What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia's public healthcare system. It gives all Australians access to healthcare at low or no cost. Some visa holders and visitors can access Medicare. It’s important to check your visa.
Medicare typically covers visits to the doctor, public hospital treatment, some tests and scans, and some medicines. There may be instances where a ‘gap’ is payable.
Medicare does not cover dental work, glasses, or private hospital stays. In some states, Medicare does not cover the cost of getting an ambulance.
Learn more about Medicare on the Australian government Department of Health website. Find out how it works, what’s covered and who is eligible.
Types of private health insurance in Australia
There are two types of private health insurance in Australia – hospital cover and extras cover. Hospital cover pays for care in a private hospital. It also pays for care as a private patient in a public hospital. Extra cover pays for care such as dental, eye care, and physiotherapy.
When you choose a private health insurance plan, think about what you need and what your budget is. You can choose and pay for a health insurance plan online. Once you sign up, you’ll get a policy. You can start using your cover after any waiting periods.
Find and compare private health insurance policies on the Australian government Department of Health website.
Accessing local medical services
To see a doctor in Australia, you usually go to a General Practitioner (GP). You can look for local GPs online using websites such as HotDoc or HealthDirect. Some doctor clinics “bulk bill,” which means they send the bill straight to Medicare and you don’t have to pay. Others charge a fee which you pay on the day, and you may get some money back from Medicare or your insurer.
Some states and territories have community health centres. These centres may provide free health education, family care, childhood healthcare, vaccinations, and mental health support.
For serious medical emergencies, you can call 000. This calls the ambulance, police and fire brigade services. You can learn more by visiting the Triple Zero website.
Learn more about health and wellbeing in Australia on the Australian government Department of Home Affairs website.
Tips for staying healthy in Australia
Moving to a new country can be stressful. It’s important to look after yourself and your health. Here are some tips that could help:
- Stay active: there are many outdoor spaces in Australia
- Protect your skin: the Australian sun is very strong. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Mental health support: Third parties such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline are mental health support services available online or via phone 24/7
- Visit your GP: they can help with physical and mental health, and make any referrals to specialist doctors.
Planning ahead
Before you leave your home country you might want to:
- Speak to your doctor. If you take regular medication, you might need a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter.
- Buy the right health insurance for your visa
- Learn how to access medical help in Australia
After you arrive in Australia, think about:
- Enrolling in Medicare if you’re eligible
- Finding a local GP
- Learning the location of your nearby hospital
To sum up
It’s important for migrants coming to Australia to understand how healthcare works. Some migrants may be eligible for Medicare, while others, like visitors from countries including India, might need private health insurance. Choosing the right healthcare in Australia could help you avoid high medical costs.