How Does Medicare Work for New Migrants and Visa Holders? (2026)
Who can enrol in Medicare?
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and in many cases people who have applied for a permanent visa (including onshore partner visa applicants with work rights) can enrol. Enrolment is done through Services Australia with your passport, visa evidence and proof of your application if you are a PR applicant.
Which countries have reciprocal health agreements?
Eleven countries: the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Malta and Slovenia. Visitors from these countries get medically necessary care under Medicare — note that Italy and Malta cover only the first 6 months of a stay, and reciprocal cover is not a substitute for full health insurance.
What do students and temporary workers need?
Student visa holders must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their entire stay — it is a visa condition. Many temporary work visas carry condition 8501, requiring Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Working Holiday makers are not forced to insure, but one ambulance ride plus a private hospital night can cost more than the whole policy.
What does Medicare actually cover?
Free treatment as a public patient in public hospitals, subsidised GP and specialist visits, and cheaper medicines under the PBS. It does not cover dental, most ambulance trips, glasses or physiotherapy — Australians use private extras cover for those.
How do I enrol?
Take your passport, visa grant and supporting documents to a Services Australia centre or apply with the Medicare enrolment form; once enrolled, link Medicare to your myGov account and get the digital card in the app. Cards arrive by mail in about 3–4 weeks.
General information only, not personal migration advice.
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