The Australian
Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with
Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the
United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland..
From Republic of
Ireland and New Zealand
Residents of the
Republic of Ireland and New Zealand who visit Australia are
entitled to free treatment as a public hospital in-patient or
out-patient at public hospitals, and subsidised medicines under
the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This arrangement covers any
ill health or injury they have while in Australia that requires
treatment before returning home.
These visitors do
not have access to Medicare benefits for non-hospital medical
care, are not issued with a Medicare card, and need only show
their passport at hospitals or pharmacies.
Please note: A new
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between the Australian and New
Zealand governments applies to visitors arriving in Australia
after 31 August 1999.
From United
Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Malta and Italy
Residents of the
United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Malta and Italy
who visit Australia are entitled to free treatment as a public
hospital in-patient or out-patient subsidised medicines under the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and Medicare benefits for out of
hospital medical treatment provided by doctors through private
surgeries and community health centres.
This arrangement
covers any ill health or injury requiring treatment while in
Australia. What is not covered?
Period of cover
Visitors residing in
the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Sweden, Ireland, Finland and the
Netherlands are covered for the duration of their approved visit
to Australia. Visitors residing in Malta and Italy are covered for
a period of six months from the date of their arrival.
Private
Healthcare in Australia
All of the following
companies offer cover to Australian temporary residents:
1. Medibank
Private www.medibank.com.au
2. Australian
Health Insurance www.austhealth.com
3. Australian
Unity www.australianunity.com.au
