Are COVID-19 Tests Covered by Medicare in Australia?

I can't imagine why they wouldn't be, given our national health system! However, on further investigation, it turned out that they are indeed covered by Medicare in Australia. When the pandemic began, the government made a significant move to ensure access to diagnostic tools necessary for confirming and monitoring COVID-19 infections.

On January 31, 2020, the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices - Novel Coronavirus Emergency Exemption) 2020 was issued. This exemption was designed to facilitate access to in vitro diagnostic medical devices used for diagnosing, confirming, testing, monitoring, and alleviating infections caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Current Situation

These tests are widely used by Public Health Laboratory networks in Australia, each state and territory. The demand for testing continues to rise, leading to a review of the exemption, potentially allowing more testing laboratories, including certain private laboratories, to gain access to these diagnostic tools.

Approved Medicines and Vaccines

While no medicines or vaccines have been approved by a comparable regulatory authority for preventing or treating COVID-19, Australia is actively involved in the global effort. The country is a leading member of the global regulatory authorities undertaking a coordinated review of potential vaccines and medicines with the highest priority.

Several vaccines are currently under development, and numerous medicines are undergoing clinical trials for efficacy against the virus. When the data from these trials becomes available, a thorough review will be conducted to assess their potential impact on public health.

Medicare Coverage

The tests themselves are free under Medicare. However, if additional tests or procedures are required, these may not be covered. For example, inpatient costs should generally be covered, except for any deductibles your plan requires. Outpatient costs, such as emergency care or ambulance services, may have deductibles.

Medicines are mostly covered in an inpatient setting, but prescription drugs for aftercare may follow your policy schedule. For instance, generic drugs are typically free, while non-generic drugs have different levels of coverage and costs.

Conclusion

While some additional costs may arise, the government's primary goal is to ensure that the essential testing for COVID-19 remains accessible to the public. Whether you live in a public or private healthcare facility, knowing the coverage details can help manage these additional costs.

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Stay informed and stay healthy!