Medicare

Medicare is designed to provide Australians with free or low-cost medical, optometrical and hospital care. The 3 main parts of Medicare relate to medical (doctors/specialists visits), hospital (free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (providing subsidised medications to Australians).

Medicare is funded by taxes and the Medicare Levy - a special tax of 1.5% of taxable income (a variation to this calculation may occur in certain circumstances).

Many overseas visitors are ineligible for Medicare while those from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Arrangement may be entitled to a limited form of Medicare. 

Overseas visitors should contact HICA to discuss their entitlements and request a health insurance assessment.

More information about Medicare

Medicare Benefits
Access to Medicare
Medicare and Australians Traveling Overseas
Medicare and Overseas Visitors