Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Asylum seekers are among the most disadvantaged people living in Victoria, often receiving little or no Commonwealth government income support. As an asylum seeker, whether or not you are entitled to a Medicare card depends on your visa and visa conditions, and these often change while your application for permanent residency in Australia is determined. 
  • Refugees arriving in Australia with a refugee or humanitarian visa, or those who have recently been granted a Permanent Protection Visa, can receive some support from the Commonwealth government.
  • Asylum seekers and refugees in Victoria are eligible for most health and community services funded by the Victorian government as eligibility for most services is not determined by visa or residency status. 
  • Some of the Victorian Government’s programs for asylum seekers and refugees include the Refugee Health Program, Refugee Minor Program for unaccompanied refugee children and young people, torture and trauma counselling, legal assistance, and the public transport concession card. 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 17-06-2019