Visitors from the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand
Overview
The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with the governments of the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand which entitles you to limited subsidised health services for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia.
Period of cover
As a resident of the Republic of Ireland or New Zealand you are covered for the duration of your approved visit to Australia.
Access to cover
Reciprocal health care agreements cover treatment that is medically necessary. Medically necessary treatment means any ill-health or injury which occurs while you are in Australia and which requires treatment before you return home.
Students
If you are visiting Australia on a student visa you are covered by the agreements.
Note: It is also a condition of your visa to take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Your entitlements
As a resident of the Republic of Ireland or New Zealand you are entitled to free treatment as a public in-patient or outpatient at a public hospital and access to subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme during your visit to Australia. This covers any ill health or injury needing medical treatment while in Australia. To access these benefits you should show your passport at hospitals or pharmacies. You are not entitled to Medicare benefits for non-hospital medical care and you will not be issued with a Medicare card.
Medical services not covered by Medicare
Medicare will not cover:
- medicines not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- dental work and allied health services
- treatment arranged before your visit to Australia
- accommodation and medical treatment in a private hospital
- accommodation and medical treatment as a private patient in a public hospital.
For more information
Contact details
Phone Medicare
132 011
All TTY (Telephone Type Writer) enquiries
1800 552 152 (free call)
or
Translating/Interpreting Service
131 450 (local call rate)
Mail
Medicare
GPO Box 9822
in your capital city
Email: medicare@medicareaustralia.gov.au
Information sheet
For more information on travelling overseas:
Medicare is administered by the Medicare Australia. Medicare Australia is the Australian government agency for health payments and information.
All information is correct at time of printing and subject to change.
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Last updated: 13 June, 2008