Is Health Care Free in Australia? Understanding Medicare and Health Costs

Decoding Medicare and Health Costs for Newcomers

Health care in Australia is not completely free, but at least basic services are heavily subsidized or provided free of charge by Medicare, the country’s universal public health system. Whether you are a resident, a student or a tourist, it’s important to know what’s covered, what’s not and how to shield yourself from surprise medical bills.

What Is Medicare and Who Can Use It?

Medicare is Australia’s public health system, funded by taxpayers. It provides free or low-cost access to essential medical services for:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent residents
• Certain visa holders (such as those under reciprocal health care agreements or humanitarian visas)

Medicare Covers:

• Doctor visits (General Practitioners - GPs)
• Treatment and accommodation in public hospitals as a public patient
• Diagnostic tests (blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds)
• Limited mental health services
• Subsidized prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

Even if you’re eligible for Medicare, you may still need to pay for:

• Dental care (except in special public programs or for children)
• Optometry items like glasses or contact lenses
• Ambulance services (coverage varies by state or territory)
• Physiotherapy, chiropractic, and other allied health services
• Private hospital care or choosing your own doctor in public hospitals

Many Australians choose private health insurance to cover services not included in Medicare and to access shorter wait times and private hospital options.

What About Tourists and International Students?

If you’re visiting Australia, you are not covered by Medicare unless you come from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA).

Countries with RHCA include:

United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Malta, and Slovenia.

Visitors from these countries may receive limited emergency medical care, but the coverage is basic and does not include ambulance services, private hospital care, or extras like dental.

International Students:

International students are required to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as part of their visa conditions. OSHC covers doctor visits, emergency hospital treatment, and limited medication.

Important: If you're visiting or studying in Australia, it’s essential to purchase appropriate health insurance before arrival. Without coverage, health care in Australia can be costly.

Why Do Australians Still Buy Private Health Insurance?

Even with Medicare, many Australians purchase private health insurance to:

• Avoid long public hospital wait times
• Access private hospitals and doctors
• Cover additional services like dental, physiotherapy, and optical
• Avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (a tax applied to high-income earners without private cover)

Summary: Is Health Free in Australia?

Health care in Australia is not completely free, but it is highly subsidized through Medicare for eligible residents. For others, including tourists, working holidaymakers, and students, private insurance or overseas visitor/student health cover is essential.

Planning to Visit or Move to Australia?

Before your trip, make sure you have the right visa and the right health coverage. Australian health care is world-class — but only if you’re properly prepared.

Let Australian Immigration Services help you apply for an ETA or eVisitor visa and advise you on what health coverage you’ll need during your stay.

Apply now with Australian Immigration Services and enjoy peace of mind on your Australian journey — health, safety, and travel covered.

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