Medicare and health insurance

Enrol in Medicare as soon as possible

The Australian Government provides help with basic medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare.  You may be eligible to join Medicare and gain immediate access to health care services and programs.  These include free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care, and subsidised medicines.  To enrol in Medicare, you should go into a Medicare office seven to ten days after your arrival.  You will need to take along your passport or travel documents.

Health insurance is a good option

There are also many different private health insurance options as Medicare does not cover all medical services.  For example, Medicare does not cover dental care, optical care or ambulance services.  You can find details of medical services listed in the Yellow Pages telephone book under the name of the service you seek.  Health insurance is not compulsory, however if you over 30 and do not have it you will get taxed at a higher rate.

To find out more information on Medicare in Australia, click here to view Medicare Australia's website.

To speak with one of our experienced Australian consultants, please contact us on aus@globalcareerlink.com.