What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medibank?

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Medicare and Medibank are both healthcare entities in Australia, but they differ in the agencies that control them and the services they provide.

Medicare is a public healthcare system run by the Australian government. The government agency responsible for Medicare is called Medicare Australia, and its main goal is to provide affordable healthcare for every Australian. Medicare requires a registration card, which entitles citizens to free treatment in public hospitals and other benefits.

Medibank, also known as Medibank Private, is a private health insurer, the largest in Australia. It is a government business enterprise, meaning it is a private company under the ownership of the Australian government. Medibank offers health insurance policies to Australian citizens and requires an insurance policy as well as other requirements to obtain their services.

In summary:

  • Medicare is a government-funded public healthcare system.
  • Medibank is a private health insurance provider.
  • Medicare provides free treatment in public hospitals with a registration card.
  • Medibank requires an insurance policy and other requirements for their services.

Comparative Table: Medicare vs Medibank

Medicare and Medibank are two different healthcare systems in Australia. Medicare is a public healthcare system run by the Australian government, while Medibank is a private health insurance provider. Here is a table highlighting the key differences between the two:

Feature Medicare Medibank
Establishment Founded in 1975 as Medibank under the Whitlam government, later renamed as Medicare Founded in 1976 as a private company
Logo Colors Green and yellow Blue and red
Registration Card Requires a registration card for access to services No registration card required
Healthcare Services Provides affordable healthcare for all Australian citizens, including free treatment in public hospitals Offers various health insurance plans with different levels of coverage for hospital and extras services
Choice of Doctor Public patients cannot choose their own doctor Policyholders can choose their own doctors
Waiting Lists Public patients may have to go on public waiting lists for elective surgeries Private patients typically have shorter waiting times for elective surgeries

In summary, Medicare is a public healthcare system that provides affordable healthcare services for all Australian citizens, while Medibank is a private health insurance provider that offers various health insurance plans with different levels of coverage.