Despite Australia’s Medicare, out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) still make up 14% of total health expenditure. This systematic review examined the experiences of Australians with chronic conditions facing OOPC for out-of-hospital care, revealing income loss due to ill health, difficulties affording copayments and medications, and significant barriers to dental care, especially for those earning too much to qualify for government support. While current policies help reduce financial burdens for many, distinct challenges remain for those ineligible for concessional thresholds, highlighting the need for further research to guide more equitable health financing reforms.
