What Medicare Covers
| Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| GP visits (bulk billed) | Free |
| GP visits (non-bulk billed) | Medicare rebate covers part — you pay the gap |
| Public hospital (as public patient) | Free — treatment, accommodation, medicines |
| Specialist consultations | Medicare rebate (usually 85% of schedule fee) |
| Pathology and diagnostic imaging | Medicare rebate (often bulk billed) |
| Some allied health (via GP referral) | Medicare rebate for up to 5 sessions/year via care plan |
| PBS prescription medicines | Subsidised — max $25 general, $7.70 concession |
What Medicare Doesn't Cover
| Service | You Pay |
|---|---|
| Dental | Full cost (unless public dental or child benefit) |
| Optical (glasses, contacts) | Full cost |
| Ambulance | Full cost in most states (covered in QLD & TAS) |
| Private hospital | Need private health insurance |
| Most physiotherapy, chiro, podiatry | Full cost (unless via GP care plan — limited) |
| Cosmetic surgery | Full cost |
| Travel vaccinations | Full cost |
Who's Eligible
All Australian citizens and permanent residents. New Zealand citizens living in Australia. Visitors from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements (UK, Ireland, NZ, and several others) get limited cover.
How to Get a Medicare Card
Apply online through myGov or in person at a Services Australia office. You'll need proof of identity and citizenship/residency status. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medicare free?
Medicare itself is free to use — you don't pay a premium. It's funded through the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income for most taxpayers). Some services under Medicare are free (bulk billed), while others have a gap payment.
What's the difference between Medicare and private health insurance?
Medicare covers essential public healthcare. Private health insurance gives you choice of doctor, private hospital rooms, and covers things Medicare doesn't — like dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
Do I need a Medicare card to see a doctor?
No, but without one you'll pay full price. With a Medicare card, bulk-billed visits are free, and non-bulk-billed visits are partly covered by the Medicare rebate.