Retiring back in the UK

[aussiederek]

Just used the nhs 20 minutes ago ...my daughter is in the middle of exams and has developed tonsilitus .

I rolled up to the doctors at 8am ,told them the situation ...she was seen at 9.00 am ...50 yd walk to the pharmacy .

.free prescription as she is at school ...thank you very much .

Brilliant service ...but the speed was because she was slotted in immediately due to her exams .

Ordinarily ,she would wait a few days for an appointment ,it never used to be that way .

Too many people using the service now .....a lot of them have not even put into the system .

And as I said ,healthcare should be free ,if you are a taxpayer .

Paying for private healthcare and then having to top up for prescriptions and further medical costs .....rubbish

 

Glad your daughter was seen so promptly and trust the tonsilitus will be better soon.

 

But hey, this is not the health care that is at issue here. When one has a serious condition it's a different story! We have friends and a close relative in the UK (Northern Ireland, where the NHS is the pits) who have cancer and you wouldn't believe the long waiting, messing about, and general mishandling of a life threatening condition. One friend died a few years ago because of slow and inadequate treatment. The State provided NHS system just doesn't work when it's serious.

May I also just comment, in Western Australia membership of a health funds is not "topping up", it provides facilities for seriously ill people like my wife, very quickly and efficiently. We have had experience of the public system here in the past where she had to wait a year for a woman's operation, and it wasn't a pleasant year I can tell you!

When age increases and health issues raises it's ugly head, getting free medication is little comfort. I don't mind paying $5.20 (about 2 quid) for meds, which becomes free when you reach a safety net spend in the year, as we do about July every year. Contributing a little to our health care is not unreasonable, but to expect it to be all free doesn't work when it's for real. But everybody has their own story and opinion about this, so no point in continuing the discussion.

Edited May 24, 2016 by aussiederek
words "public system" added

[winter1]

Sorry to hear about your friend's experience and I sincerely hope all works out well in the end.

 

There are so many variations in health insurance, like anything else, so that must always be carefully considered before signing up. But, you can decide to use your insurance or go with the public system. Just because you pay into a fund doesn't mean you have to use it. My take on it is that most people are in a health fund so that you don't have to wait for ever for an operation. Also, here in Perth we are fortunate in having some of the best private hospitals one could imagine, where world class surgeons and medical people work. I know in the case of my wife we couldn't have done without our health fund and the facilities that opened to us.

 

They had top Gold cover with their fund and still got shafted. Insurance companies are just that they are out for profit. Much better healthcare could be provided for all if a little more tax was paid. John Howard's reform to encourage health insurance have helped some but for others it is not the answer.

Also the assumption that you don't have to use it is not strictly true as every time you get admitted or go to hospital you are asked about whether you have insurance and intrusively questioned when you say no. My experience had the hospital claiming I had it as it was on their records even though I let it lapse when I finished work due to ever increasing premiums. The hook is you lose 2% of rebate for every year you are not in a fund if you later decide to sign up again. This causes many who are not best served by being in a fund to keep their cover due to fear and others reduce the cover to the minimum.

Edited May 24, 2016 by winter1

[aussiederek]

They had top Gold cover with their fund and still got shafted. Insurance companies are just that they are out for profit. Much better healthcare could be provided for all if a little more tax was paid John Howard's reform to encourage health insurance have helped some but for others it is not the answer.

 

Top Gold cover with who? There are many different kinds of cover with different funds, as well as different hospitals, specialists etc. Our experience in Perth has been brilliant in dealing with serious conditions, operations etc., with both my wife and myself. I believe it's different over east though, and by the comments on here Queensland seems to be particularly problematic!

 

Yes, John Howard was very helpful in bringing in the 30% rebate for those who joined a health fund before the age of 30. By the way, that membership could be very basic and cost very little. Now that the wife and I are over pension age our rebate is 40%. We find it a great system. From what we know from our family and friends back in Northern Ireland, health care is the one thing that puts us off the idea of retiring back there!

[ramot]

I can assure you that my experience and that of my friends most of us in our 70's and older, of the health cover over in the east is absolutely fine, just in case you have been given the wrong impression by anyone posting here.

 

There is no problem accessing specialists on the Sunshine Coast, which I have recently unfortunately had plenty of personal experience of. I have had every test I needed almost instantly and have claimed almost every dollar back. I can't fault anything that I have had experience of in the 13 years I have lived here.

 

I hope Bunbury that your daughter is getting better, I had a similar experience with my surgery, I had to fly unexpectedly urgently to Sydney as my daughter had had a very bad epileptic fit, but also needed to see a Dr. for antibiotics, rang the surgery explained, was told to come straight in, would take priority to see the first available Dr.

 

As regards paying for prescriptions, I don't mind paying, but do think that patients who need several monthly scripts as my daughter does should be exempt, as should school children, plus probably others.

