Understanding Medicare in Australia made easy! Let’s tackle this subject together. Australia’s healthcare system is built on Medicare, a public health insurance scheme that ensures residents can access essential medical services at little or no cost. It’s a cornerstone of Australia’s universal healthcare, and knowing who is covered — and what options exist if you’re not — is essential for anyone living, working, or studying in the country.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the publicly funded health system that provides access to:
Free or subsidised doctor visits (General Practitioners and some specialists).
Treatment in public hospitals as a public patient, free of charge.
Discounted prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Some diagnostic tests and pathology (like X-rays, blood tests).
Who Can Access Medicare?
Medicare is available to:
Australian citizens.
Permanent residents.
New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
People covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) — Australia has agreements with several countries (like the UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and others) allowing their residents limited access to Medicare when in Australia.
To enrol, eligible people need to apply through Services Australia and receive a Medicare card.
Who Cannot Access Medicare?
Temporary visa holders (including most work visas).
International students (unless from an RHCA country).
Visitors on tourist visas.
Alternatives for Temporary Visa Holders and Students
Since Medicare isn’t available to everyone, Australia requires or encourages alternatives:
1. Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Required for most temporary work visa holders (e.g., subclass 482, 485).
Helps cover hospital and medical costs during your stay.
Offered by private health insurers (like Bupa, Medibank, NIB, etc.).
2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Mandatory for all international students (visa subclass 500).
Must be arranged before the student visa is granted.
Covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, some prescriptions, and emergency ambulance services.
OSHC ensures students can access healthcare without unexpected high costs.
3. Private Health Insurance (Extras/Top-up Cover)
Many visitors and students also add extras cover (e.g., dental, optical, physiotherapy), which Medicare does not cover — even for residents.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA)
If you’re from a country with an RHCA (like the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, or New Zealand), you may have limited access to Medicare during your stay in Australia.
This usually covers necessary medical treatment for illness or injury while in Australia.
It is not a replacement for full health insurance, and you may still need OSHC or OVHC depending on your visa.
How MOR. Relocation Supports You
At MOR. Relocation, we understand the complexities of healthcare access for temporary residents and international students. That’s why, through our close network of trusted providers and partners, we have the means to ensure our clients receive the coverage and care they need — even if they are not eligible for Medicare.
Whether it’s arranging the right OVHC/OSHC plans, providing access to affordable private healthcare, or connecting clients with specialist services, we make sure no one is left without the right support.
Key Takeaways
Medicare = free or subsidised healthcare for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some visitors under RHCA.
Not available for temporary visa holders or most international students.
Temporary visa holders need OVHC.
Students need OSHC (mandatory).
We at MOR. Care Group can bridge the gap, using our strong network to cover and support clients who are not eligible for Medicare.
