Health

Medicare & Australian Health System

Australia has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world. Medicare provides free or subsidised treatment for permanent residents and citizens. If you are on a temporary visa, you may still be eligible under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, or you may need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). This guide explains how it all works.

Step-by-Step Guide

Check your Medicare eligibility

You are eligible for Medicare if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. If you are on a temporary visa, you may be eligible if your country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia — but Nepal does NOT have an RHCA. Nepali students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other temporary visa holders need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).

Enrol in Medicare (if eligible)

To enrol, visit a Medicare service centre (find one at servicesaustralia.gov.au) with: your passport, your visa grant notice, and proof of address. Fill out the Medicare enrolment form (available online or at the centre). You will receive a Medicare card by mail in 3-4 weeks. The card covers you and any dependants listed on it. There is no fee to enrol.

Find a bulk-billing GP

A bulk-billing GP does not charge you anything — Medicare pays the full fee. To find one, search "bulk billing GP near me" on Google or healthdirect.gov.au. Many medical centres in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane bulk-bill. If a GP does not bulk-bill, you pay the consultation fee upfront and claim a Medicare rebate back. Typical GP visit: $80-$120, Medicare rebate: $42.85 (standard consultation).

Understand the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)

The PBS subsidises most prescription medicines. With a Medicare card, you pay a maximum of $31.50 per prescription (2024 general rate) or $7.70 with a concession card. Most common medicines are on the PBS. Take your Medicare card to any pharmacy to get PBS prices. Without Medicare, you pay the full private price which can be much higher.

Consider private health insurance

Private health insurance gives you faster access to specialists, choice of doctor in hospital, and coverage for dental, optical, and physio (extras cover). If you earn above $93,000 (singles) or $186,000 (couples) and do not have private hospital cover, you pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (1-1.5%). Compare funds at privatehealth.gov.au. Popular funds: Bupa, Medibank, nib, HCF.

If on a student visa: use your OSHC

International students must have OSHC for the duration of their visa. Your university usually arranges this with a provider like Allianz, Bupa, or Medibank. OSHC covers GP visits, hospital treatment, and some prescription medicines. Check your OSHC policy for what is covered. Most OSHC providers have a list of direct-billing doctors so you do not pay upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nepali citizens eligible for Medicare in Australia?▾

Only if you are a permanent resident or citizen. Nepal does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, so temporary visa holders from Nepal are not eligible for Medicare. Student visa holders use OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), and other temporary visa holders use OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover). Once you get PR, you can enrol in Medicare.

How do I find a bulk-billing doctor in Australia?▾

Search "bulk billing GP near me" on Google or use healthdirect.gov.au. Most medical centres in major cities bulk-bill standard consultations. You can also call a medical centre and ask if they bulk-bill. If they do not, you pay upfront and claim the Medicare rebate back at the clinic or through the Medicare Express Plus app.

What is the Medicare levy?▾

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, paid as part of your tax return. Most taxpayers pay this. If you earn below the low-income threshold ($24,276 for singles in 2024-25), you are exempt. If you earn above $93,000 (singles) and do not have private hospital cover, you also pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (1-1.5%) on top of the 2% levy.

What is OSHC and do I need it as a Nepali student?▾

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for all international students in Australia. Your university arranges it as part of your enrolment, with providers like Allianz, Bupa, or Medibank. OSHC covers GP visits, hospital treatment, ambulance, and some prescription medicines. The cost is included in your visa requirement — approximately $500-$600 per year for singles cover.

Can I see a Nepali-speaking doctor in Australia?▾

Yes. Many Nepali doctors practice in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other major cities. Search our Nepali doctors directory at nepaleseevents.com/nepalidoctor to find a Nepali-speaking GP near you. You can also search "Nepali doctor near me" on Google or ask in Nepali community Facebook groups.

Official Sources & References

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