Skip to main content Some people may experience financial difficulties when living with endometriosis. It may be challenging to figure out what kind of support services might be available to help you manage the costs associated with endometriosis. A summary of services and resources that may be helpful to you is provided below. This is not considered financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, please contact a financial advisor.
Healthcare in Australia
The healthcare system in Australia is made up of both government-funded services and private services. Medicare covers the cost of healthcare for government-funded services. For private health services you will need to pay the costs associated with care and/or obtain health insurance. A summary of what services Medicare and private health insurance covers is provided below:
| Medicare | Private Hospital Insurance |
|---|---|
| Free treatment in a public hospital (for those with Medicare) | Hospital insurance – treatment in a public or private hospital (depending on the level of cover, gaps may still exist) |
| GP, pain specialists and gynaecologist appointments and medical tests (may be partly/fully paid for) | Extras insurance – services not covered by Medicare that occur outside the hospital, for example - physiotherapy. (Depending on the level of cover gaps may still exist) |
| Reduced cost of prescription medicines (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – PBS) | If 'pharmacy' is included on your extras cover, you may be able to claim for some non-PBS listed medicines. However, there are exclusions so be sure to check with your fund. |
Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/understanding-the-public-and-private-hospital-systems
Endometriosis presents significant challenges, both medically and financially, for individuals living with the condition. It is important to recognise and address these financial concerns and empower patients to navigate the complexities of managing endometriosis-related expenses. By accessing available resources, financial assistance programs, and informed healthcare decisions, individuals can better manage the financial aspects of their endometriosis journey and focus on their overall well-being.
Guides to help you manage your financials
See some helpful videos below about financial information
The Australian Government offers Financial Information Services (FIS) which is a free, impartial, confidential service to assist you when making financial decisions. Watch the video below for more information.