✅ What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded universal healthcare scheme. It is operated by the Australian Government and provides eligible individuals with access to a wide range of health services, either free or at a reduced cost.
Medicare was introduced in 1984 and is funded by taxpayers through the Medicare Levy, which is typically 2% of your taxable income.
🏥 What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare helps cover:
- Doctor (GP) consultations
- Specialist consultations (with a referral from a GP)
- Treatment in public hospitals as a public patient
- Some diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, blood tests)
- Eye tests by optometrists
- Certain surgical procedures
- Prescribed medicines (partially covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – PBS)
For full details, visit:
🔗 www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-services
❌ What’s Not Covered?
While Medicare is broad, it does not cover:
- Most dental services
- Ambulance services (varies by state)
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Private hospital accommodation (unless covered by private health insurance)
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic, and podiatry (unless covered under specific programs)
For additional coverage, many Australians opt for private health insurance.
🧑🤝🧑 Who is Eligible for Medicare?
You may be eligible for Medicare if you are:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A New Zealand citizen living in Australia
- A person holding an eligible visa (e.g., some temporary visas under reciprocal healthcare agreements)
Note for international students:
International students are not eligible for Medicare and must instead have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — which is a mandatory requirement for a student visa. At Student Consultants, we guide students in selecting the right OSHC provider during admission and visa processes.
Check eligibility here:
🔗 www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-eligibility
📝 How to Apply for Medicare
You can apply for Medicare by visiting a Medicare service centre or applying online through your myGov account.
Steps:
- Complete the Medicare enrolment form:
🔗 Medicare Enrolment Form (MS004) - Provide valid identity documents (passport, visa, residency proof).
- Submit the form in person or by mail to your nearest Medicare office.
Once enrolled, you’ll receive your Medicare card within a few weeks.
📌 Important Notes for Australians
- Your Medicare card allows bulk billing, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for many GP visits and public hospital treatments.
- Always ensure your details are up to date on the myGov platform.
- You can link Medicare to myGov for easier access to claims, appointment history, and immunisation records.
Useful government links:
🧭 How Student Consultants Can Help
While Medicare is not available for most international students, Student Consultants offers guidance on:
- Choosing the right Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Navigating health services as a student in Australia
- Understanding visa conditions and health insurance requirements
- Admission support, course counselling, and job assistance during your stay in Australia
Let Student Consultants simplify your journey to study and live in Australia with confidence.
📩 Contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.studentconsultants.com.au
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Student Consultants does not take responsibility for the accuracy of this information. Please always check the most up-to-date information directly from the official government websites such as Services Australia and Department of Health.
