Will I get treatment faster if I have private health insurance?

You require emergency surgery to treat trauma or acute illness when you arrive at an emergency department of a public hospital.

In the emergency department of a public hospital, you will receive treatment as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not you have private health insurance.

You require surgery that is classified as elective because it is booked in advance after a specialist clinical assessment.

If you go to a private hospital, you often receive treatment more quickly than if you were on a public waiting list.
If you choose to be treated as a private patient in a public hospital, you will not be treated any faster than public patients.