Medical Tourism for Neurology? Thailand etc

AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 13:29

I am desperate. I had a blunt force trauma to my front tooth by a mechanic who was showing me my car on a hoist (long story. lawyers don't care). Since that injury I've had neurological symptoms 9 months without any improvement: thermal allodynia, hyperalgesia, feeling of ice on my eyeball and face. Last winter, cold air, drafts, wind, all give me icy pain/cold burning on the side of my face that was hit, I can't sleep, I am rarely comfortable unless it's over 30 degrees. I want to d*e.

Neurologists here all rejected my referral or give one year wait time and I don't think I can do another year of this. Doctor just prescribed carbemazepine, with no diagnostic imaging or mri, I'm scared to try but I don't have any choice.

I recently read about people going overseas for treatments. I found Bumrungrad in Bangkok who have heaps of neurologists. However I have no official diagnosis- if I go overseas I will be getting health insurance. I don't know who is the best to go with. I wanted to seek others experiences with going overseas for medical care. Did insurance cover the costs? Is any of it out of pocket?
Did you plan appointments after booking flights?
Cost is probably not as much of a concern. I just can't wait any more because it's not getting better, and the medical system here is failing me.

Please be nice in your replies.

Health & Beauty Asia Thailand

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  • Onemoredeal on 01/02/2026 - 13:56

    No insurer (for overseas travel) will cover your pre-existing conditions unfortunately, if they did premiums would be 10x what they are.

    • 7
    • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:14

      I would have to dig into the specifics regarding undiagnosed conditions.

      • -2
      • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 14:23

        Diagnosed or not, the insurance companies will exclude things where you have had symptoms or where you have seen a doctor in the recent period.

        • 4
        • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:26

          Alright thanks

          • 0
          • SlickMick on 02/02/2026 - 09:44

            @AUBRX: I presumed you meant you were getting insurance in case something goes wrong with treatment overseas. (You do need this.) But the cost will 100% be on you (but a lot more reasonable than here).

            I get all major dental treatment done in Thailand or Bali. If they offer what you need, I wouldn't hesitate.

            • 2
            • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 14:48

              @SlickMick: Yes I was prepared that the cost would be on me anyway. Time is the more important factor, because the wait lists here for neurologists are long.

              • 1
          • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 14:27

            @AUBRX: But please do your own checks.

            • 0
  • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 14:42

    Update for anyone following I've managed to get an appointment with emergency dental thanks to the suggestions here. It will be next week on Thursday.

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  • mskeggs on 01/02/2026 - 16:07

    I am sorry you are in pain.

    It seems like there has been confusion in your care, and a bit of a failure for the many parts of the health care system to work together.

    First up, your questions about international health treatment. These are private businesses operating in those countries offering private treatment. There is no insurance option, you pay cash. Remember to add in the cost of travel and accommodation. It would not be my choice.

    Secondly, you have sought dental and GP treatment, been referred to a specialist, but have been unable to get a prompt appointment. As suggested up thread, book an appointment with anyone who will accept you, even if it is a year away, and ask to be called earlier if anyone cancels. If you can get on the cancel list for a couple of specialists, it is very likely you will be seen in a reasonable time, probably weeks.

    Thirdly, it seems your GP prescribed a medication, probably in the hope this simple step would help (I’m not a clinician). If it has not, then keep going back for more help. It seems you were also given a referral, so follow it up as above, but you can also continue to see the GP in the mean time if you need immediate care.

    Forthly, if you are suffering from pain, it is reasonable to attend the Emergency Department at the hospital. Don’t leave it till the middle of the night, be decisive if you are in pain and seek help. The large hospitals will have all the diagnostic imaging under one roof, and won’t send you off elsewhere.

    Lastly, good luck. It is a pain to navigate the health system, I think partly deliberately so minor issues aren’t followed up, but if you are in frequent pain, you should definitely seek care. And remember to vote for better healthcare next time too!

