Australia Healthcare System (Medicare)
What is Medicare
The Australia Healthcare Public system is called Medicare and is similar to the NHS scheme that operates in the United Kingdom.
All Australian citizens, permanent residents and some visitors to Australia have access to the Australia Healthcare (Medicare) system and through Medicare, access to medical and hospital services in Australia.
Medicare means that most people, including migrants who hold permanent residence visas or have lodged an application for permanent residence, have access to:
- Free or subsidised treatment by doctors, optometrists, specialists, dentists (in some specific circumstances) and other health professionals.
- Free treatment and hospital accommodation in a public hospital as a public patient.
- 75% of the Medicare Schedule fee for services and procedures you received in a public or private hospital as a private patient, excluding hospital accommodation, theatre fees and medicines.
Medicare also provides additional benefits for eligible services once you reach the Medicare Safety Net Threshold, meaning if you require regular treatment or doctor visits the costs you have to pay are reduced. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) also means, that if you are eligible, you pay less for prescribed PBS medicines. Please click on the following link for the 2015 Medicare Safety Net Thresholds.
How To Apply For A Medicare Card
You and all members of your family who are applying for a Medicare Card need to be in Australia to apply for Medicare.
The steps to apply are as follows:
- Complete the Medicare Enrolment Application Form click on the link to open the form. Or you can download the form HERE
- Return the form and any relevant original documents (or certified copies) to your nearest Medicare Service Centre.
- Please Note that all applicants on the form who are 15 years old or over must attend the Medicare Service Centre.
- You will need to provide your passport and the passports for all applicants on the Medicare enrolment form as well as proof of a valid visa or original visa grant letter for all applicants on the form.
- Please check that you meet the eligibility requirements to register for Medicare.
