Hospital treatment costs for overseas visitors and students

If you are an overseas visitor or student and need health care at a SMHS hospital while you are in Australia, it is important to know what you will have to pay for.

All fees for patients are based on the WA Health Fees and Charges Manual (external site). Medicare ineligible patients are responsible for the payment of all expenses associated with their treatment. If you have health insurance, depending on your level of cover, your insurer may pay some or all of your hospital treatment costs.

Alternative healthcare options

If you need non-urgent care, you may find a GP clinic a more affordable option.

The Australian Government's HealthDirect website (external site) provides details of your closest GP, or you can call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.

If you are not sure whether your condition is urgent or critical, please stay in the emergency department to be assessed by a doctor.

Estimate of fees

If you are an emergency admission

We can only provide an estimate of the fees for your care.

Your fees will vary based on the treatment you may need. A full estimate of fees will be given to you as soon as we can determine the medical and accommodation fees for your care.

As we may need to speak to the clinical team providing your care to determine your proposed treatment plan, we may not be able to provide an immediate estimate of fees for emergency medical care. A generalised estimate of cost, however, can be provided.

If your admission is planned

An estimate of fees will be provided to you before your admission.

If you have not received an estimate of fees, please contact the relevant Overseas Patient Liaison Officer or Compensable Patient Liaison Officer at your treating hospital.

Paying your hospital fees

If you present for care at a SMHS hospital and we have been unable to confirm your insurance details, you may be charged an upfront payment for the cost of your care. Any upfront payment will be based on your expected length of stay and estimated medical costs.

Even if you have insurance, you may still have some out-of-pocket expenses, as your insurance may not cover all your hospital fees. Your insurance company can advise you what your policy covers.

Payment options include:

• EFTPOS
• BPOINT
• BPAY
• direct deposit
• cash (not preferred) *

* Cash payments can only be made at the onsite cashier at Rockingham General Hospital, or at other sites by arrangement with the Compensable Patient Liaison Officer or Overseas Patient Liaison Officer.

Pay your SMHS invoice online

Read how to pay your invoice online (Healthy WA).

If you have questions about your invoice, please phone the number provided on the top right of the invoice.

More information

If you require more information about your eligibility, need your hospital journey explained, or have questions about any hospital bills you have received, please contact:

Fiona Stanley Hospital

Compensable Patient Administration Officer Phone: (08) 6152 7910
Email: FSH.Revenue@health.wa.gov.au
7am – 4pm, 7 days per week

Fremantle Hospital

Compensable Patient Administration Officer
Phone: (08) 9431 2479
Email: PPLOFH@health.wa.gov.au
8am – 4pm Monday to Friday

Peel Health Campus

Compensable Patient Liaison Officer
Phone: 9531 8000
Email: phc.cplo@health.wa.gov.au
8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday

Rockingham General Hospital

Compensable Patient Liaison Officer
Phone: (08) 9599 4382 or (08) 9599 4306
Email: rpg.pplo@health.wa.gov.au
8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday