Healthcare in Australia for expats

Australia uses a universal, publicly funded healthcare system known as Australian Medicare. It is funded primarily by a 2% income tax levy, with higher-income households paying an additional surcharge if they do not have private health insurance. The system covers all citizens, permanent residents, and expats on a work visa meeting residency requirements. Over half of Australians purchase private health insurance to supplement Medicare.

Enrollment in Australian Medicare is automatic for citizens. It also extends to New Zealand, Ireland, and UK citizens under a reciprocal agreement, but not to the US. Visitors and undocumented individuals are treated as private-pay patients under Medicare, including for emergency services.

Australia’s public healthcare system provides free treatment at public hospitals and subsidies for GP and specialist visits. However, services like dental care, ambulance services, and some therapies are excluded. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) outlines the specific subsidies provided for various services.

For permanent residents, private health insurance fills in the gaps left by Medicare, typically covering dental, vision, rehabilitation, and outpatient medications not subsidized by Medicare. While private insurance offers faster access and additional coverage, it supplements rather than replaces public healthcare.

Pharmacies, or chemists, are widespread and stock a range of medications, though availability may differ from the US. Prescriptions must come from an Australian doctor to be filled locally. Expats requiring ADHD medications or other controlled substances may face challenges getting new prescriptions and should address these issues before relocating.

Finding a general physician (GP) in Australia is straightforward. You can see any GP accepting new patients. Once registered for Medicare, consider asking neighbors, local pharmacists, or expat Facebook groups for recommendations.

While you can legally see a specialist without a referral, the primary care model encourages referrals from GPs for both public and private healthcare systems. Walk-in clinics offer convenient options for non-urgent care or while you search for a regular GP.