Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system, providing access to essential medical services at little or no cost. For expats moving to Australia, understanding Medicare is crucial for managing your healthcare needs and meeting visa requirements. This guide explains who is eligible for Medicare, what it covers, and how to enrol, ensuring you can navigate the system with confidence.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is funded through taxes and offers access to healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. It ensures that all Australians and eligible residents receive affordable healthcare.

Medicare is available to citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary visa holders under reciprocal healthcare agreements (RHCA) with specific countries.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

Eligibility for Medicare depends on your residency status and visa type.

1. Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
   • Automatically eligible for Medicare.
2. Temporary Residents
   • May be eligible if their home country has an RHCA with Australia. Participating countries include:
     • United Kingdom
     • New Zealand
     • Ireland
     • Italy
     • Malta
     • The Netherlands
     • Sweden
     • Finland
     • Norway
     • Belgium
   • Visa holders such as Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) may need to arrange private health insurance if ineligible for Medicare.
3. International Students and Visitors
   • Typically not eligible for Medicare and must hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare provides coverage for a wide range of medical services:

1. Doctor Visits (GPs)
   • Free or subsidised visits to general practitioners (GPs). Some doctors bulk bill, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
2. Specialists
   • Partially subsidised visits to specialists like dermatologists, cardiologists, or gynaecologists with a GP referral.
3. Hospital Care
   • Free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital.
   • Partial subsidies for private hospital services.
4. Diagnostic Tests
   • Coverage for X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures.
5. Prescription Medications
   • Subsidies under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), reducing the cost of essential medications.
6. Mental Health Services
   • Subsidised sessions with psychologists under a GP mental health care plan.

Medicare does not cover:

• Ambulance services.
• Cosmetic procedures.
• Dental care (except in specific circumstances).
• Glasses or contact lenses.

How to Enrol in Medicare

If you’re eligible, follow these steps to enrol in Medicare:

1. Gather Required Documents
   • Passport and visa details.
   • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement).
   • Documents proving your eligibility under an RHCA (if applicable).
2. Visit a Medicare Service Centre
   • Complete the enrolment form available online or in person at a service centre.
3. Receive Your Medicare Card
   • Once approved, you’ll receive a Medicare card, which you must present when accessing medical services.

Understanding Medicare Levy and Surcharge

1. Medicare Levy
   • A 2% tax on your income to fund Medicare. Most residents and eligible visa holders must pay this levy.
2. Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)
   • An additional tax for individuals earning above AUD $93,000 (or families earning above AUD $186,000) who don’t have private health insurance. The surcharge encourages high-income earners to reduce the strain on the public system.

Medicare and Private Health Insurance

While Medicare covers many healthcare needs, some expats choose private health insurance for additional benefits, such as:

• Access to private hospitals.
• Shorter waiting times for elective procedures.
• Coverage for dental, optical, and physiotherapy services.
• Meeting visa requirements for temporary residents.

Private insurance complements Medicare by covering out-of-pocket expenses not included in the public system.

Tips for Expats Using Medicare

• Find Bulk Billing Clinics: Look for doctors who bulk bill to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
• Keep Your Card Handy: Always carry your Medicare card for easy access to healthcare services.
• Understand Prescription Costs: Use PBS-listed medications to reduce pharmacy bills.
• Consider Additional Coverage: Evaluate your need for private insurance to cover gaps in Medicare.

Medicare is a vital part of Australia’s healthcare system, offering affordable and accessible medical services to eligible residents. As an expat, understanding your eligibility, coverage options, and enrolment process will ensure you’re prepared to manage your healthcare needs. Whether you rely solely on Medicare or combine it with private insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to high-quality healthcare in Australia.