If you’re in Australia, call our International services line. If you’re outside Australia either: call one of our international phone numbers
Full Answer
Can I access Medicare services from outside Australia?
Typically you won’t be able to access Medicare services from outside of Australia unless you live in (or a visiting) a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.
Can I use Medicare if I live abroad?
So let’s lay this question to rest once and for all. If you are an Australian citizen who is a non-resident expat, living and working overseas, although you can’t use Medicare forever, you CAN use Medicare and claim Medicare benefits for a period of up to 5 years from the date that you first left Australia.
How long can I claim Medicare if I leave Australia?
If you are an Australian citizen who is a non-resident expat, living and working overseas, although you can’t use Medicare forever, you CAN use Medicare and claim Medicare benefits for a period of up to 5 years from the date that you first left Australia.
Does Medicare travel insurance cover emergency care when traveling?
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies may cover emergency care when you travel outside the U.S. Because Medicare has limited travel medical coverage outside the U.S., you may choose to buy a travel insurance policy to get more coverage.
What cover does Medicare provide overseas?
Medicare’s overseas healthcare agreements assist with essential healthcare costs in Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
No, Medicare doesn't replace travel insurance
Before seeking any medical treatments overseas, it's also best to speak with your travel insurer.
Does PBS cover prescriptions?
Not all of the agreements cover prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so depending on the country you are returning from, you may have to pay more than most Australians for some of your medication.
Does Medicare have restrictions on visiting?
However, as you are visiting, it does mean that there will be some restrictions on your Medicare entitlements.
Does Medicare cover Australia?
Medicare will also cover some of your health costs if you are from a country with which Australia has a reciprocal health arrangement.
How long can non-residents use Medicare after leaving Australia?
Firstly, thank you to David W who let us know via Facebook, that the Department of Human Services website has recently been changed to omit a key statement about the ability for non-residents to continue to use Medicare for a period of up to 5 years after departing Australia.
How many countries does Australia have reciprocal health care agreements with?
As at the date of writing, Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with 11 countries around the globe – take a look below:
Is Medicare a strong indicator of residency?
The durability of association that a person has with Australia is a key factor in determining a person’s residency status and so claiming Medicare benefits will be a stronger indicator for residency. However, it should be noted that this factor alone will not mean that you are a resident for Australian taxation purposes.
Can non-residents claim Medicare in Australia?
Non-residents who claim Medicare benefits whilst visiting Australia, will show a stronger connection, or durability of association with Australia than those that don’t. The durability of association that a person has with Australia is a key factor in determining a person’s residency status and so claiming Medicare benefits will be a stronger indicator for residency.
Can an expat claim Medicare?
In fact most expats and their accountants will emphatically state that if you are a non-resident and you’re not required to pay the Medicare Levy then, under no circumstances will you be eligible to claim Medicare benefits.
Do you have to pay Medicare tax in Australia?
If you do maintain an appropriate level of Australian private health insurance, although you will still be required to pay the Medicare Levy, you’ll be exempt from paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
