@BlueBay. I don't have private health insurance. Don't have the money and because I've already had multiple psych admissions - I don't think they would insure me.
I used to work in the public mental health system. And I'd recommend anyone who can to get private coverage.
As @Queenie says - during an acute trauma - the public system can be good. But nothing I have gone through would qualify me for a stay. I'm not sick enough for the public system.
My sister, on suiciding (she died but the ambulance staff brought her back to life). She was taken to the nearest public psych ward. My mum rang me to say the hospital wasn't going to admit my sister because she wasn't sick enough. She just killed herself!
But I knew the law. They have a legal duty of care to admit her. Can't remember if it was 24 or 48 hours minimum. But I got her admitted.
I've had 5 hospital stays (private psych hospitals). 4 were for strong suicidal ideation. The public system wouldn't give me a bed just for having thoughts or by planning to act on my plan. There are not enough beds. There are not enough staff. There is not enough money.
So do what you can to keep affording your private coverage. At least that way you will get a hospital bed when you need it.
Thank God I'm covered by WorkCover