What Is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia's universal public health insurance scheme, funded by the federal government and administered by Services Australia. It provides eligible residents with subsidised or fully covered access to a broad range of medical services, including GP visits, specialist consultations, hospital treatment, and some allied health services.
Medicare is funded in part through the Medicare Levy, which most taxpayers contribute at a rate of 2% of their taxable income.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible for Medicare if you are:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A New Zealand citizen residing in Australia
- A person from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia — including the UK, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, and several others
- Certain temporary visa holders (check current visa eligibility with Services Australia)
How to Enrol in Medicare
- Gather your documents: You'll need proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate), proof of residency status, and your visa details if applicable.
- Apply online or in person: Applications can be made through your myGov account (linked to Medicare) or at a Services Australia service centre.
- Receive your Medicare card: Once approved, your Medicare card will be mailed to you. You can also access a digital card through the Medicare app or myGov.
What Does Medicare Cover?
| Service | Medicare Coverage |
|---|---|
| GP consultations (bulk billed) | 100% covered |
| GP consultations (non-bulk billed) | Partial rebate — you pay the gap |
| Specialist consultations | Partial rebate applies |
| Public hospital treatment | Fully covered as a public patient |
| Diagnostic imaging & pathology | Subsidised under the MBS |
| Dental (general) | Not covered (see Child Dental Benefits) |
| Ambulance | Not covered (state-based schemes vary) |
Bulk Billing Explained
When a doctor bulk bills, they accept the Medicare rebate as full payment for the service — meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. Not all GPs bulk bill all patients, so it's worth checking with your practice beforehand. The federal government has policies aimed at expanding bulk billing, particularly for concession card holders, children, and pensioners.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Medicare works alongside the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which subsidises the cost of many prescription medicines. With a PBS prescription, you pay a government-regulated co-payment rather than the full cost of the medication. Concession card holders pay a lower co-payment rate.
Medicare Safety Net
If your out-of-pocket medical costs in a calendar year exceed certain thresholds, the Medicare Safety Net kicks in and increases the rebate you receive for subsequent services. This provides important protection for people with high or ongoing healthcare needs.
Useful Resources
- Services Australia: servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Medicare enquiries: 132 011
- myGov portal: my.gov.au