[aussiederek]

I can assure you that my experience and that of my friends most of us in our 70's and older, of the health cover over in the east is absolutely fine, just in case you have been given the wrong impression by anyone posting here.

 

There is no problem accessing specialists on the Sunshine Coast, which I have recently unfortunately had plenty of personal experience of. I have had every test I needed almost instantly and have claimed almost every dollar back. I can't fault anything that I have had experience of in the 13 years I have lived here.

 

I hope Bunbury that your daughter is getting better, I had a similar experience with my surgery, I had to fly unexpectedly urgently to Sydney as my daughter had had a very bad epileptic fit, but also needed to see a Dr. for antibiotics, rang the surgery explained, was told to come straight in, would take priority to see the first available Dr.

 

As regards paying for prescriptions, I don't mind paying, but do think that patients who need several monthly scripts as my daughter does should be exempt, as should school children, plus probably others.

 

Glad to hear that health care is fine over east. Indeed, I would have thought just that, that health care would be good Australia wide. I was only going by what some have told me personally and what I've read on this forum.

 

Ramot, I agree with your comments about paying a little for medication. I take issue with those who expect everything to be completely free. By paying a little in the way of medication contribution, gap costs etc., this helps take the pressure off resulting in a better service for us all. As a matter of fact, I pay a little extra each month into my health fund and have built up a nice little "gap saver". This was very handy recently when my wife had to go into hospital for a procedure.

[bristolman]

To answer the question, "Why should you have to pay for health care, that's what you pay taxes for", all I can say is that I think we should take some responsibility for our own health care in this advanced modern age. I just don't think it's reasonable to expect the Government to provide it free, which is in fact proving to be impossible if you look at the NHS. (The NHS works great if you're not sick!)

 

Sorry about the long winded reply to a simple question!!

 

The NHS also works great if you are sick, certainly what we have found.

[aussiederek]

It depends what you mean by sick! I have too many friends suffering from serious cardiac and cancer conditions and it's disgraceful how that system works in Northern Ireland.

I'm glad it works for those who live in other parts of the UK.

[VERYSTORMY]

I just called my GP about 2 minutes ago for an appointment. Nothing urgent, but need to see them. Was offered either this afternoon or tomorrow lunch. Took tomorrow lunch so I don't have to take time off work

[bristolman]

It depends what you mean by sick! I have too many friends suffering from serious cardiac and cancer conditions and it's disgraceful how that system works in Northern Ireland.

I'm glad it works for those who live in other parts of the UK.

 

The problem is you persist in lumping in NI with everywhere else which seems to be in a hell of a state judging by your comments.

[bristolman]

I just called my GP about 2 minutes ago for an appointment. Nothing urgent, but need to see them. Was offered either this afternoon or tomorrow lunch. Took tomorrow lunch so I don't have to take time off work

 

You are clearly lying, I have been accused of as much in the past. You have to wait at least a week for an appointment even if urgent.

[aussiederek]

I just called my GP about 2 minutes ago for an appointment. Nothing urgent, but need to see them. Was offered either this afternoon or tomorrow lunch. Took tomorrow lunch so I don't have to take time off work

 

That's no big deal. I can do that too, usually book it online and see him right away! The NHS falls down when it concerns serious conditions such as I described regarding my friends with cancer and cardiac issues.

[aussiederek]

The problem is you persist in lumping in NI with everywhere else which seems to be in a hell of a state judging by your comments.

 

Yes bristolman, I must admit I have been lumping NI in with everywhere else back home. It is in a seriously dire state there and very concerning! Perhaps a lot to do with finances and the local assembly.

Glad the NHS works better in the rest of the UK. However, I think the system we enjoy here in Western Australia is the best there is anywhere.

[winter1]

To answer the question, "Why should you have to pay for health care, that's what you pay taxes for", all I can say is that I think we should take some responsibility for our own health care in this advanced modern age. I just don't think it's reasonable to expect the Government to provide it free, which is in fact proving to be impossible if you look at the NHS. (The NHS works great if you're not sick!)

 

Sorry about the long winded reply to a simple question!!

 

Whilst I agree we should all take responsibility for our own health care and by that I mean we should walk when we can or use the stairs instead of the lift try to eat healthily not smoke etc.

However this does not always work and some conditions and illnesses come out of the blue despite your best endeavours.

Why would you think that the Government provides it for free. Nearly everybody pays taxes in one form or another; Income tax,GST(lower income families pay disproportionately more) , VAT Stamp duty, local taxes such as rates. The Governments and councils levy these to pay for services. Schools are provided to educate so we have a viable workforce that pays further taxes to support others. Health care is provided or else we would have lots of people going to an early grave or being disabled and a burden on society or their families and restricting their families ability to go to work.