    • 4
    • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 19:35

      Lastly, good luck. It is a pain to navigate the health system, I think partly deliberately so minor issues aren’t followed up

      Thanks its been dragged out since last year and it's getting to me because the discomfort is always there. Some days it's better and other times worse. But it is wearing me down to the point I am just wanting it to end. Someone mentioned I will likely be referred to emergency dental if I go to the hospital emergency room. I am planning on going to a different doctor tomorrow and hopefully they can find a different path of action.

      • 0
  • Harrash on 02/02/2026 - 04:43

    a private neurologist would cost less than a trip to Thailand - I don' know where you are but highly unusual for any private neurologist to "reject a referral" so I wonder what the story is with that - you can always go further out or seek telehealth options

    • 4
    • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 14:51

      I don't know, they don't give me a reason. The receptionist just says "they can't help you this time".

      • 0
  • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 14:42

    Desperate times and desperate measures. I think that it is appalling that our public system cannot help a concession card holder who is apparently in extreme discomfort.

    Being forced to take out private health or contemplate treatment overseas is outrageous.

    I have top PHI, but it should be a damn choice, not a necessity for what seems to be such an extreme situation.

    OP, what happens when you present yourself to the public Emergency Department?

    • 3
    • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 14:54

      Public Emergency Departments in SA will send you over to the adjoining Adelaide Dental Hospital https://www.dental.sa.gov.au/emergency

      You have to go to a SADS Clinic and either see someone there or get a Emergency Dental Scheme (EDS) form to see a Private Dentist.

      Even if you wanted to go Overseas, Travel Insurance is the last of OP's problems.
      Airlines would reasonably want a Fitness to Fly Certificate from a Doctor and I doubt the OP would get one, flying and Aircraft cabin pressurization might make things worse.

      • 1
      • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 14:57

        Is it still dental? He's saying he has nerve damage in his eye and face. Might not even be connected - timeframe for onset of symptoms.

        • 0
        • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 15:01

          As I said in my (earlier) post, if it is subsequent to the initial, the fastest pathway forward is via a GP, Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at SADS, who can pass you through to Neurology at FMC or elsewhere.

          • 0
          • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:12

            @holdenmg: I will try SADS if you believe it will get me further towards some proper care.

            • 1
            • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 15:30

              @AUBRX: I think it is worthwhile.

              I'm assuming you have a Medicare Care and/or a Centrelink/Health Care Card.
              You can phone Adelaide Dental Hospital on the number on this site:
              https://www.dental.sa.gov.au/emergency or call Health Direct.

              You ultimately end up with seeing their Dentist or a Private Dentist with a Emergency Dental Scheme (EDS) form they provide.

              If you are in real difficulties before tomorrow, call Health Direct or Adelaide Emergency Dentist https://www.adelaideemergencydentist.com.au/contact.html

              • 0
              • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:35

                @holdenmg: Yes I have a pension concession card. I'm looking at one close by that I can go to tomorrow. I'm just concerned by the passage of time since the accident which was last year in March.

                • 0
          • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 15:03

            @holdenmg: Ok, I just feel bad for OP. Hoping he can get sorted on something ASAP.

            • 0
            • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 15:07

              @Satchimo: The OP could call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

              (I was in RAH a 2AM and they were uninterested, they weren't prepared to call a Dentist in and they did previously do this).

              I phoned a 24 Hour Emergency Dentist and you start on the SADS pathway.

              • 0
      • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:03

        I went to a dentist immediately after the accident and she did nerve tests on the tooth itself, said it was within acceptable parameters regarding tooth health. So I don't know if it will be helped by seeing another dentist. It definitely has injured the trigeminal nerve.

        • 0
        • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 15:06

          Sure, but there are Specialists beyond just Dentists and that is the pathway you are on.

          The Dentist probably thought as you hadn't returned to her that it had resolved.

          • 0
          • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:10

            @holdenmg: I've returned to her multiple times about it, and she only mentioned endodontist and that was it.

            • 0
            • haha45 on 01/02/2026 - 15:47

              @AUBRX: Let your dentist know you're still having issues and request a referral to an oral maxillofacial surgeon or ideally an oral medicine specialist (they deal with orofacial pain/chronic pain) if Adelaide has one.

