De "DUTCH AUSTRALIAN WELFARE ASSOCIATION", vindt het raadzaam voor iedereen die overzee reist, zich op de hoogte te stellen van de bepalingen van de verdragen tussen Australié en andere landen, o.a. Nederland, betreffende de gezondheidszorg van wederzijdse bezoekers aan hun land.

Voor dat doel heeft in Australië onze "Medicare" een brochure uitgegeven getiteld: "Wealth Care for Australians Travelling Overseas" dat op Medicare kantoren te verkrijgen is.

Voor het gemak van mensen die deze brochure moeilijk kunnen halen, drukken wij hier de algemene bepalingen van de verdragen en de specifiek Nederlandse bepalingen af.

GENERAL REQUIREMENT Thinking of travelling overseas?
The Australian Government has signed health care agreements with seven countries: Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom. As an Australian resident travelling overseas you will be entitled to assistance with the expense of medical treatment in these countries. This brochure describes how this scheme operates, what it covers and what you need to do to be covered.

What do you Need to Obtain Benefits?
In order to obtain benefits you will need: a current Australian passport or a passport of another country which shows you are a permanent Australian resident, and a Medicare card.

What is not Covered?
Hospital accommodation and treatment, as a private patient.
Items such as glasses, contact lenses, dental work and chiropractic services. Medical evacuation to Australia.

IMPORTANT
To obtain medical services under the agreement it is important that at the time of the treatment medical staff are advised that you are to be treated under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.

MEDICATION
If you use regular medication for an ongoing condition (e.g. blood pressure, asthma etc) take a sufficient amount with you to cover the duration of the trip. Supply of routine medication is not covered by the agreements, so you could face paying the total cost.

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE
. If you want to be covered for private hospital treatment and other services not covered by the agreements you should consider additional insurance. Some health funds provide overseas cover and your travel agent may also have a variety of packages available.

THE NETHERLANDS
In the Netherlands the health care agreement with Australia provides basic hospital and medical cover for you in case of acute illness or accident. It does not include treatment as a private hospital patient or prearranged elective treatment, e.g. surgical procedures not immediately required.
A certificate of eligibility needs to be issued to enable payment to the medical practitioner, hospital or pharmacist. You may obtain the certificate or the medical practitioner, hospital or pharmacist can apply for the certificate direct provided you supply a copy of your passport and Medicare card to the service provider. This certificate is obtainable at the office listed below.

HOSPITAL TREATMENT
Australians are entitled to third - class accommodation in hospitals in the Netherlands. If hospitalised in first - class or second - class accommodation you will be charged the difference in cost between what was received and third - class accommodation, as well as possible nursing, specialist care and sundry charges.

PURCHASE OF PRESCRIPTIONS
There is no charge for most prescriptions. However, a certificate of eligibility, as indicated previously, is required by the pharmacist to obtain payment. Proof of Australian residency would need to be provided to the pharmacist.

DENTAL CARE
Cost of dental care is partially reimbursed and only on the proviso that the dentist is affiliated with the ANOZ Groep. Before seeking treatment from an orthodontist, prior consent is required from the Groep. In most cases a personal contribution applies.

AMBULANCE CHARGES
Ambulance charges may be reimbursed after a patient's contribution has been deducted. The patient is required to submit to the Groep a copy of their certificate of entitlement the voucher of the costs and a statement of the patient's physician certifying the need for such transport.

MEDICAL AIDS
Medical aids must be prescribed by a physician.
Generally, prior approval by the ANOZ Groep is required before the issue of aids.