Medicare ineligible patients

Who can get treatment and care at Peter Mac?

Peter Mac treats all patients holding a current Australian Medicare card. This treatment is offered as a public patient. 

We also treat patients that may be: 

• From countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (this is a shared agreement between two countries) 
• Refugees and asylum seekers 
• Some Medicare ineligible patients (those without an Australian Medicare card - see below)

It is important to note: 

• Our treatment and care is always given to Australian residents first
• There are no guarantees (promises) that we will accept Medicare ineligible patients

What does it mean to be Medicare ineligible? 

If you are not an Australian resident and/or do not hold a Medicare card, you are a Medicare ineligible person. Such persons include but is not limited to: 

• International students 
• Overseas visitors 
• Temporary entrants or temporary visa holders 

What is the process to assess overseas patients? 

It is important you read and understand the following 3 step process if you are thinking of coming to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre from overseas. 

The 3 step process for Medicare ineligible patients 

Step 1 

Send all of the following information to Peter Mac: 

• Your full medical history in English
• A summary from your treating doctor, hospital or treatment centre
• All past and/or future planned cancer treatments
• Your diagnostic images (such as scans and x-rays) with full reports
• Your pathology results (blood and biopsy reports)

Step 2 

When we receive all the documents as listed in Step 1, we will: 

• Review the information you sent to us
• Decide if we are able to offer you the services you need
• Contact you and let you know our decision
• If we offer an appointment, you will need to decide whether to accept
• If you accept, we will give you a quote that explains the cost for this initial (first) appointment
• If you accept, you must pay for the first consultation up-front, before your first appointment
• If you accept, you must ensure you have a valid visa to enter Australia

Step 3 

After your up-front payment has been received, we will advise you of a date and time for your first appointment and at this appointment we will review your medical situation and discuss the next steps for your treatment. 

If you agree, we will: 

• Send you a detailed letter explaining your treatment plan 
• Give you a quote for the treatment plan 
• Ask that you pay for your treatment up-front, before starting treatment
• Ask if you have international or private health insurance. If you do, we will ask for the details so we can do an insurance policy cover check

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have health insurance cover or adequate money to cover the cost of your health care.

How to make a payment?

Overseas patients can pay for both the review and treatment quote by: 

• Direct deposit 
• International money transfer 

For Peter Mac’s bank details or to pay by credit card, please contact our Medicare ineligible coordinator on either

• Phone: (03) 8559 6943
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

You can also pay in person by: 

• Bank Cheque 
• EFTPOS 
• Credit Card 
• Cash  

Visit our cashier on: Level 2 (Next to Pharmacy) 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 or call (03) 8559 6080 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm) 

What are the costs for overseas visitors? 

The following information provides cost/fee information that applies to overseas visitors. These fees/costs are subject to change without notice.

If you have any questions or queries about this information or on accessing our services as an overseas student or visitor, please contact us:

Medicare ineligible coordinator

• Phone: (03) 8559 6943
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.