              She'll probably refer you privately, the first visit with the specialist should be ~$300 (not including any scans/xrays). They can let you know best steps from there. Still chase the public pathway, but if that doesn't work this is a good alternative.

              • 1
              • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 15:52

                @haha45: Oromax is another good option, but could co$t.

                • 0
            • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 15:18

              @AUBRX: Well if you've been to dentist, try ED, get onto it today (pack some jammies in case they admit you). The worst they can say is go to xyz.

              The hoops that they have made you jump through so far is rediculous.

              • 0
    • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:51

      I have been considering going to emergency just to be seen!! I'm really at that point where I'm about to say fk it and go.

      • 0
      • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 14:54

        Just go matey, you've tried other ways and IMO if you're feeling like you want to die then this gets real very quickly and is an emergency.

        People turn up there for a cold!

        Otherwise, are you in a position to get these tests your mentioning?

        • 3
        • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:08

          It is definitely not off the table, I'm really dreading going through another winter like this. I will most likely press my gp for an MRI.

          • 0
          • sumyungguy on 01/02/2026 - 15:20

            @AUBRX: You'll find some MRI providers will bulk bill a concession card holder

            • 2
            • Harrash on 02/02/2026 - 16:02

              @sumyungguy: not all MRIs attract a medicare rebate so even if they bulk bill it will still cost you, and those that do have strict criterias and may need to be referred by a specialist.

              • 0
          • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 15:15

            @AUBRX: Hopefully the public system may pay for it if you went through dental or ED - like tell them about how extreme the pain is and "I want to die" (but not enough to get a 72 hour hold unless things really are that dire).

            They have to at least treat the pain, they even treat the pain for drug seekers.

            Do the ED/dental route today.

            Are you in a position to pay for MRI etc?

            If you're mental health really is rough and no ED reach out to Acute Care

            • 0
            • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:21

              @Satchimo: I will pay for an MRI, hell I am willing to go overseas so I'll pay for the imaging here if it gets the process moving forward. I'm going to try SADS as one of the commenters mentioned.

              • 0
              • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 15:24

                @AUBRX: All good. Message me if you need a hand, I can chip in a bit.

                This is terrible.

                • 0
                • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:30

                  @Satchimo: Thanks I appreciate the offer, I will message you with any update if you want to see how I get on. And yes I agree, it's terrible and just been dragging on with no real solution.

                  • 2
                  • Satchimo on 01/02/2026 - 15:32

                    @AUBRX: Update thread too. The members will be keen to know how you get on.

                    Hopefully we can get you to some reasonable care without the need to go overseas FFS

                    • 1
                    • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 14:44

                      @Satchimo: Went to SADS and have gotten an emergency dental appointment for Thursday next week.

                      • 3
                      • Satchimo on 02/02/2026 - 14:46

                        @AUBRX: Fantastic, can you hold out until then? It's still a while away. 10 days in pain is still a long time.

                        • 1
                        • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 14:52

                          @Satchimo: I've been in varied amount of pain since winter so I think I will be okay. I'm trying to redirect my attention when it's bad.

                          • 1
                          • Satchimo on 02/02/2026 - 14:53

                            @AUBRX: OK, if you do need relief in the interim, remember the ED is there and they should help with short term pain relief.

                            • 1
                            • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 15:08

                              @Satchimo: If it's bad I'll be going definitely. I'm hoping the warm weather will stick around because that helps with it.

                              • 1
    • GardenGnome on 02/02/2026 - 08:53

      So, the OP is a concession card holder, but money is no object and wants to travel to Thailand to see a neurological specialist? Please explain.

      • 0
      • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 14:43

        I have emergency savings.

        • 0
        • GardenGnome on 02/02/2026 - 15:13

          Fair enough explanation, it's good to have savings. Can I ask is there any valid reason like mental health issues or drug addiction issues that got your referral rejected? It doesn't make sense unless you have a reputation whether bad reputation or not to be rejected by services that normally will see you no matter what. Specialists are notorious for gouging patients, usually money is what motivates them and they usually see anyone so it's weird they rejected you.

