What Medicare is
Medicare is Australia's public health insurance. For eligible residents it pays part or all of the cost of seeing a GP, seeing specialists (with a referral), being treated in a public hospital, and many tests. You get a Medicare card with a number, keep it safe and show it at every visit.
Medicare covers the public system. Private health insurance is separate and optional. It mainly helps with private hospital choice and 'extras' like dental and optical.
Who's eligible, and how to enrol
- Citizens and permanent residents are generally eligible: enrol with Services Australia and you'll be issued a Medicare card.
- New PR: apply as soon as you can. Without the card, bulk-billing clinics can't bill Medicare for you.
- Visitors from Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries (e.g. UK, NZ, Ireland) may get limited cover for medically necessary care.
- Students and temporary visa holders usually aren't eligible and rely on OSHC / OVHC instead.
What it covers (and what it doesn't)
| Service | Medicare | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| GP visit | Covered | $0 if bulk billed, else a gap |
| Specialist (with GP referral) | Part rebate | Often a gap on top |
| Public hospital (as a public patient) | Covered | $0 |
| Blood tests & imaging | Often covered | $0 if the provider bulk bills |
| Most dental | Not covered | Pay privately / private extras |
| Physio, optical, ambulance* | Generally not | Pay privately (*ambulance varies by state) |
Whether a test or clinic is free depends on whether that provider bulk bills. Not every one does, and the same service can cost differently between providers. Ask 'Do you bulk bill?' when booking.
Bulk billing, the gap, and the Safety Net
Bulk billing means the clinic charges Medicare directly and you pay $0. If a clinic doesn't, you pay a gap on top of the Medicare rebate. The Medicare Safety Net helps once your yearly out-of-pocket costs pass a threshold. After that, Medicare rebates more for the rest of the year. Register your family with Services Australia so your costs are counted together.
On HaoDoc, tick "Bulk billing only" to list clinics where the visit is free.
Medicines: the PBS
Many prescription medicines are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so you pay a capped amount per item, and less again if you hold a concession card. Medicines not on the PBS are charged at full price, which can vary a lot, so it's worth asking.
No Medicare yet? Your options
- International students: OSHC covers GP visits, hospital and some tests, usually pay then claim back.
- Work / temporary visas: OVHC, or a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement if your country has one.
- Visitors: travel insurance or pay the full fee.
Students: see our dedicated guide on using your OSHC cover.
Questions new migrants ask most
Who is eligible for Medicare?
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders are generally eligible. Visitors from countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (e.g. UK, NZ) may get limited cover. Enrol with Services Australia and carry your Medicare card.
What does Medicare cover?
It covers part or all of GP visits, specialist visits with a referral, public hospital care, and many pathology and imaging tests. It generally does NOT cover most dental, physiotherapy, optical, or ambulance (which varies by state).
What is bulk billing?
Bulk billing means the clinic bills Medicare directly and you pay $0. If a clinic doesn't bulk bill, you pay a 'gap' on top of the Medicare rebate. Use the bulk-billing filter on HaoDoc to find clinics that bill this way.
What is the Medicare Safety Net?
Once your out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital services pass a yearly threshold, the Safety Net increases your Medicare rebate for the rest of the year. Register your family with Services Australia so costs are counted together.
Are my medicines covered?
Many prescription medicines are subsidised under the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), so you pay a capped amount, less again with a concession card. Non-PBS medicines are charged at full price.
I'm a student or visitor without Medicare, what do I do?
Students hold OSHC, working/temporary visa holders often hold OVHC, and some visitors are covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. You usually pay first and claim back from your insurer; some clinics bill the insurer directly.
This article is general information, not medical or financial advice. Medicare rules, thresholds and PBS prices change over time. Confirm current details with Services Australia and your clinic. Information is from public sources, for reference only.