Medicare

The final application you’ll need to make is for a Medicare Card. This is to cover you under the Aussie equivalent of the NHS, for the duration of your approved visit to the country. The Australian Government has what’s known as a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with the UK, which entitles British travellers to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment. “Immediately necessary” treatment translates as any ill health or injury which occurs while you’re here in Australia and requires treatment before you return home. As a Medicare Card holder, you’re entitled to receive free treatment as a public in-patient or outpatient in a public hospital, and also to subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au to find your nearest Medicare centre.
Don’t panic if you need medical treatment before you receive or have even applied for your card – you’ll have to pay for your treatment initially, but if you keep the receipt, it’s easy enough to claim the money back when your card does come through. If you’re worried about costs, make sure you check that the practice you’re visiting does bulk billing – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your consultation on the spot and then claim the money back later. Note to self: Medicare does not include dental treatment.

The final application you’ll need to make is for a Medicare Card. This is to cover you under the Aussie equivalent of the NHS, for the duration of your approved visit to the country. The Australian Government has what’s known as a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with the UK, which entitles British travellers to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment. “Immediately necessary” treatment translates as any ill health or injury which occurs while you’re here in Australia and requires treatment before you return home. As a Medicare Card holder, you’re entitled to receive free treatment as a public in-patient or outpatient in a public hospital, and also to subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au to find your nearest Medicare centre.
Don’t panic if you need medical treatment before you receive or have even applied for your card – you’ll have to pay for your treatment initially, but if you keep the receipt, it’s easy enough to claim the money back when your card does come through. If you’re worried about costs, make sure you check that the practice you’re visiting does bulk billing – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your consultation on the spot and then claim the money back later. Note to self: Medicare does not include dental treatment.