          Also, even if you get an appointment for government dental you will be on a wait list for years unless it's very urgent. Also, the same for surgery, you will wait 12 months minimum in public hospital system. Sadly, your kind of stuffed that you don't have private health insurance and won't get it now because of pre-existing conditions.

          Wish I could help, good luck hope you get sorted.

          • -1
          • AUBRX on 02/02/2026 - 15:25

            @GardenGnome: I only have depression and anxiety, which has been present since my teens. I don't know if they look at that and write me off? The receptionists just say the neurologist "cannot help you". I've got a new referral today for another one which the doctor did.

            I got rid of my hospital cover years ago to save a little more. I'm fortunate to have savings to be able to see a neurologist but the main problem is the wait list time. The winter cold will be causing significantly more pain. I got into the emergency dentist for an appointment next week.

            • 2
            • Satchimo on 03/02/2026 - 13:27

              @AUBRX:

              I only have depression and anxiety, which has been present since my teens. I don't know if they look at that and write me off?

              Unlikely, probably affects half the population. They may ask you to get clearance from a mental health professional if they have any capacity to consent concerns, but mental health issues, particularly anxiety/depression, are not why you were rejected.

              More likely it is because you don't have private health insurance.

              Sure, there are probably concerns about them getting paid, but there are ethical concerns about exposing you to a risk of excessive financial costs or obligations if something out of the ordinary happens or is discovered.

              Even as simple as the hospital where you would be admitted won't accept a private patient without private health insurance. They want to get paid too :)

              Might even be, that their books were closed and just had no room to add you to their service at this time.

              Fear of litigation will prevent them from providing you with an explanation when one is not legally required. Unless otherwise legally directed, they are allowed to say "no" and like anybody else, are not required to provide you with an explanation.

              That entire line of questioning was just downright offensive, rude and none of the gnome's business.

              lol at GardenGnome saying you "deserve an explanation" and "I would not accept that 'behaviour'". Hahaha

              • 0
              • AUBRX on 03/02/2026 - 20:41

                @Satchimo: Understood, thank you for clarifying that. The doctor I saw yesterday also made a referral for a public hospital, but not holding out for that it will most likely take years to see anyone.

                • 1
              • GardenGnome on 04/02/2026 - 08:39

                @Satchimo: He is going to see a neurologist/specialist not a psychiatrist. Books are not closed ever, and rejection is not usually done unless there is a valid reason.

                They didn't have to answer but did anyway so AUBRX didn't find it that offensive? You want the truth you have to ask hard questions to understand why people get rejected, and they do every day from health services and businesses because they have mental health or substance issues. Those are the two major reasons these days.

                And why would you accept shitty behavior from health professionals, either give a valid reason for rejection or refer me to someone who will help me. Don't ghost people and just tell them no your rejected for no reason. You accept being treated like shit, you become shit.

                Anyway, he got a referral to a public hospital so it's a good outcome. AUBRX I hope you get sorted and help and if you were offended well sorry.

                • 1
            • GardenGnome on 03/02/2026 - 06:44

              @AUBRX: DRs and specialists can be very picky about who they do see, there is so much demand that they have to cut a lot of potential patients due to waiting lists. But it's very weird they did not give you a reason for rejecting you, I would not accept that behavior and you deserve an explanation of why. Mental health shouldn't be a problem these days, but sadly negative views still exist and there is still a lot of ignorance about it. I'm happy you're getting help, pretty good outcome to get an emergency dentist appointment. I wouldn't go to Thailand unless it's the only option unless you need $10,000+++ worth of dental work like multiple implants or you need a new wife!

              • -1
  • Benoffie on 01/02/2026 - 13:49

    Is there any clarification on whether it's nerve damage (whether from the tooth/gum or face) or a larger craniofacial issue?

    Obviously I'm not a Dr but it sounds like the blunt force trauma has done more than simply knocked a tooth.

    How no MRI could be performed is baffling. I suffered a trauma to my front skull on a work site and an MRI and CT were both in quick succession.