Many don't need healthcare till they get older but others require it sooner and there are maternity services etc. Roads are provided so we can travel.

The only thing that changes is what a government wishes to pay for from their taxation revenue. If you think that people should not expect something for free then maybe you should give up the 40% rebate which the rest of us are paying for from taxation.

My experience has been that I have been better treated by the public system than the private one both in the NHS and Medicare. Also there is an "argument" that private health also encourages over treatment with unnecessary investigations being carried out. I am glad for one that we live in a society that cares for the sick and would hate to go down the American route. How bizarre is it that those that are best at minimising their taxes spend more than their tax would have been on living in gated communities and paying for private security to keep the great unwashed out, whilst outside litter and grime abound.

Edited May 25, 2016 by winter1

[aussiederek]

Whilst I agree we should all take responsibility for our own health care and by that I mean we should walk when we can or use the stairs instead of the lift try to eat healthily not smoke etc.

However this does not always work and some conditions and illnesses come out of the blue despite your best endeavours.

Why would you think that the Government provides it for free. Nearly everybody pays taxes in one form or another; Income tax,GST(lower income families pay disproportionately more) , VAT Stamp duty, local taxes such as rates. The Governments and councils levy these to pay for services. Schools are provided to educate so we have a viable workforce that pays further taxes to support others. Health care is provided or else we would have lots of people going to an early grave or being disabled and a burden on society or their families and restricting their families ability to go to work.

Many don't need healthcare till they get older but others require it sooner and there are maternity services etc. Roads are provided so we can travel.

The only thing that changes is what a government wishes to pay for from their taxation revenue. If you think that people should not expect something for free then maybe you should give up the 40% rebate which the rest of us are paying for from taxation.

My experience has been that I have been better treated by the public system than the private one both in the NHS and Medicare. Also there is an "argument" that private health also encourages over treatment with unnecessary investigations being carried out. I am glad for one that we live in a society that cares for the sick and would hate to go down the American route. How bizarre is it that those that are best at minimising their taxes spend more than their tax would have been on living in gated communities and paying for private security to keep the great unwashed out, whilst outside litter and grime abound.

 

You are entitled to your opinion of course, but I'm not getting into an arguments over all that you express! All I will say is that Medicare, along with our health fund, works very well for my wife and me. We are both in our mid 70s and use it a lot. I feel our contribution to what the Government provides is sensible and fair, and indeed the responsible thing for us to do.

[VERYSTORMY]

I would say that the one time I used private in Oz - which by the way was essential as my doc was seriously worried about the possibility of the big C. I was facing a fairly long wait. So, I went private as had insurance. All, good and seen in a few days. But, also minus a fairly large amount of cash that was the difference between my cost and the insurance and we had the absolute best cover available at the time.

 

My dad here has a lot of fairly serious ailments. The care he receives is amazing and although he has early onset dementia - though isn't too bad. He can still live at home and lead an independent life. The nurse goes in twice a day and spends a couple of hours with him mainly just chatting. The home help - free - goes in every day and just makes sure everything is ok as he still likes to cook and things for himself.

 

He takes an amazing amount of medication - all free and the nurse picks it up for him.

 

When ever he has needed to see his GP, we have got him an appointment within 24 hours and often on the same day.

 

I cant think of a single benefit that private health cover would give him. When he has needed in patient treatment, he has had excellent care and been seen and admitted within no time.

 

On the flip, my wife used to do a lot of volunteering in WA with elderly people. She has come across people who have died because they were too scared to call an ambulance because they were frightened of the cost.

[aussiederek]

I would say that the one time I used private in Oz - which by the way was essential as my doc was seriously worried about the possibility of the big C. I was facing a fairly long wait. So, I went private as had insurance. All, good and seen in a few days. But, also minus a fairly large amount of cash that was the difference between my cost and the insurance and we had the absolute best cover available at the time.

 

My dad here has a lot of fairly serious ailments. The care he receives is amazing and although he has early onset dementia - though isn't too bad. He can still live at home and lead an independent life. The nurse goes in twice a day and spends a couple of hours with him mainly just chatting. The home help - free - goes in every day and just makes sure everything is ok as he still likes to cook and things for himself.

 

He takes an amazing amount of medication - all free and the nurse picks it up for him.

 

When ever he has needed to see his GP, we have got him an appointment within 24 hours and often on the same day.

 

I cant think of a single benefit that private health cover would give him. When he has needed in patient treatment, he has had excellent care and been seen and admitted within no time.

 

On the flip, my wife used to do a lot of volunteering in WA with elderly people. She has come across people who have died because they were too scared to call an ambulance because they were frightened of the cost.

 

Glad the NHS is such a brilliant system in most of the UK, it certainly isn't in Northern Ireland!

