A Backpackers Guide To Medicare in Australia

Planning your ultimate backpacking trip through Australia? While you’re sorting out transport, accommodation, and itineraries, don’t forget to look into your healthcare options. If you’ve looked into this already, you may have come across the term Medicare. This is Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides essential medical services to Australian citizens and eligible visitors. Trying to navigate Medicare as a backpacker can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we’ve created a simple guide that breaks it all down. Read on to learn more about your healthcare options so you can enjoy your east coast tour with total peace of mind!

What is Medicare in Australia? 

Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system, providing free or low-cost healthcare and hospital services to Aussie citizens, permanent residents and some eligible visitors from overseas. It’s a system that is funded by Australian taxpayers via a ‘Medicare levy’ that’s added to their annual tax returns.

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers or partially covers the cost of:

• Emergency treatment as a public patient in public hospitals

• GP or specialist appointments

• Tests and scans

• Most surgeries and medical procedures by doctors

• Eye tests by optometrists

• Medicine prescriptions

However, it doesn’t cover services like ambulance costs, glasses & hearing aids, most dental services, or cosmetic surgery.

How does Medicare pay you back?

Some doctors bulk bill, meaning Medicare covers the entire cost of your appointment. If not, you may be required to pay the full cost of your appointment upfront and claim a reimbursement, or else pay the difference between the total cost and Medicare’s contribution.

Always ask your healthcare provider about costs before you attend your appointment, and bring your Medicare card along with you just in case.

Who is eligible for Medicare in Australia?

You can qualify for Medicare in Australia if you are:

• A citizen of Australia or New Zealand

• A permanent resident of Australia

• A citizen or permanent resident of Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands, Christmas Island, or Lord Howe Island

• Someone who has applied for permanent residency (in certain circumstances)

• A temporary resident who is covered by a Ministerial Order. Check out the Australian Government’s website for more information on who this covers.

• Someone who is covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) through another country. 

Are Backpackers Eligible for Medicare?

If you’re a backpacker coming to Australia on a holiday or working holiday visa, you may be eligible for Medicare through a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). Right now, Australia shares an RHCA with the following countries: 

• Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, The Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, The United Kingdom

If you spot your home country or your previous country of residence on this list, you’re in luck! It’s likely that you can score some sweet, sweet Medicare benefits while you’re Down Under! However, it’s important to note that what you’re entitled to varies by country. For example, if you’re from the Republic of Ireland, you’re entitled to medically necessary emergency care and some prescription medicine coverage through Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), but not to GP appointments or specialist care. Meanwhile, visitors from the UK are entitled broader coverage. Check out the Australian Government’s website for a full list of eligible countries for specific details.

If your country isn’t on the list then, sadly, you won’t qualify for Medicare while you’re backpacking Australia. To soften the blow of any possible medical costs during your visit, it’s a great idea to get private health insurance during your time in Australia. More on that later!

How long can I use Medicare while in Australia on a backpacker visa?  

This is another aspect of Medicare that depends on where you’re coming from. Some backpackers will qualify for Medicare for their entire time in Australia, while others will only qualify for their first 6 months in the country. To make things a little clearer, here’s a table of all the countries who share an RHCA with Australia and what they qualify for:

How to Apply for Medicare as a Backpacker

If you’re eligible for Medicare, you can quickly apply for it online by following these steps:

1. Create a myGov account if you don’t have one.

2. Gather your documents. This includes your visa from the Department of Home Affairs and your passport. In some cases you may also be asked to show additional documents (e.g. European Health Insurance Card, proof of insurance in your previous country of residence, documents proving you lived in your previous country of residence).

3. Log in to your myGov account and submit your application

4. Wait for approval!

How long does it take to get a medicare card?

Once you get approved for Medicare, it will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks to get your card in the post. It will be sent to the address that you gave to myGov when you signed up, so make sure your details are correct!

Do Backpackers Need Private Health Insurance in Australia?

If your country doesn’t have an RHCA with Australia, it’s a good idea to get private health insurance. The best insurance option for backpackers, holidaymakers, and working holiday visa holders is Overseas Health Cover (OVHC). OVHC is available through most Australian health insurance providers, and typically covers any medically necessary hospital visits, emergency ambulance transport, and part of your doctor’s appointment fees. Costs and coverage can vary, so it’s definitely worth shopping around.

For more peace of mind, you can also add coverage for healthcare services like physiotherapy, dental, optometry, or chiropractic care. This is also a great option for international visitors who are entitled to some, but not all, of Medicare’s benefits.

What To Do in an Emergency

In the event of an emergency, call 000. This is Australia’s main emergency service number.

If you have Medicare, your hospital costs as a public patient in a public hospital will be covered.You’ll need to have your Medicare card or number with you when you go. Medicare can cover some of the cost for hospital services and procedures. Private health insurance can cover your costs as a private patient in hospital.

However, Medicare does not cover ambulance costs. Ambulance fees vary by state. Some charge callout and per km fees, though Queensland and Tasmania provide residents with free ambulance services. Depending on your policy, private health insurance may also cover the cost of an emergency ambulance call out.

Getting ready to book the Australian holiday of your dreams? Take a look through our top Traveller Tips for any other information you might need before you head Down Under.

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