    Honestly, your profile says you're in Adelaide. We have the best in terms of Craniofacial specialists here. If you have private, Neurologists shouldn't be too much of a wait for a consult (still be $500 or so).

    Get to another GP. That, to me, sounds like where the issue is. Ive seen Prof McDonald at Calvary previously.

    • 1
    • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:13

      There's been no real clarification.

      My cover is only extras, and it doesn't extend to specialists. So unfortunately going privately isn't on the cards, correct me if I'm wrong. I'm on a concession card, but now you mention MRI maybe I just have to foot the bill and get one through my gp.

      Honestly at the time I went to the dentist immediately after the impact. The nerve issues appeared when the weather got cooler which seems to have induced central sensitisation.

      Thank you for affirming my concerns though. I've been feeling extremely invalidated and gaslit.

      • 0
      • Benoffie on 01/02/2026 - 15:01

        In Adelaide there's several bulk billed MRI places. Adelaide MRI has locations at Payneham, Parafield, Elizabeth etc. Wait times arent bad.

        Dont forget most Drs will be in the Public system but yes, the wait time will be longer.

        Good luck, it's worth investigating

        • 4
      • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 14:21

        Hi (from Adelaide)

        I'd suggest you get your Doctor (or Dentist) to consider having your situation reviewed by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. As a Public Patient, you are looking at SA Dental Services (SADS).
        Complex SADS cases are often passed through to Flinders Medical Centre Neurology.

        • 3
        • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:16

          I will give them a go.

          • 1
          • saltypete on 02/02/2026 - 08:41

            @AUBRX: My Adelaide doctor always sends me to a group called Lumus Imaging on the Parade that bulk bills. Appointments are often available within days. It is in a complex that also has GPs that bulk bill.

            • 1
    • kiitos on 03/02/2026 - 18:23

      What sort of conditions would an MRI identify?

      • 0
  • AUBRX on 11/04/2026 - 21:06

    No real advancements with my condition. Emergency dental did xray but nothing conclusive. Luckily got in to a neurologist early BUT she was hopeless.. stumped.. aside from getting the mri which showed no nerve compression. Suggested neuromodulating drugs. I'm now having rTMS to… manage(?) depression and my rTMS technician has been the only one who tried to help me more than any other professional I've seen. He's sent me to an endodontist who may be able to get to the bottom of this. I'm getting through every day..

    • 1
    • YesPleaseThankYou on 11/04/2026 - 21:23

      Sorry to hear that you haven't gotten to the bottom of this. Please continue to look after yourself and know that people do care about you.

      • 0
      • AUBRX on 11/04/2026 - 23:24

        I am trying my best to live with this now but there are definitely times it gets to you. Maybe moving somewhere warmer to alleviate some of the worst of it, but affordability is a major issue.

        • 0
        • Satchimo on 12/04/2026 - 12:57

          How many TMS sessions for your course? How often? Is this covered in the public system and it is it done as an inpatient or outpatient procedure?

          At one stage it was course of maximum 30 sessions (one every week day) as inpatient in private hospital. Sometimes they could prescribe two sessions a day to make the hospital stay shorter.

          • 0
          • AUBRX on 12/04/2026 - 19:57

            @Satchimo: I have 35 for this course, so one session every weekday. Not covered by the public system but covered partly by medicare and ends up being $200 per week out of pocket. However if the Medicare safety net threshold is exceeded the rebate percentage increases which makes it more affordable. My treatments are in a private practice.

            • 1
            • Satchimo on 12/04/2026 - 20:00

              @AUBRX: I think it is fabulous that this has been made available to you outside of the private system. I wish you well moving forward and hope that you receive the desired results to provide you with the relief and necessary support to help you better manage your health in future.

              • 0
              • AUBRX on 15/04/2026 - 14:55

                @Satchimo: I was lucky to find the practice myself, no professionals knew about/suggested it. I had heard about it as a treatment for years but it was only recently added to Medicare. I am hoping it will help, but the nerve pain is impacting me enough that I do worry about the treatment efficacy long term. Thank you for the well wishes.

