the daily communication and exchange. For native English speakers, even if they use the wrong words or grammar, they can still understand what the other person is saying according to the situation, so they can reduce the time spent on grammar and sentence structure.
Learning of local habits and customs. The difference between the habits and customs of different countries is very big, especially in terms of etiquette, if you do not learn in advance, it is easy to cause unnecessary misunderstandings, and even involve personal property safety and life safety. Therefore, it is important to know the local living habits and etiquette well before immigrating. The easiest way is to contact the Chinese people who have immigrated to Australia in advance. Nowadays, many regions in Europe have larger Chinese communities, so if you want to immigrate your whole family, living in a Chinese community can be convenient for your children and parents to communicate.
In addition, Australia's price level is still high compared to the domestic, so before you migrate, you must understand the local price, to ensure that your savings can support a certain time of normal living expenses. If the young people to migrate, if you look for a job in the local. The general professional skills are relatively high, relatively popular in Australia, and relatively high wages, the development prospects are relatively good.
1. Communicate with Australians and don't talk about rabbits
When communicating with Australians, don't talk about rabbits, you can talk more about sports, traveling and so on. Australians believe that rabbits are an unlucky animal and have very specific taboos against them.
2. Remember to be punctual, pay attention to the instrument
The Australians are very courteous and pay close attention to the etiquette of the public **** place, and they never make a lot of noise in the public **** occasion. Newcomers to Australia need to pay particular attention to this point, and never shout in public because they are fresh or surprised.
The Australians are very easy-going and pay close attention to their public behavior. Most of the men do not have beards, and most of the women are dressed in suits and dresses for formal occasions, and the women are in blouses and skirts.
In Australia, social occasions, taboo stretching, yawning and other small movements. In addition, many Australian men do not like to hold shoulders or hug tightly and such actions.
Australians have a strong sense of time, dating must be contacted in advance and on time, the most appropriate gift is to bring a bouquet of flowers to the hostess, you can also send a bottle of wine to the hostess. Australians have a strong sense of time. The best thing to do is to bring flowers for the hostess and a bottle of wine for the hostess.
3. Business is not negotiated at the dinner table
Similar to many western countries, Australia is a country that emphasizes equality. Australians don't like to tell people what to do or speak in a commanding tone.
Eating with business partners is simply having a meal, which is different from the table culture that is popular among Chinese businessmen. New immigrants should not think that having had a meal with a business partner makes business better. In the eyes of Australians, business cooperation and friendship do not need to be built on the dinner table.
4. Don't take pictures of children
Don't take pictures of children under the age of 14 in Australia, as the law states that it is illegal to take pictures of children without parental consent. In addition to this, don't touch children's heads, etc. This is an expression of affection in China, but may be considered a violation in Australia.
There are many more taboos and etiquette in Australia that newcomers to the country will come to know. Some domestic habits should not be brought to Australia, respect others, pay attention to proportion, do not try to explore other people's privacy, and keep a distance, so it will be easier to be welcomed by Australians.