The standard of health care in Australia is excellent with Adelaide being no exception. Medicare is the Government-run health system. Every Australian citizen is covered by the health care system.

This covers the cost of visits to a General Practitioner, a Specialist and the public hospital system. Under certain disadvantaged circumstances, the Government will pay the full medical fees. Those who are eligible must be approved through the Department of Social Services subject to satisfying the various benefit criteria.

Patients who do not qualify for the concession pay the difference between the Government fee and the amount charged by the practitioner. This is known as the "gap" and for G.P.'s is usually under $10 per consultation, depending on the practitioner. The rate is higher for Specialist fees.

Most families find it necessary to take out Private Medical Insurance (Medical Aid) and there are a variety of plans and options to suit the level of cover you wish to take. There are tax penalties if you do not take out Private Health Insurance.

This insurance offers the choice of private hospital and the choice of personal specialist, an option not offered without this kind of cover and not applicable in a public hospital.

The cost of such insurance starts at $100 per month and increases with the level of cover that you require. Top coverage with an excess of $500 per annum is $200 per month for a family.

Private Medical plans cover dental, physiotherapy, hospital stays, prosthesis, orthodontic, chiropractic and some pharmaceutical costs. There is a charge to fill prescriptions at the chemist.

There are many free services including dental, sight and hearing testing all done through schools. There is an association for Child and Family Care helping with the care of newborns. There are many other social services catering for the needs of the elderly, infirm and disadvantaged. Adelaide has its own Jewish Community Services organisation.