Are public hospitals in Australia free?

Yes. Treatment as a public patient in a public hospital is free for Australian citizens and most permanent residents. 

If you hold a Medicare Card, you are entitled to free treatment and the cost of your stay in a public hospital is covered by Medicare.

You do not have to pay for hospital accommodation, medical and diagnostic services, prostheses or other services. Once you are discharged from hospital, your follow-up is usually provided in an outpatient clinic at the hospital. 

As a patient receiving free treatment in a public hospital, you cannot choose your doctor. Instead, the public hospital allocates a doctor or team of doctors to manage your case.