Medicare in Australia — who can access it, how it works, and how to enrol

Medicare is Australia's public health system — funded by taxes and managed by the federal government. For those who have access, it covers GP visits, tests, hospital admissions, and other services at zero or greatly reduced cost. For those who do not have access, a visit to the emergency room can cost hundreds of dollars. Knowing whether you qualify is one of the most important things to understand when you arrive.

Who has access to Medicare?

Medicare is not automatic for everyone who arrives in Australia. Access depends primarily on your visa type and residency status. The general rule is: permanent residents and citizens have full access. Temporary visas, in most cases, do not have access — with some important exceptions.

⚠️ This table is a general guide. The full list of visas covered by Ministerial Order may change. Always confirm at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare

What Medicare covers — and what it does not

✅ What Medicare covers

• GP consultations at bulk-billing clinics — zero cost
• Specialist consultations (partial or full, depending on the doctor)
• Blood, urine, and laboratory tests (bulk billed in many cases)
• Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, mammography (partial)
• Admission to a public hospital as a public patient — zero cost
• Elective surgery at public hospitals (waiting list applies)
• Mental health: up to 10 psychology sessions per year (via Medicare Better Access)
• Some subsidised medications through the PBS

✗ What Medicare does NOT cover

• Dentist — 100% private for adults
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Physiotherapy, chiropractic, speech therapy — except when referred and within limits
• Ambulance — charged separately in most states
• Medications not listed on the PBS
• Consultations with doctors who charge above the scheduled fee (gap payment)
• Cosmetic treatments and non-essential procedures
• Private hospital as a private patient

How to enrol in Medicare

If you are eligible, the enrolment process is done through myGov (the Australian government's online portal) or in person at a Service Centre. You will receive a physical Medicare card with a 10-digit number — keep it safe, as it will be requested at every appointment.

How to use Medicare in practice

Seeing a doctor (GP)

The Australian system works through referrals. The GP (General Practitioner) is the entry point for almost everything. To see a specialist, you first need a referral from your GP. Going directly to a specialist without a referral means paying the full consultation fee without any Medicare rebate.

How to find a GP

• Use HotDoc to book online — filter by "bulk billing" for free appointments
• Search "bulk billing GP [your suburb/city]" on Google Maps
• Many clinics accept walk-ins for minor urgent issues, but waiting times can be long
• Telehealth: video consultations are also covered by Medicare

Mental health — Better Access

Medicare covers up to 10 psychology sessions per year under the Better Access program. To use it: (1) book an appointment with your GP; (2) ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan; (3) with the plan in hand, you can book with a Medicare-registered psychologist. Many psychologists charge A$200–300 per session — Medicare rebates approximately A$136. The remainder is the gap payment.

Urgent care and emergencies (public hospital)

In an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ED) of the nearest public hospital. Emergency treatment is covered by Medicare — there is no charge at the time of treatment. For minor urgent issues (fever, cuts, sprains), consider Urgent Care Clinics or GP clinics before going to hospital to avoid long waits.

Ambulance — the surprise that catches many people off guard

Ambulance is not covered by Medicare in most Australian states. A single ambulance call can cost between A$400 and A$1,400 depending on the state and distance travelled.

⚠️ Ambulance fees and rules vary by state and may change. Always confirm with your state's ambulance service.

OSHC and private health insurance — who needs it?

OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover

If you hold a student visa (subclass 500), OSHC is mandatory by law and is required for visa approval. In practice, you would have arranged OSHC before arriving in Australia — it is typically paid as part of your course enrolment. When you land, your cover is already active.

Private health insurance — when to consider it even with Medicare

Even those who have Medicare may benefit from a private plan ("extras" or "hospital + extras") to cover dental, optical, physiotherapy, ambulance, and private hospital admission with a choice of doctor. From age 31, the Australian government applies the Lifetime Health Cover Loading: for each year without private cover after 31, you pay 2% more in premiums when you eventually take out a policy.

Practical tips