 

Regarding your remarks about the WA system. Glad you're health was all good while here, but health fund membership is not about having the "best" cover, it is about having "appropriate" cover. My wife has had several very big operations due to a complicated condition over recent years. I have had a couple of operations too. I can't imaging getting better and timely treatment. We have appropriate HBF with gap saver and our out of pocket expenses have been minimal.

[bristolman]

That's no big deal. I can do that too, usually book it online and see him right away! The NHS falls down when it concerns serious conditions such as I described regarding my friends with cancer and cardiac issues.

 

You really need to say the NHS in NI though as it really doesn't describe it UK wide.

[bristolman]

Yes bristolman, I must admit I have been lumping NI in with everywhere else back home. It is in a seriously dire state there and very concerning! Perhaps a lot to do with finances and the local assembly.

Glad the NHS works better in the rest of the UK. However, I think the system we enjoy here in Western Australia is the best there is anywhere.

 

And that of course is your right to think that, personally I can't imagine a system better than the NHS.

[JockinTas]

I haven't accessed the NHS since migrating and couldn't fault it over 30 years ago but Norway and Sweden also have an excellent free health system. I have a Finnish friend and she reckons Finland's system is first class too.

Edited May 25, 2016 by JockinTas

[Bound4Tassie]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/12/spring-nhs-crisis-even-worse-than-winter-black-thursday-data-sho/

 

It's great that some members on here have only ever had positive experiences of the NHS....but please stop being blinkered and stop taking it for granted. The NHS IS at crisis point. It's in an almighty mess. Speak to people who work in it.

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-gp-crisis-leaves-11374511

 

http://m.bma.org.uk/news-views-analysis/news/2016/march/doctors-call-nhs-crisis-summit

Edited May 25, 2016 by Bound4Tassie

[JockinTas]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/12/spring-nhs-crisis-even-worse-than-winter-black-thursday-data-sho/

 

It's great that some members on here have only ever had positive experiences of the NHS....but please stop being blinkered and stop taking it for granted. The NHS IS at crisis point. It's in an almighty mess. Speak to people who work in it.

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-gp-crisis-leaves-11374511

 

http://m.bma.org.uk/news-views-analysis/news/2016/march/doctors-call-nhs-crisis-summit

 

Bristolman won't believe a word of those articles. :tongue:

[Wa7]

I would say that the one time I used private in Oz - which by the way was essential as my doc was seriously worried about the possibility of the big C. I was facing a fairly long wait. So, I went private as had insurance. All, good and seen in a few days. But, also minus a fairly large amount of cash that was the difference between my cost and the insurance and we had the absolute best cover available at the time.

 

My dad here has a lot of fairly serious ailments. The care he receives is amazing and although he has early onset dementia - though isn't too bad. He can still live at home and lead an independent life. The nurse goes in twice a day and spends a couple of hours with him mainly just chatting. The home help - free - goes in every day and just makes sure everything is ok as he still likes to cook and things for himself.

 

He takes an amazing amount of medication - all free and the nurse picks it up for him.

 

When ever he has needed to see his GP, we have got him an appointment within 24 hours and often on the same day.

 

I cant think of a single benefit that private health cover would give him. When he has needed in patient treatment, he has had excellent care and been seen and admitted within no time.

 

On the flip, my wife used to do a lot of volunteering in WA with elderly people. She has come across people who have died because they were too scared to call an ambulance because they were frightened of the cost.

 

i haven't had much use of the medical services here ( touch wood) but you have just reminded me of this fact that you get charged for an ambulance, absolute disgrace.

[bristolman]

I haven't accessed the NHS since migrating and couldn't fault it over 30 years ago but Norway and Sweden also have an excellent free health system. I have a Finnish friend and she reckons Finland's system is first class too.

 

We really have a brilliant health service and unfortunately many just take it for granted. No one is saying other countries don't have excellent systems as well though.

[bristolman]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/12/spring-nhs-crisis-even-worse-than-winter-black-thursday-data-sho/

 

It's great that some members on here have only ever had positive experiences of the NHS....but please stop being blinkered and stop taking it for granted. The NHS IS at crisis point. It's in an almighty mess. Speak to people who work in it.

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-gp-crisis-leaves-11374511

 

http://m.bma.org.uk/news-views-analysis/news/2016/march/doctors-call-nhs-crisis-summit

 

And of course if you Google 'Australian health system in crisis' you will get some very worrying results. I certainly don't take our marvelous NHS for granted, far from it.

[winter1]

i haven't had much use of the medical services here ( touch wood) but you have just reminded me of this fact that you get charged for an ambulance, absolute disgrace.

 

II am not sure about the rest of Australia but annual ambulance cover in Victoria is $87.60 per year for family cover. This covers you Australia wide and covers all ambulance transports etc. Health insurance ambulance cover does not cater for everything and there are gaps.

 

See http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au look for memberships tab