Medicare is Australia's public healthcare system. Permanent residents and certain visa holders from reciprocal agreement countries (UK, NZ, Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands, etc.) can access Medicare. Apply at a Medicare Service Centre with your passport and visa. Your Medicare card arrives by post in 2-3 weeks.
Healthcare
Updated 2026-Q1Medicare eligibility
Students and Medicare
Most international students are NOT eligible for Medicare and must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. OSHC is a visa condition.
Temporary visa holders
Most temporary visa holders (482, 494) are not eligible for Medicare unless from a reciprocal agreement country. Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is required.
Finding a GP (general practitioner)
Sydney bulk-billing rates vary by area — Western Sydney has more bulk-billing clinics than the Eastern Suburbs. Royal Prince Alfred and Westmead are major public hospitals.
Emergency departments
For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. Hospital emergency departments (EDs) are free for Medicare card holders. Non-Medicare patients will be billed — your health insurance should cover this. Average ED wait times vary from 30 minutes to 4+ hours depending on triage category.
Pharmacies and prescriptions
Pharmacies (chemists) are widespread and many are open until 9pm. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises many medications for Medicare-eligible patients. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen are available without prescription. Some medications that are OTC in other countries require a prescription in Australia.