Disclaimer
This article is provided by Australian Migration Agents for general information purposes only. We do not provide medical or health advice, and the content should not be treated as such. Our role is to assist visa applicants by ensuring that Medicare eligibility and related considerations are addressed as part of the visa application process, with your specific health needs carefully considered. For medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are applying for or already hold a valid visa to live in Australia, one of the first questions you may ask is whether you are eligible for Medicare. Understanding this is critical when planning your move or managing your stay in Australia.
Medicare is Australia’s universal healthcare system, giving people access to free or subsidised medical treatment, GP visits, specialist services, and prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
However, not all visa holders are automatically covered. Access depends on your visa type, country of origin, and whether Australia has a healthcare agreement with your home country.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
Your Medicare eligibility will depend on your visa status and circumstances. The main groups who qualify include:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents – Automatically eligible.
- New Zealand citizens – Usually eligible under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA).
- Permanent visa holders – Eligible once a permanent visa is granted.
- Temporary residents from RHCA countries – Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Finland, and Norway may qualify.
- Others under Ministerial orders – For example, some asylum seekers or holders of temporary protection visas. This includes those holding a Removal Pending Bridging Visa or a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (subclass 790). You may also be covered by a Ministerial Order if you are an unauthorised maritime arrival holding a Bridging E visa.
If you are not in one of these groups, you will not be eligible for Medicare and must arrange private health insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to meet visa conditions.
[aus_wide_service] [/aus_wide_service] 。
Medicare Requirements for Visa Holders
The requirements vary depending on your visa subclass and personal situation. In most cases, you will need to:
- Hold a visa that grants Medicare eligibility
- Meet residency requirements
- Provide proof of identity and your visa grant notice when applying
These requirements help ensure only eligible people access Medicare benefits, including treatment as a public patient in public hospitals.
Who Can Apply for Medicare?
You may be able to successfully enrol in Medicare if you are:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- A New Zealand citizen who is a resident in Australia
- A permanent visa holder
- A temporary visa holder from an RHCA country
- A certain temporary visa holder with specific eligibility under a Ministerial Order
- Someone who has applied for a permanent resident visa, such as a Partner visa (subclass 820/801), and holds a valid temporary visa. This is a common situation for many migrants and is often considered a stepping stone to permanent residency.
- You may also be eligible for Medicare access if you have a combined spouse visa application lodged with the Department of Home Affairs.
How to Enrol in Medicare
There are two main ways to enrol:
through myGov
The process to enrol online is straightforward. You must have your own myGov account to begin. From there, you can link Medicare to your myGov account. You will be asked to provide your current passport, ImmiCard, and valid visa details, then upload the required documents digitally.
By form
Alternatively, you can complete a paper Medicare enrolment form. You may submit the form with your supporting identity documents by post, email, or in person at a Services Australia service centre. Make sure your documents are not password protected.
For families, dependants can usually be added to the same application. Children under 15 can be enrolled by a parent, while those 15 or older typically need their own myGov account to complete their Medicare enrolment.
Accessing Medicare Services
Once enrolled, you will receive a Medicare card, which gives you access to:
- Free or subsidised GP visits
- Hospital treatment as a public patient
- Subsidised PBS medicines
- Some specialist services and tests
Medicare and Visa Applications
The relationship between Medicare and your visa applications is crucial. Medicare eligibility can also depend on your visa application status:
- Permanent residency applicants, you may be able to enrol in Medicare once you have lodged your permanent visa application, as long as you hold a valid temporary visa and meet other conditions (e.g., having permission to work or having a spouse, parent or child who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident).
- If your permanent resident application fails your Medicare access may end unless you have an appeal pending. If you lodge an appeal, you can apply to stay enrolled in Medicare until a final decision is reached.
- Student visa holders (Subclass 500) must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), as Medicare eligibility usually does not apply.
- Regional provisional visa holders (subclasses 491 and subclass 494) are generally eligible for Medicare access. This is a significant benefit for people on these skilled work regional visas.
[無料相談］
コンサルテーションを予約する。
ビザについての詳しい情報をお知りになりたい方は、オーストラリア移住エージェントにご相談ください。
[/free_consultation]。
Who Is Not Eligible for Medicare?
Most temporary visa holders from countries without a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement are not eligible. These visa holders must maintain private health insurance or OVHC to meet visa conditions.
Medicare Application Checklist
To apply, you will usually need:
- Proof of identity (current passport or ImmiCard)
- Visa grant notice or residency evidence
- Completed enrolment form (paper or online)
- Additional documents for dependants (if applicable)
- For permanent residency applicants, proof from the Department of Home Affairs that you have applied.
- If you are a de facto partner, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship.
- A current passport is the preferred identity document, but in some cases, other documents may be accepted.
Common Questions about Medicare for Visa Holders
Can bridging visa holders access Medicare?
Yes, in some cases. Some bridging visa holders can access Medicare if they have applied for a permanent visa and meet other criteria. This includes those with a Bridging E visa in specific circumstances.
Is private health insurance required if I qualify for Medicare?
No, but it may be useful to cover services not included under Medicare. While Australia's public healthcare system is robust, it does not cover everything. Things like dental care, physiotherapy, or private hospital treatments are not covered by Medicare, which is where private health insurance comes in.
How long does the application take?
Processing times vary, but you may get a digital Medicare card via the Express Plus Medicare app soon after approval.
Do dependants need to apply separately?
No, family members can usually be included in the same Medicare application.
オーストラリア移民エージェントがお手伝いできること
Medicare eligibility can be confusing, especially if it ties into your visa application. At Australian Migration Agents, we provide professional guidance and support to help you navigate this process with confidence. We:
- Explain whether you qualify for Medicare based on your visa type
- Help with Medicare enrolment as part of your visa process
- Ensure you meet any health cover requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs
- Guide families on how to include dependants in applications
If you are unsure about your eligibility or how Medicare applies to your situation, contact Australian Migration Agents today for expert advice tailored to your circumstances.
[登録移民エージェント][/registered_migration_agents]。
.png)