The Australian Healthcare System
Australia has a great healthcare system. Medicare is Australia’s universal health scheme. It is a Commonwealth government program that guarantees all citizens (and some overseas visitors) access to a wide range of health services at little or no cost. Medicare is funded through a mix of general revenue and the Medicare levy.
Our medical facilities and healthcare professionals are all excellent, thanks in part to Medicare, but as a visitor to Australia, using them could cost you a small fortune if you don't have travel insurance.
There are two components that make up the Australian healthcare system:
- The public health system administered by the Australian Government, known as Medicare and,
- the private health system.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia. (RHCA)
The following countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia. This covers the cost of medically necessary care when visitors from these countries visit Australia. Under the RHCA scheme, you may be entitled to limited Medicare benefits. Benefits are only for basic medical services or emergency treatment, and only under certain conditions. Many items such as ambulance, dental work, subsidised medicines, and private patient hospital costs or other ancillary/extras cover or services are not covered. For more information see - Reciprocal Health Care Agreement
RHCA Member Countries
| Belgium | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Finland | New Zealand | Sweden |
| Italy | Norway | England |
| Malta | Ireland |
Do I need insurance for Australia?
Legally no, unless you’re here on a visa for longer than two years (e.g. a Working Holiday Visa). But we highly recommend it, no matter what country you’re visiting from. Paying for insurance isn’t much compared to the cost of your holiday, and could save you a whole lot of money and stress.
There is no mutual health treatment agreement in place with other countries, such as America or Europe. So travel insurance is definitely something you need to sort out before you leave home.
Taking a Self-Drive Holiday in Australia? Find out more about Australian Car Rental Insurance
What insurance should I get for Australia?
Invest in a good travel insurance policy. Australia is a very safe country to visit, but it’s a good idea to be covered for medical costs, travel delay, lost luggage, and loss or theft. If you’re planning on doing adventure sports here, check with your insurance that you’re covered, as certain activities can sometimes be excluded in the fine print. You wouldn't want to go swimming with crocodiles in Darwin and find out that you're uninsured! Get your insurance prepared before you leave home, as it can get more difficult and more expensive to get travel insurance when your journey’s already begun.
Get a quote from First Light Travel
First Light Travel can insure you for your Australian holiday - no matter if you are from the USA, Europe, UK, New Zealand or any other country in the world. Providing Unlimited Medical and Dental coverage, Unlimited Additional Expenses cover, and also coverage for many adventurous activities.
You'll find that our insurance policies through Cover-More Travel Insurance compare favourably to other travel insurance providers. Cover-More is part of a specialist travel insurance services group with operations in New Zealand, Australia, UK, Malaysia, India and China.
Cover-More’s Emergency Assistance is provided in-house, and is one of the region’s leading assistance providers with their own medical and technical people based in New Zealand and Australia. Help is available 24/7.
Whether you're touring the Great Ocean Road or 4WD adventuring in the tropical Top End, if you would like a quote for your travel insurance requirements, please enquire.
More articles to help you plan your trip to Australia
Safety Tips for Travellers to Australia
What to Pack for an Australian Holiday
Since 2001 we’ve been helping visitors plan their dream Australian holiday. We aim to make visiting our beautiful land effortless. Let our expert holiday planners put together an itinerary for you, no obligation FREE of charge, or get some friendly advice on what small group tour would suit - Just follow the link and answer a few brief questions.