                • 0
  • Alley Cat on 01/02/2026 - 13:55

    Like the comment above, shop for a better GP. I got an MRI done for my head for headache complaints. You just need someone who care enough. And the worst is to pay for an MRI. Cheaper than getting the wrong treatments — that is nothing at the moment.

    • 0
    • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:16

      Yes I might just get an MRI. One of the neurologists here who didn't take me suggested a private physician who charges through the nose just to do investigatory imaging (MRI brain and spine).

      • 0
      • Alley Cat on 01/02/2026 - 14:22

        You can also get free dental through concession. There is a queue, but they do give priority to accidents, I believe. Fight for your care. No one cares about your issues other than yourself. Even if you have a stump of a GP, go see them every day and ask for the same thing will eventually make a difference. Just make sure they bulk bill you…

        • 1
        • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:16

          I will see if I can get on the wait list, but the accident was in March last year. So a while ago now. This is how long I've been trying to get help.

          • 0
          • Lastchancetosee on 02/02/2026 - 09:06

            @AUBRX: It's still worth approaching the public dentist service in Adelaide, as others have said. I had to use them when I was in precarious casual emploment, abd they were helpful. They triage and will fast-track acute problems. The only down side is that depending on the problem, they can opt to only do sufficient work to tide you over until the major work can be done, but they won't leave you in pain.

            • 1
  • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 14:27

    Sorry to hear about your condition.

    If cost is not much of a concern (as you say is the case) and I acknowledge that you want something done as soon as possible, consider taking out private health insurance in Australia.

    After 12 months you will have served all private health insurance waiting periods. This will open the door to private treatment, the wait time for which is very likely to be shorter than in the public system (no waiting period in private versus 'who knows' in public).

    Also, you mention that neurologists have rejected your referral. Is that because you don't have private health insurance or for another reason/s?

    • 0
    • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:30

      It might even come to that, I have extras but not hospital anymore.

      I have had no clarification as to why my referrals were rejected. I even asked on of the offices and they flatly said the neurologists didn't provide a reason.

      • 0
      • GardenGnome on 02/02/2026 - 08:50

        You have extras but not hospital? Ummm that doesn't make sense.

        • 1
        • iCandy on 02/02/2026 - 12:14

          When I was young I only had extras because I used dental a lot.

          • 0
          • holdenmg on 02/02/2026 - 12:39

            @iCandy: Yes, I'm "young" at 59 but pay about $1 a day for Extras (HIF) for Optical, Ambo and Podiatry.
            Medicare can cover the rest.

            • 1
      • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 14:31

        Were no clues given when you phoned to make the appointment?

        If I were you, I would not further delay taking out hospital cover.

        • 0
        • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 14:48

          No because the referral was triaged and rejected from the triage stage. I am stumped on it too. They just don't seem to be interested in helping me.

          • 0
          • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 15:12

            @AUBRX: You can take your referral to any neurologist, not just the one named on the referral.

            If contrary to the above, the other specialist insists on a new referral, then your GP should have no qualms supplying one immediately over the phone/email.

            • 0
            • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 15:14

              @YesPleaseThankYou: I've sent it to a few that I could find and not having much luck. The others are offering very long wait times.

              • 0
              • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 15:17

                @AUBRX:

                the others are offering very long wait times.

                Suggest you accept so you have something v nothing. Asked to be placed on their cancellation lists. You might be surprised and get an appointment ASAP.

                • 1
                • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 19:04

                  @YesPleaseThankYou: Yes I think you are right. I will try to get on the lists for anyone that doesn't reject my referral.

                  • 0
  • sam-1966 on 01/02/2026 - 17:20

    Sorry you are going through this.

    A couple of things:

    You have extras cover. This will cover the dentist and other allied health providers. It will not cover being in hospital or MEDICAL specialists (such as a neurosurgeon etc).

    Hospital cover - This covers hospital. It also covers a SMALL amount of the doctors' bills - Medibank covers 75% of SCHEDULED FEE, private health will cover the other 75%. This is why I capitalised small and scheduled fee. Medical specialists are only covered when you are an in-patient (In hospital).

