Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system, designed to ensure all eligible residents have access to essential medical services at low or no cost. It helps reduce the financial burden of healthcare by covering a wide range of medical treatments and services.
What Medicare Covers
Medicare provides support across three main areas:
-
Medical Services – Benefits for consultations with GPs and specialists, diagnostic tests, and some therapeutic procedures.
-
Hospital Care – Free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital.
-
Prescription Medicines – Subsidies through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
How Medicare Works
Medicare rebates help cover part or all of the cost of medical services. Providers may:
-
Bulk bill, meaning the patient has no out-of-pocket cost.
-
Charge a fee, with Medicare reimbursing a set rebate and the patient paying the gap.
Eligibility
Medicare is available to:
-
Australian citizens
-
Permanent residents
-
Some temporary visa holders are covered under specific agreements