All visitors entering Australia will need to have health insurance under a new proposal by the NSW Government. 

This proposal, once actioned, will ensure that taxpayers are relieved of hospital costs of Medicare-ineligible patients. 

According to the NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, NSW public hospitals write off approximately $30 million of unpaid medical expenses by overseas visitors without adequate insurance. 

“I have written to the Commonwealth and other Health Ministers suggesting extending the health insurance requirement to all temporary visa classes,” Mr Hazzard said. 

“No person needing medical treatment will ever be turned away from a public hospital but this proposal will hopefully ensure taxpayers don’t wear the costs,” Mr Hazzard added. 

There are around 16,000 Medicare-ineligible patients hospitalised each year in NSW. However, from the invoiced patients or their insurers, only $70 million out of $100 million is paid. 

“Presently, it is only mandatory for some visa classes such as students and certain work visas to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia,” Mr Hazzard said. “This means that every time an uninsured visitor does not pay for their treatment in one of our public hospitals, taxpayers foot the bill.” 

It was confirmed that the majority of the costs cover the hospital accommodation charges. Some other significant charges include prostheses for patients, radiology services, and Staff Specialist fees.