    Scheduled fee - Medibank has a list of fees that MEDIBANK thinks is OKAY. I don't know of many specialists that agree, and most charge more. Particularly anesthetists. So even if your hospital admission is covered, you won't be covered for all of the doctors' bills. (eg - daughter had spinal fusion - Orthopedic surgeon had a gap fee of $499. Anesthetist was nearly $4,000.

    Hope you don't think I was yelling at you with the capitalisation, it is just that I know from taking out cover it is really not explained very well, and we've used quite a bit of private health cover, so I've gotten to know it quite well. Sometimes I even think we're ahead!

    • 0
    • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 17:24

      The OP has said:

      Cost is probably not as much of a concern. I just can't wait any more

      PHI will get them seen and into surgery ASAP (after serving out waiting periods).

      Essentially, PHI buys you priority access.

      • 0
      • holdenmg on 01/02/2026 - 18:27

        Uhh, maybe.

        I'm a little concerned that PHI after paying and waiting might say "No, this is a Public Liability claim"

        A public liability claim in a car workshop occurs when a customer or visitor suffers injury or property damage due to negligence on the premises (e.g., slips, trips, or faulty repairs). It covers medical bills, legal fees, and repair costs, typically handled through the business's public liability insurance policy.

        Check out on any of the PHI Claim Forms where it says: "Was the claim resulting from an accident?"

        Generally there is a 3 year limit for filing a Public Liability claim in SA but the sooner the better because memories fade etc.

        I realise that OP said "long story. lawyers don't care" but I'd strongly suggest to go looking for one that does, ask the Law Society of SA Duty Solicitor or Legal Services Commission.

        Also, one of the reasons Private Neurologists probably won't see the OP is they want to know who will pay for all of this. Usually, there is an Insurance Company involved at an early stage and they have their own list of preferred Doctors or Specialists.

        If it helps, have someone accompany you to Doctors or Specialists, write down the questions you want to ask them and keep receipts for anything you pay because it could add up.
        Keeping a Diary of what you do in respect of all of this may help.

        I hope the OP is feeling better soon, I know it seems complex but sometimes these things don't have straight line solutions.

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        • AUBRX on 01/02/2026 - 18:50

          Unfortunately I have contacted a few lawyers and they don't want to know me or my problem. I can't provide the evidence that this accident has caused nerve damage. My dentist said the craze lines in my damaged tooth are in other teeth and basically said she can't vouch for this.

          Without the imaging evidence to back this up, no lawyer will take on my case. Believe me I've gone down the route if trying to get this sorted out as a public liability claim. I haven't gotten anywhere and I have talked to the Legal Services Commission they cannot help me. I went through this pain last year when it was obvious that the damage was not healing.

          Edit: the notice to serve a public liability health claim must be submitted to the place of business where the accident occurred before 6 months has elapsed. When the accident happened I did not have the money for a lawyer. I still really don't. At this point I cannot handle this, I am already feeling suicidal. There is no way I can pursue anything legal right now.

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        • YesPleaseThankYou on 01/02/2026 - 18:59

          Check out on any of the PHI Claim Forms where it says: "Was the claim resulting from an accident?"

          Sure, good point, but I don't think they would be denied treatment. For example, this is what Phoenix Health Fund says about Compensable Claims, on the claim form:

          Is any part of this claim eligible for compensation or damages, or claimable through another insurance policy?

          And in the Member Guide:

          Benefits are not payable where a member is eligible to receive compensation for the treatment, service or item.

          Where there is a possibility that a member may have the right to receive compensation for a claim, they must inform Phoenix Health as soon as practical. Benefits will still be payable however the fund may request an irrevocable authority be completed and the fund should be kept informed on the progress of the compensation claim and notified of any outcome.

          Phoenix Health has the right to request further information and evidence in cases where the claim may be compensable through a third-party source.

          For full details of Compensation Damages and Provisional Payment of Claims, please see section 8.8 of the Phoenix Health Fund Rules.

