Description
Medicare is a national scheme that provides free or subsidised healthcare for Australians. This includes visits to doctors, specialists, optometrists and in some cases other health professionals such as dentists.
Medicare provides free treatment and accommodation for public patients in public hospitals and may also cover part of the fees for private patients in public or private hospitals.
Services provided
- Full or partial payment for many healthcare services for Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Payment of fees based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
- Additional fee support to those who incur higher-than-usual medical costs via the Medicare Safety Net
Eligibility
You are eligible for Medicare if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen living in Australia, are a permanent resident, have applied for a permanent visa that is not a parent visa, have permission to work in Australia, or can prove your relationship to an Australian citizen or are covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with another country.
How to access
To find a Medicare service centre near you, enter your postcode or suburb below.
The National Relay Service (NRS) is available to help callers with a hearing or speech impairment. For:
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.
Hours
Contact your local Medicare service centre for opening hours.
The Medicare telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Costs
Medicare rebates vary depending on the type of healthcare received. Contact Medicare if you would like more information about cost.