Taxpayers in just one state burn $30 million a year on free healthcare for tourists
New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has revealed healthcare for tourists is costing state taxpayers upwards of $30 million every year. “Every time an uninsured visitor does not pay for their treatment in one of our public hospitals, the taxpayers foot the bill,” Mr Hazzard said in a statement yesterday. Mr Hazzard is currently attempting to implement mandatory health insurance for all travelers on temporary visas. Under current legislation, travelers aren’t necessarily required to take out medical insurance in order to be granted a visitor or business visitor visa.