Healthcare in Australia: A Complete Guide for Migrants

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, consistently ranked in the top 10 globally. But for migrants arriving from countries with very different systems, navigating Australian healthcare can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know, from understanding Medicare and private insurance to finding a doctor, accessing mental health support, and managing prescription costs.

Understanding the Australian healthcare system

Australia runs a dual healthcare system. The public system, funded through Medicare, provides free or subsidised treatment at public hospitals and subsidised visits to general practitioners (GPs) and specialists. The private system offers faster access, choice of doctor, and treatment in private hospitals, funded through private health insurance.

Medicare is funded partly through a 2% Medicare Levy on taxable income (with an additional 1% to 1.5% surcharge for higher earners who do not hold private hospital cover). If you earn under a certain threshold, you may be exempt from the levy entirely.

The practical difference for most migrants: if you have Medicare, you can see a GP for free (if they bulk bill) or at reduced cost, get treated at a public hospital at no charge, and access subsidised prescriptions. Without Medicare, you will need private health insurance and should expect to pay full price for most medical services.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Your Medicare eligibility depends primarily on your visa type. Here is a breakdown of the most common visa categories:

How to register for Medicare

If you are eligible, you should register for Medicare as soon as possible after arriving in Australia. Here is the process, step by step:

1. Visit a Medicare Service Centre. You can find your nearest centre on the Services Australia website. Major airports sometimes have a service centre in the arrivals area.
2. Bring the required documents. You will need your passport, your visa grant letter (or travel document showing your visa), and proof of your Australian address (a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement).
3. Complete the Medicare Enrolment Application form. You can fill this out online ahead of time via the Services Australia website, or complete a paper form at the service centre.
4. Receive your Medicare number. You will usually receive a temporary number on the spot, which you can use immediately. Your physical Medicare card arrives by post within 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Download the Medicare app. The myGov and Medicare apps let you view your card digitally, check claim history, and submit claims from your phone.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements (RHCAs)

Australia has Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements with 11 countries. If you are a citizen of one of these countries and hold an eligible visa, you can access subsidised medical treatment through Medicare, even on a temporary visa. The agreements vary in scope, so not all services may be covered.

If you are from one of these countries, register for Medicare at a Service Centre. Bring your passport (showing citizenship of the RHCA country) and your visa. The agreement typically covers GP visits, public hospital treatment, and subsidised prescriptions, but not elective surgery, dental, or optical.

Private health insurance

Even if you have Medicare, many Australians also hold private health insurance. There are two main reasons: it gives you access to private hospitals (shorter waiting lists, choice of specialist) and it helps you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if you earn above $93,000 as a single or $186,000 as a family (2025-26 thresholds).

For temporary visa holders who are not eligible for Medicare (such as student visa holders), private health insurance is mandatory.

Types of cover

• Hospital cover: Covers treatment as a private patient in a hospital. Policies come in Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, with Gold covering the widest range of treatments.
• Extras cover: Covers services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. You choose a level based on what services you expect to use.
• Combined cover: Hospital and extras bundled together, which is what most people choose.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for student visa holders. Similar to basic hospital cover. Providers include Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, and NIB.

Comparing major providers

Use the government comparison tool at privatehealth.gov.au to compare policies side by side. Prices are approximate and vary by state, age, and excess level.

Finding a GP (general practitioner)

Your GP is your first point of contact for almost all healthcare in Australia. You need a GP referral to see most specialists, and your GP manages ongoing prescriptions, health checks, and referrals.

How bulk billing works

When a GP bulk bills, they charge Medicare directly and you pay nothing. However, bulk billing availability has declined significantly in recent years. In 2026, roughly 60% of GP visits are bulk billed nationally, but rates are much lower in inner-city areas of Sydney and Melbourne. Many GPs now charge a gap fee of $30 to $80 above the Medicare rebate.

How to find and book a GP

• HotDoc (hotdoc.com.au): The most popular booking platform. Filter by bulk billing, location, language, and availability. Book online instantly.
• HealthEngine (healthengine.com.au): Similar to HotDoc. Widely used in Western Australia and Queensland.
• Google Maps: Search "GP near me" and check reviews. Many clinics allow same-day walk-in appointments.

Tip: When you find a GP you like, register as a regular patient. Having a consistent GP who knows your history leads to better care and makes referrals smoother.

Emergency care

In a genuine emergency, call 000 (triple zero). This is Australia's emergency number for ambulance, fire, and police. You will be treated at a public hospital emergency department regardless of your Medicare status or ability to pay.

Public hospital emergency treatment is free for Medicare card holders. Without Medicare, you may receive a bill after treatment. Emergency departments use a triage system: life-threatening cases are seen immediately, while less urgent cases may wait several hours.

Ambulance costs by state

Mental health support

Moving to a new country is a major life event, and many migrants experience periods of stress, anxiety, or low mood. Australia has strong mental health support systems, and seeking help is widely encouraged and not stigmatised.

The Better Access program

If you have a Medicare card, you can access up to 10 individual Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year through the Better Access program. Here is how:

1. Book a longer appointment with your GP (tell reception you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which requires a 40-minute slot).
2. Your GP will assess your situation and create a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
3. Your GP will refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional.
4. Book your sessions. The Medicare rebate for a clinical psychologist session is approximately $93 (2025-26 rate). Some psychologists bulk bill, meaning no out-of-pocket cost. Others charge a gap.

Crisis support: If you or someone you know needs immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7), Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or in an emergency, call 000.

Prescriptions and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of most prescription medications for Medicare card holders. Without the PBS, many common medications would cost hundreds of dollars per script. With the PBS, you pay a maximum of $31.60 per prescription (2025-26 general rate) or $7.70 if you hold a concession card.

Once you reach the PBS Safety Net threshold ($1,563.50 for general patients in 2025-26), your co-payment drops to the concessional rate for the remainder of the calendar year. Your pharmacy tracks this automatically.

If you take regular medication, bring a letter from your current doctor listing your medications (with generic names, not just brand names) and enough supply to last your first few weeks. Your Australian GP can then write new prescriptions. Note that some medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in Australia, and vice versa.

Dental and optical care

Neither dental nor optical care is covered by Medicare for adults. This catches many migrants off guard, especially those from countries with comprehensive public dental and optical systems.

Typical dental costs (without insurance)

• Check-up and clean: $200 to $350
• Filling: $150 to $350
• Root canal: $900 to $1,500
• Extraction: $200 to $500
• Crown: $1,200 to $2,000

To reduce dental costs, consider private health insurance with extras cover (dental is the most-claimed extras benefit), visiting a university dental clinic (significantly cheaper, supervised by qualified dentists), or accessing public dental through a community health centre if you hold a concession card (wait times of 6 to 12 months are common).

Optical

An eye test at an optometrist is covered by Medicare (usually bulk billed). However, glasses and contact lenses are not covered. Budget $200 to $600 for a pair of prescription glasses from a retail optometrist. Budget retailers like Specsavers and OPSM offer two-for-one deals and frames starting around $149 for two pairs.