You can access many care and support services free of charge. This includes public hospitals, community mental health services and some community managed services (CMOs). 

Appointments with a doctor may be partially or entirely covered by Medicare. If a doctor or provider ‘bulk bills’, then they charge Medicare directly and won’t charge you for the service or treatment. If they don’t bulk bill, you will need to pay the difference between what Medicare covers and the doctor’s fee. This is called the ‘gap fee’. Private providers will usually have a gap fee as well, including psychiatrists and psychologists. 

If you decide to get treatment as a private patient in a private or public hospital, you will likely be charged. If you have private health insurance, it may cover some of this cost. It’s best talk to your private health insurer and health providers about costs before receiving treatment.