When is publicly funded healthcare free?
Public healthcare is free for:
* hospital treatment including 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) clinics. There are some exceptions, such as for cosmetic surgery.
* children's immunisations.
* prescription medicine for children under six.
* people who need more than 20 prescriptions per year. Prescriptions are free starting from the 21st prescribed item.
* prescription medicines for all public hospital patients.
* most laboratory tests and x-rays, except at privately operated clinics.
* healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. This covers everything from the diagnosis of pregnancy to pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby. There is no charge for hospital stays.
* general practitioner (GP) referrals to a public hospital for treatment.
* check-ups and basic dental treatment for schoolchildren.
* breast-screening for women aged 50 to 64.
* acute or chronic medical conditions. (In some circumstances a financial contribution may be needed.)
What healthcare is subsidised but not free?
* Prescription items.
* Visits to general practitioners.
* Visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths when referred by a GP.
* Ambulance services.