The Backbone: Medicare Australia

Medicare Australia is the heart of the country’s public health care system.

It provides:

• Free or subsidised treatment from doctors, specialists, and public hospitals.
• Public hospital care as a public patient.
• Reduced prescription costs under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Who’s covered? Citizens, permanent residents, and some visitors from countries with reciprocal agreements. Most international visitors and temporary residents must arrange their own health insurance.

Private Health Insurance Australia

Many Australians choose private health insurance for additional peace of mind and benefits such as:

• Access to private hospitals and the ability to choose your doctor.
• Shorter wait times for certain elective procedures.
• Coverage for “extras” like dental, optical, and physiotherapy (not included under Medicare).

While not compulsory, private health insurance can offer flexibility and convenience. Some higher-income earners are also incentivised by the government to purchase private cover to avoid additional taxes.

Public vs Private Healthcare Australia: Key Differences

• Access and Choice: Public healthcare (Medicare) offers access to public hospitals and generally assigns you the attending doctor. Private health insurance lets you choose your hospital (public or private) and sometimes your doctor.
• Waiting Times: Waiting times for elective surgery and specialist appointments tend to be shorter in private hospitals.
• Costs: Public healthcare is mostly free or subsidised for eligible people, while private insurance comes with premiums and possible out-of-pocket fees for some services.
• Extras Cover: Private insurance can include coverage for non-hospital services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy—areas Medicare doesn’t cover.

Both systems work together to ensure everyone has access to care, with private health insurance providing extra benefits for those who want more options or faster service.

Health Insurance for International Visitors

If you’re in Australia on a temporary visa, health insurance for international visitors is a must. Most visitors are not eligible for Medicare, meaning you’ll be responsible for the full cost of any medical care unless you have insurance.

What is OVHC?

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is health insurance tailored for international visitors and temporary workers. It:

• Covers visits to the doctor (GP), hospital stays, and emergency ambulance services.
• Is required for many visa types and gives peace of mind against expensive medical bills.
• Can be arranged before you arrive in Australia.

Pro tip: Always check your visa conditions and compare OVHC policies to find the right fit. See your options at GetMyPolicy.