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          • iCandy on 02/02/2026 - 16:25

            @YesPleaseThankYou: The no win no fee lawyers won’t take him on because the bulk of the claim is in lost earnings, past and future. If OP isn’t working, which I think he isn’t, then the claim would be very small.

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            • AUBRX on 03/02/2026 - 20:28

              @iCandy: Exactly, this is my understanding too.

              I have no idea what lawyers cost for up front fees, but I doubt I'd have enough money to cover up until court.

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              • holdenmg on 03/02/2026 - 23:43

                @AUBRX: I'm sorry but you should be aware of exceptions.

                You need to see a Solicitor
                if you don't have the money go and see the Duty Solicitor at the Law Society of SA

                ask them about the Uniform Civil Rules 2020 and the provisions for Delayed Awareness and/or Latent Injuries

                Read:
                https://lindblomslawyers.com.au/what-the-new-uniform-civil-r…

                If a person is not aware that they have suffered injury, that the injury has caused material loss or damage or was caused by the negligence of the person potentially liable, the time to provide written notice is extended until one month after the person becomes aware (rule UCR 61.6(3)).

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                • iCandy on 04/02/2026 - 11:27

                  @holdenmg: This is correct. Most claims must be made within a specific time frame or they are statute barred. But you are able to institute proceedings after that time period if you have a good reason for the delay. You do sound like you have that good reason, however, you would still have to pay costs as they are incurred.

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            • Satchimo on 02/02/2026 - 19:35

              @iCandy: The problem seems to lie in causation (note I don't know if they breached their duty either - don't have enough facts to know how teeth broke.)

              I can't provide the evidence that this accident has caused nerve damage. My dentist said the craze lines in my damaged tooth are in other teeth and basically said she can't vouch for this.

              This bit very flimsy, but maybe:

              Economic loss will cover loss and future loss of Superanuation and income.

              OP is concession account holder. Was he working at time of accident and did he stop work because of accident?

              Good if you can show this if you were working at time of accident.

              Non- Economic loss: permanent. PTSD could count here.

              Out of pocket expenses:

              But none of this matters if OP can't prove causation.

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              • iCandy on 03/02/2026 - 15:51

                @Satchimo: For sure. He could always initiate proceedings, but he would have to pay the fees along the way. He wouldn’t be accepted by a no win no fee lawyer who bankrolls his costs until the matter is settled.

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                • Satchimo on 03/02/2026 - 16:01

                  @iCandy: Without causation, there are no proceedings.

                  OP already said, he does not have any evidence to support causation.

                  If he cannot prove who/what caused the injury, there is nobody to sue.

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                  • AUBRX on 03/02/2026 - 20:36

                    @Satchimo: Main problem is that in SA you need to lodge the intent to claim damages for personal injuries due to negligence within 6 months. That time has elapsed. I am unaware whether the shop would have security footage of the accident either.

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                    • Satchimo on 03/02/2026 - 20:44

                      @AUBRX: Within six months of what? The date the injury occurred? Relieved that this isn't the case for Qld st least. Sucks for you though.

                      It could take months to discover that there is any necessity to claim, far less to determine who caused the harm which is being claimed.

                      I doubt that anybody is expected to lodge a claim for every accident that happens to them on the off chance things may not right themselves as expected.

                      These negligence claims often take years to make their way through the courts because they are waiting to establish the degree of permanency of harm that has resulted to know if there are any damages to award.

                      Crazy times.

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                      • AUBRX on 03/02/2026 - 20:52

                        @Satchimo: Yes, six months from the date the injury occurred. At the time the nerve problem started, I didn't know what it was, and therefore I did not have enough information until I started seeing my doctor about it. The time to onset of symptoms (which may only appear after a few weeks or months) is the nature of post traumatic nerve injuries. I've been reading every study I can on the subject trying to understand what is going on and to rule out anything else as a potential cause.

                        As for starting the process, I don't know how that can be done without a lawyer. I would definitely need assistance, because without knowledge of how to start a claim, I'm unable to do much at all. I've contacted a few different lawyers and haven't had luck getting further than my explanation of the symptoms and the accident itself.

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