Fortunately, Medicare will cover a substantial part of your palliative care costs. In Australia. State and Commonwealth governments fund palliative care, so there is comparatively little or no costs to the patient. Generally, services include clinical assistance (such as palliative care specialists), consultative home nursing, and multidisciplinary care (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists).
As part of community-based palliative care services, equipment may be rented at no cost or at a co-payment or hire fee. For highly specialised equipment, there may be an extra cost.
Community consultative palliative services work with Community Aged Care Packages as well as other programs, including Hospital In The Home. An additional fee may be charged for personal care and carer respite.
Some Australian States and Territories offer end-of-life care packages to help people stay at home as long as possible. State governments fund these packages, which are limited in time and provide short-term access to community-based nursing and carers.
If available locally, private health insurance may improve people’s access to community-based multidisciplinary support and equipment. Private health insurance does not change the community care model through the public health palliative care setting, as there is no person cost. Palliative care is covered by some private health insurance companies (e.g. Bupa), but some services are out-of-pocket, such as visits to the doctor and medication.
Some other examples of services that might cost extra are:
If there are any additional costs, it is important to find out as soon as possible. For instance, you may be charged differently if you are receiving care at home, in a hospital, or in a hospice. Also, hospitals and hospices may also have time limits on your stay. Check with your health insurance provider and the hospital to determine this.
For additional information on palliative care potential costs, please refer to the below: