Victorian outpatient costs 2026-27: $386 medical or $223 allied health?
For 2026-27, Victorian outpatient estimates are $386 per medical encounter and $223 per allied-health encounter, while each health service sets its actual fee.
For patients not covered by Medicare in Victoria, health.vic.gov.au’s Fees for patients not covered by Medicare lists estimated average 2026-27 outpatient charges of $386 per medical encounter and $223 per allied-health encounter. These are estimates derived from prior-year charges and indexed using cost-growth rates in line with the Victorian Efficient Price, not fixed prices. Each individual health service determines the fee it charges; this information was checked 1 October 2026.
What do the $386 and $223 outpatient estimates represent?
The Victorian guidance describes an outpatient charge as a fee per encounter and groups encounters by patient classification:
| Outpatient classification | Estimated average cost for 2026-27 | Charge basis |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | $386 | Per encounter |
| Allied health | $223 | Per encounter |
These amounts are classification-level estimates. They are not quotations or guaranteed prices from a particular health service.
Are $386 and $223 fixed fees?
No. Health services set their own fees for patients who are not covered by Medicare, including overseas patients. The published fee information is a guideline only, and the individual health service determines the actual charge.
Where possible, Victorian guidance says patients who are not covered by Medicare should be charged the full cost of their care. This means the outpatient estimates are useful for understanding the published figures, but they may not match the amount a particular service charges.
Which costs may be billed separately?
The Victorian guidance says a number of costs are excluded from the listed charges. Health services should also charge for these items where applicable:
- Medical costs billed separately by the treating medical practitioner.
- Diagnostics, which may be charged at or above the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
- Prostheses, in line with the Commonwealth’s schedule rate.
- Drugs, which should be charged at cost.
Ask the health service which additional items could apply to your encounter before receiving treatment.
How were the outpatient estimates calculated?
The outpatient estimates use charges from the prior year and apply cost-growth rates in line with the Victorian Efficient Price to estimate charges for 2026-27. They are therefore estimates for the relevant classification rather than individual quotations.
Could an overseas patient qualify for financial assistance?
Possibly. Hospitals are expected to recognise that some overseas patients may be entitled to financial assistance, including through a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. This does not mean every overseas student qualifies; ask the health service to assess whether any assistance applies to you.
What should you check before receiving care?
Check your OSHC policy documents for the treatment categories, separately billed items and any relevant conditions. The Victorian fee guidance does not determine what your insurance policy covers. You should also check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs information for the visa relevant to you.
Sources
FAQ
Are the $386 medical and $223 allied-health amounts guaranteed prices?
No. They are estimated average charges per encounter for 2026-27. Each individual health service determines its actual fee.
What may make the final bill different from the outpatient estimate?
The health service may charge its own fee and may bill certain items separately, including treating-practitioner costs, diagnostics, prostheses and drugs.
Does an OSHC policy have to cover the full outpatient fee?
The Victorian fee guidance does not decide what an OSHC policy covers. Check the policy documents for the treatment categories, billing requirements and relevant conditions.
Could a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement reduce the charge?
Some overseas patients may be entitled to financial assistance, but eligibility is not automatic. Ask the health service to check whether an agreement or other assistance applies.