What is the right to health?

The right to health in Australia is the expectation that all residents have access to high-quality healthcare regardless of income, supported by Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, public hospitals, and a wide range of state and federal health services. While Australia does not have a constitutional right to health, the principle is reflected in extensive publicly funded services and in Australia's commitments under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Medicare is the universal public health insurance scheme, introduced in 1984. It provides free or subsidised access to GP consultations, specialist visits, pathology and imaging tests, and treatment as a public patient in a public hospital. The Medicare Benefits Schedule lists rebates for thousands of services. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, established in 1948, subsidises more than 5,000 prescription medicines, with a general patient co-payment of 31.60 dollars and concession co-payment of 7.70 dollars (2024 rates).

State and federal governments share responsibility for hospital services. The federal government funds about 45 per cent of public hospital costs under the National Health Reform Agreement, with states funding the remainder. Public hospitals provide free emergency and admitted patient care for Australian residents. Private hospitals operate alongside public hospitals, funded through private health insurance, federal rebates, and out-of-pocket payments.

Specific programmes address particular health needs. Mental health is supported through Better Access Medicare rebates (up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per year), headspace centres for young people, and the Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) helplines. The Indigenous Australians' Health Programme delivers culturally appropriate primary healthcare through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. The National Disability Insurance Scheme supports allied health and therapy for Australians with disability. Public dental services for low-income adults and children operate through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and state public dental programmes. Australian life expectancy at birth is 84 for women and 81 for men, among the highest in the world.