Introduction
If you’re an international student or new to Australia, purchasing medicine in the country may differ from what you are used to back home. However, there’s no need to worry! This article is here to assist you in navigating the process of buying medicine in Australia. We will guide you through all the necessary steps, including accessing healthcare services, obtaining prescriptions, locating pharmacies, and understanding medication reimbursement procedures. By familiarising yourself with the process of purchasing medicine in Australia, you’ll be well-prepared to address your healthcare needs in this new and exciting environment.
Australian Healthcare System
Australia boasts a well-developed healthcare system that ensures international students receive quality medical services. As an international student studying in Australia, it is mandatory for you to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which significantly contributes to the cost of treatment and required medications in this country.
Australia has two primary healthcare systems available to international students: hospitals and medical clinics. In your home country, you might have been accustomed to visiting hospitals directly when feeling unwell or requiring medical tests like blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds. However, in Australia, medical clinics serve as the initial point of contact for most individuals seeking medical care. General Practitioners (GPs) at these clinics offer primary healthcare services, including general check-ups, diagnosing common ailments, and managing chronic conditions. GPs can refer patients to specialists or recommend further diagnostic tests if necessary.
Hospitals in Australia provide a wide range of treatments, surgeries, emergency care, and specialist services. You will visit a hospital for medical check-ups or treatment if referred by your GP. Only in the emergency situations, individuals can directly visit the hospital without a GP’s referral, and emergency services are available 24/7.
It is important to note that most OSHC policies cover the cost of treatment in public hospitals. However, if you choose to go to a private hospital, your OSHC will only partially cover the cost, and you will be responsible for the payment gap.
Buying prescription medicines
Step 1: Meeting a General Practitioner
If you require medical treatment or prescription medications, the first step is to visit a General Practitioner (GP). GPs can provide appropriate medical advice, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications. In some cases, your GP may be able to finalize your diagnosis during the initial consultation and provide you with a prescription. However, if further information or tests are required to determine your health situation, they may refer you to a specialist or ask you to do additional medical tests. The test results or specialist’s consultation will be sent back to your GP, who may then give you a prescription for the required medication.
It’s worth noting that within the same clinic, each GP may have a different fee for health consultations. Therefore, it’s important to find an affordable GP.
Bulk-bill GP
Most Australian universities have medical clinics that serve their staff and students. If you visit these clinics with your OSHC, they are likely to bulk-bill 100% of the consultation fees directly to your OSHC provider, meaning you won’t have to pay out of pocket.
If you live far from your university’s medical centre, you can find a bulk-billing clinic closer to your location as there is a wide range of bulk-billing clinics across Australia. One of the earliest ways to find the bulk-billing clinics is by searching the “direct billing medical network” on your OSHC provider’s website. Medical clinics may collaborate with specific health insurance providers only to deliver the bulk-billing services to international students.
Some clinics may bulk-bill 100% of the cost, while others may only bulk-bill a portion. It’s advisable to call or email the clinic in advance to inquire about the costs before booking an appointment with a GP.
Non-bulk-bill GP
If the GPs you visit do not offer bulk-billing, you will need to pay for the consultation and then claim the fee with your OSHC provider. You can make the claim through your OSHC provider’s website, app, or by physically visiting their offices for reimbursement.
Step 2: Obtaining a Prescription
After consultation with a GP, you will be provided with a prescription. Make sure to mention with your GP any allergies or pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your treatment. Once prescribed, ask your GP to provide a printed copy of the prescription.
Step 3: Finding a Pharmacy
You can purchase your prescribed medication from a pharmacy or order it online. When you visit a pharmacy, the pharmacist may offer alternative brands for the medication recommended by your GP. As long as the active ingredients are the same, it is generally acceptable to choose a different brand. The pharmacist can also suggest cheaper alternative brands for you.
If you decide to order your medication online, ensure that you buy from a legitimate Australian pharmacy. To learn how to select reliable online pharmacies, you can visit the Australian Authority website https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/buying-medicines-over-the-internet. It’s important to note that while buying medicines online can be more affordable and convenient, websites based overseas may not always be safe or reliable.
Step 4: Claiming with your OHSC provider
Most OSHC providers support international students in purchasing medication. However, the eligibility and claim process may vary depending on the OSHC provider and the package you have purchased. Below are the medication policies from common OSHC providers in Australia:
Allianz
Allianz will cover the difference between the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) patient co-payment and the amount you paid for the medication. The PBS is a government initiative that subsidizes the cost of medicine for Australians. Most of the medicines covered by the scheme are dispensed by pharmacists and used by patients at home.
The contribution limit from Allianz is $50 per approved prescription medication, up to $500 per year for individual students or $1000 per year for families or couples.
Bupa
Similar to Allianz, Bupa will reimburse the difference between the PBS cost and the amount you paid for the medication. If the cost of a prescribed medication is less than the PBS co-payment fee, you will not be able to make a claim, as this cost is considered your co-payment. As of 1 January 2023, the maximum co-payment for most PBS medicines is $30.00.
Medibank
Comprehensive OSHC provided by Medibank offers benefits towards the cost of eligible prescribed medications. You will need to contribute $30 per item, and Medibank will cover the remaining cost. However, there is an annual limit for medication, which is $1,000 for single membership or $2,000 for couple/family memberships.
The easiest and fastest way to claim reimbursement for your medication benefits is through your provider’s website or mobile apps. Please make sure you keep your receipts and upload it along with your claim form.
Buying over-the-counter medicines
In Australia, there are numerous over-the-counter medicines available for purchase without a prescription. You can describe your symptoms to your over the counter pharmacists and they can give some medicines to reduce your symptoms. Some common categories of OTC medicines in Australia include:
- Pain Relief: Medications such as paracetamol (e.g., Panadol), ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen), and aspirin (e.g., Aspro Clear) for the relief of mild to moderate pain, headaches, fever, and inflammation.
- Allergy and Hay Fever: Antihistamine medications like cetirizine (e.g., Zyrtec), loratadine (e.g., Claratyne), and fexofenadine (e.g., Telfast) for the relief of symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and hives.
- Cough and Cold: Cough suppressants (e.g., Dextromethorphan), expectorants (e.g., Guaifenesin), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), and throat lozenges for the relief of cough, congestion, sore throat, and cold symptoms.
- Digestive Health: Antacids (e.g., Mylanta, Gaviscon) for heartburn and indigestion, anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., Imodium) for the relief of acute diarrhea, and laxatives (e.g., Coloxyl) for temporary constipation relief.
- Topical Analgesics: Ointments, creams, and gels containing active ingredients like menthol or methyl salicylate (e.g., Deep Heat, Voltaren Emulgel) for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain.
- First Aid: Antiseptic solutions (e.g., Betadine), adhesive bandages, wound dressings, and disinfectants for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
It is important to note that over-the-counter medicines are not intended as a substitute for proper medical treatment. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your GP for an appropriate treatment.
Additionally, since over-the-counter medicines are purchased without a prescription from a GP, it is unlikely that you will be able to seek reimbursement from your OSHC provider. Reimbursement claims typically require documentation such as prescriptions or receipts from consultations with healthcare professionals.
Still have unsure information about healthcare systems and buying medicines in Australia? Contact SOL Edu today and our team will provide you with free advice on your preferred language.