Healthcare is one of the first things newcomers worry about. Who pays when you see a doctor? Can you use Medicare? Do you need private health insurance? The answers depend mostly on your visa.
This guide explains how healthcare works in Australia, who can use Medicare, how to enrol, what bulk billing means, which visitors get limited cover through reciprocal agreements, and when you need private or visa health insurance.
Quick Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Medicare? | Australia’s public health insurance scheme |
| Who can enrol? | Citizens, permanent residents, many PR applicants, New Zealand citizens and some visitors from reciprocal agreement countries |
| Students | Usually need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), not Medicare |
| Working holiday makers | Usually need private travel or visitor health insurance, unless covered by a reciprocal agreement |
| Bulk billing | The doctor bills Medicare directly, so you pay nothing for that service |
| Medicare levy | Most taxpayers pay a 2% levy through their tax |
How Healthcare Works in Australia
Australia has a mix of public and private healthcare.
- Medicare is the public scheme. It pays some or all of the cost of seeing a GP (general practitioner), many specialist services, tests and treatment as a public patient in a public hospital
- The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) lowers the cost of many prescription medicines for eligible people
- Private health insurance can cover treatment as a private patient, choice of doctor in hospital, and “extras” such as dental, physio and optical
Most people start by seeing a GP. GPs work in medical centres and clinics and can refer you to specialists if needed.
Who Can Use Medicare?
You can generally enrol in Medicare if you are:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A New Zealand citizen living in Australia
- Someone who has applied for permanent residency and meets certain conditions
- A visitor from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia (limited cover only)
Most temporary visa holders, including many international students, working holiday makers and sponsored workers, cannot use Medicare unless a reciprocal agreement applies. They usually need their own health insurance.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with 11 countries:
| Country | Note |
|---|---|
| Belgium | |
| Finland | Student visa holders not eligible |
| Italy | Cover for up to 6 months |
| Malta | Cover for up to 6 months; student visa holders not eligible |
| Netherlands | |
| New Zealand | No Medicare enrolment needed for visitors; show your NZ passport |
| Norway | Student visa holders not eligible |
| Republic of Ireland | Student visa holders not eligible |
| Slovenia | |
| Sweden | |
| United Kingdom |
These agreements only cover medically necessary treatment, the kind that cannot wait until you go home, as a public patient. They do not cover private hospitals, ambulance, dental, elective treatment or medical evacuation. Visitors from these countries (except New Zealand) usually need to enrol in Medicare to use their cover. Conditions apply, so check Services Australia for your country.
How to Enrol in Medicare
- Check that you are eligible on the Services Australia website
- Gather your documents, such as your passport and visa details
- Apply online or at a service centre. Many people can enrol through their myGov account
- Receive your Medicare number, and later your Medicare card by post
- Link Medicare to myGov to see your claims and update your details
Once you have your card, show it at the doctor, hospital and pharmacy.
What Is Bulk Billing?
When a doctor bulk bills, they charge Medicare directly, so you pay nothing for that service. Not all clinics bulk bill everyone. Some charge a fee, and Medicare pays you back part of it. The difference you pay is called the “gap” or out-of-pocket cost.
Before you book, ask the clinic whether it bulk bills and what the fee is. Bulk billing can be harder to find in some areas, including some regional towns.
Health Cover for Temporary Visa Holders
International students
Most Student visa holders must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their whole stay. It helps pay for GP visits, hospital treatment and some medicines. Our Student visa guide explains the visa conditions.
Working holiday makers
Working holiday makers usually cannot use Medicare unless they are from a reciprocal agreement country. Travel insurance or overseas visitor health cover is strongly recommended. Read more in our Working Holiday visa guide.
Sponsored workers and other visas
Many temporary work visas require you to hold adequate health insurance for your stay. Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is designed for this. Check your visa conditions in VEVO.
The Medicare Levy and Surcharge
Most Australian residents for tax purposes pay a Medicare levy of 2% of their taxable income, collected through the tax system.
Higher-income earners without the right level of private hospital cover may also pay the Medicare levy surcharge. This is one reason some people take out private hospital insurance. If you are a temporary resident who is not eligible for Medicare, you may be able to claim an exemption from the Medicare levy when you lodge your tax return.
Emergencies and Ambulance
In an emergency, call 000 for an ambulance, police or fire. Public hospital emergency departments treat urgent cases first.
Ambulance costs are handled differently in each state and territory. Medicare does not usually cover ambulance trips, and the fees can be high in some states. Many people have ambulance cover through private insurance or a state scheme, so check the rules where you live.
For non-urgent health advice, many states have nurse advice lines, and the national healthdirect service can help you find the right care.
Prescription Medicines
If you are eligible, the PBS lowers the price of many prescription medicines. Pharmacies (also called chemists) dispense prescriptions from your doctor. Some common medicines are available without a prescription. Ask the pharmacist if you are unsure what you need.
Dental and Eye Care
Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care for adults or most glasses and contact lenses. Many people use private health “extras” cover for these. Some public dental services are available for eligible people, but waiting times can be long.
Tips for Newcomers
- Find a regular GP close to home or work. It makes ongoing care much easier
- Keep your Medicare card or health insurance details with you
- Ask about fees before appointments
- Use telehealth (phone or video appointments) for some consultations
- Keep receipts in case you need to claim
- Update your address with Medicare and your insurer when you move
Finding a Doctor and Mental Health Support
You can search for local GPs and clinics through online booking platforms, the healthdirect service finder or by asking colleagues and neighbours. Many clinics let you book online.
Mental health support is also available. A GP can create a mental health treatment plan, which may give eligible Medicare card holders subsidised sessions with a psychologist. Free and confidential support services, such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), are available to anyone in Australia.
Common Healthcare Costs Without Medicare
If you are not covered by Medicare, you pay the full cost of private health services, and then claim from your insurer if you are covered. Doctor visits, specialist appointments, tests and hospital stays can all be expensive, so check what your policy covers before you need care. Always carry your insurance card or policy number and keep receipts for claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Medicare on a temporary visa?
Usually not, unless you are from a reciprocal agreement country, a New Zealand citizen, or you have applied for permanent residency and meet the conditions.
Is Medicare free?
Medicare pays some or all of the cost of many services. If a doctor bulk bills, you pay nothing for that visit. If not, you may pay a gap fee. Most taxpayers also contribute through the 2% Medicare levy.
Do international students get Medicare?
Most international students do not. They need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) instead, with some exceptions for students from certain countries.
Do I need private health insurance in Australia?
It depends on your visa and income. Many temporary visa holders must have insurance. For Medicare-eligible residents, private cover is optional, but higher earners may pay the Medicare levy surcharge without it.
What number do I call in an emergency?
Call 000 for ambulance, police or fire.
Final Thoughts
Your access to healthcare in Australia depends mainly on your visa. Citizens, permanent residents and some visitors can use Medicare, while most students and temporary workers need their own insurance. Check your eligibility early, enrol in Medicare if you can, and make sure you have the right cover before you need it.
Once your health cover is sorted, our guides on opening a bank account and renting a home in Australia will help you settle in.
Related Guides
- How to Rent a House or Apartment in Australia
- Student Visa Australia (500)
- Working Holiday Visa Australia
- Cost of Living in Australia
Official Resources
- Medicare – Services Australia
- Reciprocal Health Care Agreements – Services Australia
- healthdirect – free Australian health advice
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