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Cost Guide
|
Service |
Cost |
| First call | Free |
| First appointment | Free |
| Session by Session (one-off appointments) | Free |
| Brief intervention (4-6 sessions) | Free |
| Counselling - mental health (up to 16 sessions, negotiable) | Bulk billed with a Medicare card, private fee option available |
| GP (Doctors) | Bulk billed with a Medicare card, private fee option available |
| Drug and alcohol support | Free |
| Work and study support | Free |
Confused about how much it costs to access support with us? We get it. Understanding the healthcare system can be tough
At headspace Malvern, we provide low or no cost services to young people aged 12-25 years and the family supporting them. What this means? If you have a Medicare card, there is usually no cost to access support with us. If you don't have a Medicare card, there may be a fee for some of our services.
Throughout this article we reference free services (funded by headspace) and bulk-billed services (funded by Medicare). If you're unsure what this means, check out our Frequently Asked Questions below, where we break down this terminology. Alternatively, you can call us on 03 9006 6550 and we can chat to you about your situation and what accessing support with us might look like.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia's healthcare insurance scheme, funded by Australian taxpayers. If you are eligible for Medicare, you will receive a Medicare number and card that you can use to access free or low-cost medical services.
If you're not sure if you have a Medicare card, or want to apply for one - check out our Blog: how to get a medicare card | headspace for more info!
What does bulk billing mean?
Bulk billing means your healthcare provider does not charge an out-of-pocket fee. They accept the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service. The Medicare benefit is billed to the Australian Government via Medicare.
This means if you have a Medicare card, you will not pay a fee. If you do not have a Medicare card, you will need to pay the Medicare benefit fee - this will vary depending on the service provided.
What is the difference between bulk billed and free services?
When a service is bulk billed, we use your Medicare card to process a payment. The full cost of the service is charged to Medicare, and you do not need to pay anything. If you do not have a Medicare card, you will need to pay this fee. This can be via your health insurance or a cash/EFTPOS payment.
Free services are funded by headspace and provided at no cost to all young people (including international students).
How much does it cost to see a GP (Doctor)?
GP appointments are bulk billed for young people aged 12-25years with a Medicare card.
If you’re an international student or don’t have a Medicare card, you will need to pay a fee after your appointment. This will be the bulk-billing amount (Medicare benefit). We do not charge an additional private fee. After your appointment, we can provide you with a receipt to claim this back on your private health insurance.
I am an international student, will I have to pay any fees?
Bulk billed services:
You will need to pay a fee for bulk billed services. This might be via your health insurance, or cash/EFTPOS payment.
If you have health insurance, you may be covered for all or a partial amount of the fee. It will depend on the type of support you receive and the cover you have. If you don't know what you are insured for, we can help you to contact your insurance provider. Alternatively, our reception staff may be able to use your insurance card to complete a quote.
Free services:
Free services are funded by headspace and provided at no cost all young people (including international students).