Healthcare abroad
Healthcare in Australia: Medicare for UK visitors
A UK-Australia agreement covers medically necessary treatment in public hospitals. Enrol in Medicare at a Services Australia office with your passport. Ambulances aren't covered and can cost over A$1,000.
- GHIC accepted
- Some free urgent care
- No free healthcare
- Very high costs
The agreement is generous for a short trip, but it doesn't cover ambulance trips, private hospitals, dental care or getting home. The outback adds another problem: help can be hundreds of miles away, delivered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Where care differs
- Public hospitalsSome free urgent care
Free medically necessary treatment once enrolled in Medicare.
- AmbulancesVery high costs
Not covered in most states. Make sure your insurance is.
- Outback and remote areasNo free healthcare
Long distances to hospital. Air evacuation costs are high.
How to enrol in Medicare
- Visit a Services Australia office with your passport and visa.
- Fill in the enrolment form. You'll get a reciprocal health care card.
- Show the card at public hospitals and GPs that bulk-bill.
- Keep your travel insurance, as Medicare doesn't cover ambulances or flights home.
Outdoor risks
Australia's UV levels are among the highest in the world. Slip, slop, slap: shirt, sunscreen, hat. Swim between the red and yellow flags on beaches, and check for stinger warnings in Queensland's tropical north from about November to May.
Before you go
- Emergency number: 000.
- Bring your passport to a Services Australia office to enrol in Medicare.
- Sun and snakes: use high-factor sunscreen, and learn basic bite first aid if hiking.
Official advice: FCDO health advice for Australia
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