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Health & Medicare Tools

Check your Medicare eligibility, find bulk billing doctors

Health & Medicare

Tools

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Medicare vs Private Health

Compare Medicare and private health insurance side-by-side to find the right cover for your situation and visa type.
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Bulk Billing GP Finder

Find bulk billing doctors near you so you can see a GP at no out-of-pocket cost.

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Medicare Eligibility Checker

Answer a few questions to find out if you're eligible for Medicare based on your visa and residency status.

Coming soon

Mental Health Finder

Find free and low-cost mental health services near you, including Medicare-covered psychology sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for Medicare in Australia?
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders (e.g., those from Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries) are eligible for Medicare. Most temporary visa holders are not eligible.
What is bulk billing?
Bulk billing means the doctor charges Medicare directly and you pay nothing out of pocket. Not all GPs bulk bill — use our finder to locate bulk billing doctors near you.
What is a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)?
Australia has RHCAs with 11 countries (including UK, Ireland, NZ, Sweden, Netherlands, and others) that provide visitors access to Medicare-funded treatment for medically necessary care during their stay.
Do I need OSHC on a student visa?
Yes, international students on a student visa (subclass 500) must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. OSHC covers hospital and medical services.
Do I need private health insurance?
It depends on your situation. If you earn over $93,000 and don't have private hospital cover, you'll pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (1-1.5%). If you're over 31, you may also face Lifetime Health Cover loading. Our comparison tool can help you decide.

Explore more pillars

Health connects to family planning and settling in — explore those tools too.

Family & Kids Settling In