Healthcare in Australia
Australia's Medicare system provides world-class universal healthcare. Here's what migrants need to know about accessing medical services from day one.
Medicare: Australia's Universal Health System
Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme, funded through a 2% Medicare Levy on taxable income. It provides free or subsidised access to a wide range of medical services for eligible residents. Most permanent residents and citizens are eligible for Medicare from the date they become a permanent resident.
Australia also has reciprocal health care agreements with countries including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia, and Norway. Temporary visa holders from non-agreement countries must have private health cover (OVHC).
What Medicare Covers
Covers public hospital treatment, subsidised GP visits, specialist referrals, pathology, and imaging. Dental and optical are excluded.
How to Enrol
Visit a Medicare Service Centre with your visa grant, passport, and proof of address. Your card arrives within 2–4 weeks.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
The PBS subsidises 5,000+ prescription medicines to ~$31.60 per item for Medicare card holders.
GP vs Specialist System
Australia is referral-based. See your GP first; they issue specialist referrals for cardiologists, dermatologists, and more.
Private Health Insurance
Private cover gives hospital choice, shorter waits, and extras (dental, optical), with a 30–40% government rebate.
Mental Health Services
Up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year via a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
