Yes, our prices tend to be higher here although it could also said that as a nation we tend to not run deficits and govt debt for extended periods of time which means our economy doesn't crash like Europe and USA. That means we pay taxes enough to cover expenses etc so the higher prices should be kept in context of a sustainable economy. Also keep in mind that the exchange rate is currently at record highs meaning prices here are (in$US) 30-40% more than traditional. That makes it a problem for visitors - not locals.
and healthcare??? are you kidding? are you not aware that USA has the most expensive healthcare in the world by an enormous margin? our hospital charges are 1/3 - 1/4 of yours and our medications are even cheaper. I don't know what your healthcare system does but whatever it is - don't export it. I pay $300/month for full health coverage australia-wide. If I chose to not pay anything the national health service would pick it up. Private health means (generally) no waiting lists and a higher standard of hospital accomodation etc. It's not a bad deal at all. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pete Theisen Sent: Monday, 7 May 2012 9:58 AM To: ProFox Email List Subject: Re: [OT] Oz insurers as full-of-it as US insurers? geoff wrote: > Talk about missing the point... the insurance company may be playing > the usual games but the medical bills are $5000 per DAY which excludes > the costs of doctors! THERE is your problem - a health system that is > so unbelievably expensive. It is not uncommon for australian medical > insurers to pay the > $70,000 cost of a medical evac flight to retrieve seriously injured > aussies because it is ultimately cheaper than letting the US treat > them at such exorbitant cost. In the end AAMI will end up covering the > cost and undoubtedly will send an evac team. Hi Geoff, In the end? How long will they jack them around until they finally pick up their obligation? I am very surprised to hear that health care is any less expensive in Oz. My friend just returned from there and she said that she was shocked at how high the prices were in Australian stores. > http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/09/baby-unexpected-birth-in-us-l > eaves- > australian-family-facing-1m-medical-bill/undefined?intcmp=obnetwork > > She had insurance, but they suddenly consider pregnancy a > "pre-existing condition" if they actually get a bill. You have "full > coverage" if you don't need it, however. > > You only *think* you have insurance. What you have is a non-entity > that you have to pay for. -- Regards, Pete http://pete-theisen.com/ http://elect-pete-theisen.com/ [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[email protected] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
