Many Kiwis move to Australia without realising the full extent of what it means for them. There are limitations on access to free or subsidised medical care and this may affect you and your family.
Photo by Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia
Is there free healthcare in Australia?
Yes - if you are eligible for the Australian Medicare publicly funded health care scheme. It’s run by the government and it is the primary funder of health care for Australian citizens. This system subsides treatment from medical practitioners, some midwives, nurses and other health professionals. The system also allows for residents to get free treatment in public hospitals.
Are New Zealand citizens permanent residents of Australia?
Technically, no. The average Kiwi arrives in Australia under a SCV – special category visa. It lets you live and work in Australia but it does not make you a permanent resident. You can find out more about the process to become a resident at our blog here. This helps you to understand what you are entitled to when living in Australia as a Kiwi with an SCV and find out what benefits NZ citizens get in Australia.
Do NZ citizens get Medicare in Australia?
Yes - a NZ citizen can get a Medicare card if they have lived in Australia for more than six months in the previous twelve months and intend to stay for at least six months more, or if they have applied for permanent residency.
Until you’re enrolled (under Medicare), kiwis are normally covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. This covers NZ Citizens in Australia for treatment in a public hospital.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement
New Zealand and Australia have an agreement that means medically necessary care in a public hospital is free, and that you can access prescription medications at a lower price. It is designed as a temporary measure though, only for an illness or injury that has to be treated now. Any longer term treatment you may be required to return back to NZ.
Canberra Hospital nurse Beena Jacob checking on a patient, DIAC images
Medicare enrolment for NZ Citizens
You will need to apply in person in a Medicare office. Take your passport and two documents that confirm you live in Australia. These documents can include:
- Australian utility bill
- Lease agreement or proof you’ve purchased a home in Australia
- Evidence of legal employment in Australia
- Australian bank accounts
- Australian insurance
- Proof your child/ren has enrolled at school or university in Australia
- Proof of sale of property in NZ
- Lease termination in NZ
- Acceptance of your resignation from employment in NZ
- Shipping documents for your furniture/ household goods from NZ to Australia
You can fill out this Medicare form in advance if you wish to save time.
Medicare Australia Entitlements
Enrolment in Medicare assures you of:
- Free treatment in a public hospital
- An 85% rebate on treatment fees for non-hospital appointments (i.e. doctor)
- Medicare safety net; If you make a payment for more than the rebate, you can be eligible for this
- Health Care cards are possible for those than need extra financial assistance. Generally permanent residents must wait an extra two years for this.
Medicare Eligibility criteria for New Zealanders
You may be eligible to enrol for Medicare. The criteria is that you are currently residing in Australia and:
- Have permanent resident status
- Have lived in Australia for 6 months plus in the last 12 months and intend to stay for at least 6 months longer.
- Have made an application for a permanent resident visa and currently have a valid working visa
- Have applied for permanent residency, have a current valid visa and your parents, spouse and/ or child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
What is covered under the Medicare System?
Prescription Medicine
The rebate is taken off the prescription before being sold to you. This ensures that the maximum most people will pay is AUD$23.10 if the drug is covered by the healthcare system. If you have a concession card, the most you’ll pay is $3.70.
Doctor Visits
Concession card holders may find that their doctor bills in bulk. If this is the case, a doctor’s visit should not cost you anything. However if they do not bill in bulk, the difference between the fee and the rebate will have to be paid by you. This needs to be paid at the time of the appointment. If you end up paying for the whole price of the appointment, the rebate can be claimed afterwards in person or via post at Medicare.
The standard appointment fee that Medicare covers is $29.45. Any difference between that and what the doctor charges will have to be paid by you.
Medicare Australia Contact Details
Medicare can be contacted on their website at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ -
Get travel and medical insurance
If you are not eligible for Medicare or assistance under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, then you will have to pay full price for all out-of-hospital costs. This includes ambulances, doctors visits, elective surgery / treatment and medical evacuation to New Zealand. It is highly recommended that you buy the right medical or travel insurance before travel to Australia.
