Programs

Private Health Insurance is a decision made according to cost or what we can afford and what is best for you and your family’s health. It is a substantial chunk of a family budget and nobody wants to make a choice that could cost them too much or not provide the right cover they will use. Unfortunately health cover usually increases significantly each year. Cost of living pressures mean many more people are considering if they can afford to pay premiums or whether they need to utilise the public system.

How do we make the right choice in signing up for a health fund or not? CHOISE has released a simple guide to help. CHOICE is a consumer advocate that provides Australians with information and advice, free from commercial bias. This survey asks a few simple questions and gives you an answer based on strictly financial outcomes concerning the surcharge the Government imposes. There are assumed variables and carefully worded disclaimers and it should not be taken as a complete and absolute guide but it offers some good tipsas well. Whilst many would welcome a definitive yes or no, it really depends on preference as it does not consider that many people want some control of what, when and who they can use for treatment, particularly for elective surgery.

CHOICE is the consumer advocate that provides Australians with information and advice, free from commercial bias.

FDS is a caring, non-religious and non judgemental organisation. Primarily made up of volunteers who have experienced first hand the trauma and chaos of having family members with drug dependency. Most have traveled the same road.

The service provides a Helpline, Online Support via the website and support meetings in various locations.

The online support sessions are a guided experience using video chapters leading you through information and strategies for various members of the family and how to deal and discuss the situation. It asks questions at the start to determine the proper and most appropriate information.

You can also explore the website for tips and strategies for coping with and being more aware of the language and issues surrounding drug use.

The Support Helpline available 24 Hours 7 days a week.

Support meetings are scheduled around South Australia in the Barossa Valley (2nd Tuesday 6-8pm), Brompton (Monday fortnightly 7-9pm), Elizabeth (Monday fortnightly 7-9pm), Hallett Cove (Wednesday fortnightly 7-9pm), Leabrook (Wednesday fortnightly 7-9pm), Murray Bridge (3rd Tuesday each Month 7-9pm), Renmark (last Tuesday each month 1-3pm), Whyalla (2rd Thursday each month 6-8pm).

Phone Chloe or Brendan for Support meeting current locations and information.

Finding where you can get help and information concerning alcohol and drug related problems for yourself, a friend or family member, or a patient or client.

There is a range of services available in South Australia for people who experience problems with alcohol and other drugs, which means there are many options for people with differing needs and treatment preferences. Many of these services are free.

Find a service near you or get help now 1300 13 13 40. Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a confidential telephone counselling, information and referral service. (Available 8:30am-10pm, 7 days for SA callers only).

You can also contact a counsellor online 24/7.

Ambulance costs are not covered by Medicare and even if you have private health insurance, your policy may not cover the cost of an ambulance.

Many private health insurance schemes only cover you and your family for emergency ambulance services. Many illnesses or injuries require additional patient transportation which are classified as ‘non-emergency’ (e.g. for tests, ongoing treatment or transfer to another hospital).

The cost of transport on an emergency call out is $976.

If you have private health insurance you should check with your provider to find out if you are covered for ambulance transport and if so, your level of cover.

SA Ambulance cover includes all ambulance attendance within South Australia, with interstate coverage available for an additional amount.

View the full rates for Ambulance cover at the link below.

You cannot predict when or where; you or your loved ones will need an ambulance. The last thing you should ever do is make a decision about your medical condition based on finances.