Navigating the health care system

For an overview of what to expect during all stages of your cancer care, visit Your guides to best cancer care. These short guides give an overview of recommended approaches to diagnosis and treatment for a range of different cancer types.

The cost of cancer

General practitioner (GP) – When you first notice the signs and symptoms of cancer, the first health professional you are likely to see is your GP. Your GP will arrange initial tests and scans and, if cancer is suspected, will refer you to a specialist for further tests.

GP consultations are subsidised by Medicare. Private health insurance does not cover GP consultations.

Diagnostic tests and scans – To confirm a cancer diagnosis, you may have a range of tests and imaging scans. These tests may be done in a public or private hospital or health service.

Medicare will cover some or all of the cost of tests and scans. Check with your health care provider what you may have to pay for these tests (out-of-pocket costs).

Treatment – Cancer treatments may be offered in both public health services and private health services. It’s very important to understand the costs that you may have to pay yourself (out-of-pocket costs) before making treatment decisions. This is called informed financial consent. You may be able to have some of your treatments in the public system and some in the private system.

Keep in mind that there may be a period of waiting if you choose to switch from private to public care.

Follow-up care – After completing your treatment, your continuing care may be organised by your GP or your cancer specialist. Medicare may cover the cost of some or all of your medical follow-up services. You may also need to see allied health professionals, such as exercise physiologists and dietitians.

Some of these services may be covered by Medicare; talk to your GP to see if you are eligible for a chronic disease management plan.

If you have private health insurance for extras, you may be able to claim for part of the cost of some allied health services.

Exploring medical costs

Understanding all treatment costs may play a role in your decision to use public or private services. It may be helpful to visit the Australian Government’s online tool Medical Costs Finder, which is a general guide to the typical fees, private health insurance contributions and out-of-pocket costs for medical services in your area. The Medical Costs Finder covers services provided in and out of hospital.

Also see Overview of Health System for a general list of what Medicare and private health insurance cover. If you have private health insurance, you will need to contact your health fund to find out what costs are covered in your policy.