Navigating through the health care system often presents us with difficult decisions, a reality I experienced firsthand. After a wait of one and a half years, the day of my surgery in a public hospital finally arrived. Despite my Medicare details already being on their records, the hospital staff asked if I possessed private health insurance and encouraged its use. The question hung in the air – should I leverage my private insurance in a public hospital setting? The answer, as I would come to realise, was not as straightforward as I had anticipated.

It’s crucial to remember that every Australian is entitled to health coverage through Medicare, ensuring access to public hospitals. Alongside this, many opt for private health insurance, seeking shorter waiting times, the comfort that private hospitals might offer, and to avoid the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading.

Here’s what you need to know about utilising private health insurance in a public hospital.

Using private health insurance in a public hospital is a personal choice and not an obligation. The key lies in understanding the implications of this decision. If you do decide to use your private health insurance, you might incur out-of-pocket costs such as anesthetist fees, something you wouldn’t have to worry about as a public patient. Therefore, be sure you understand precisely what costs you’ll have to shoulder if you’re admitted as a private patient.

Importantly, in an emergency situation, the treatment you receive isn’t influenced by your private health insurance – you’ll receive the necessary health care through Medicare. Having private health insurance doesn’t mean you can bypass the waiting list in the public system. Similarly, your insurance does not assure you a private room; these are distributed based on medical need.

Public hospitals may ask patients to use their private health insurance because it brings additional funds to the hospital, supplementing the subsidy they get from the government through Medicare. However, it’s important to note that this practice has been criticised by private health insurers, arguing that it contributes to rising premiums for private health cover.

Weighing the pros and cons of using your private health insurance in a public hospital is essential. You may have the opportunity to choose your medical specialist and perhaps get a private room if one is available. The payment from your health insurer could also benefit the public hospital. Conversely, you may end up with out-of-pocket costs, a likely excess charge on your health insurance, and no guarantee of a private room. Your treatment and hospital stay might not differ significantly from those of a public patient.

In the end, it comes down to asking, “Do the potential benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks?” It’s worth discussing with the hospital what it means to be admitted as a private patient. You should be aware that using your private health insurance in a public hospital might not influence your treatment but could impact your accommodation options.

Ask the right questions to understand whether you’ll face additional costs and how much. Also, check if there are any tangible benefits to you, such as a private room. It’s equally important to bear in mind that even in private hospitals, out-of-pocket costs may arise, depending on the surgeon and anesthetist charges. Therefore, always inquire about possible extra costs, any additional charges, and potential benefits before providing your private health insurance details.