Editorial responsibility: Moving To Australia. Last reviewed: July 2026

Healthcare is one of the most important things to understand when you move to Australia or relocate interstate. Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare, but not everyone is eligible in the same way, and some costs may still apply.

This guide explains the basics in plain English. It is general information only, not medical, insurance, financial, migration, or legal advice. Always check official sources for your own situation.

Quick Answer

Before or soon after moving, check:

  • whether you may be eligible for Medicare
  • whether you need private health cover or Overseas Student Health Cover
  • how to enrol in Medicare if you are eligible
  • how to find a local GP
  • what to do in an emergency
  • whether ambulance cover is included where you live
  • how your healthcare setup may change if you move interstate

Official starting point: Services Australia – enrolling in Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia's public health system. It can help with some costs for eligible people, such as certain doctor visits, public hospital treatment, and some medicines or services.

Medicare does not mean every health cost is free. Some services may have out-of-pocket costs, some providers charge more than the Medicare benefit, and some services may not be covered.

For a general explanation, see healthdirect – what is Medicare.

Who can enrol in Medicare?

Medicare eligibility depends on your circumstances.

Services Australia explains who can enrol and what documents may be needed. Eligibility can depend on citizenship, residency, visa status, reciprocal health care arrangements, or other circumstances.

Do not assume you are eligible. Check Services Australia – enrolling in Medicare and any visa or residency information that applies to you.

Medicare cards and digital access

If your Medicare enrolment is approved, you may receive a Medicare card. Services Australia also provides information about Medicare cards and digital access.

Useful source: Services Australia – Medicare card

If you are new to Australia, you may also need to set up a myGov account to access some government services online.

From Enrolment To Everyday Care

  1. Confirm whether you can enrol in Medicare and what cover or insurance applies while you wait.
  2. Find a nearby GP or medical centre and ask whether it accepts new patients.
  3. Check the consultation fee, billing method and likely out-of-pocket cost before booking.
  4. Use the GP for routine care, prescriptions and referrals where appropriate.
  5. Keep referral letters, medicine details, test results and important records accessible.
  6. Learn which local service is suitable for routine, urgent and emergency care.

Bulk billing means an eligible service is billed directly to Medicare, but not every clinic or appointment is bulk billed. A provider may charge a fee above the Medicare benefit. Ask the clinic rather than assuming the visit will be free.

A GP can coordinate everyday care and may refer you to a specialist. Referral and Medicare requirements depend on the service and your circumstances, so follow the provider and official guidance.

Prescription medicines may be subsidised for eligible people through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Eligibility, the listed medicine and the prescription determine what applies; do not assume every medicine has the same price or subsidy.

Private health cover

Private health insurance is separate from Medicare. Some people use it for private hospital cover, extras such as dental or optical, or because of their visa or personal circumstances.

Private health cover is not the same thing as Medicare eligibility. It can also vary widely by policy, waiting periods, inclusions, exclusions, and cost.

Use PrivateHealth.gov.au as an official Australian Government source for private health insurance information.

Overseas Student Health Cover

International students usually need to pay attention to Overseas Student Health Cover, often called OSHC. Requirements can depend on visa conditions and study arrangements.

Check your education provider, visa grant information, and official government sources before relying on general advice.

Study Australia explains OSHC and why students must check their own visa and cover arrangements. Policy inclusions, waiting periods and out-of-pocket costs can differ.

For visa-related context, see Visa Options for Moving to Australia.

Finding a GP

A GP is a general practitioner. Many people use a GP as the first point of contact for non-emergency health issues.

When choosing a GP, consider:

  • location
  • opening hours
  • fees and billing arrangements
  • whether the clinic accepts new patients
  • whether telehealth is available
  • language, accessibility, or family needs

Use the healthdirect service finder or your state health service directory to find nearby care. Ask about fees before booking if cost matters to you. Some clinics may offer bulk billing for eligible patients, but this is not guaranteed.

Emergency care

For a life-threatening or time-critical emergency in Australia, call Triple Zero (000). The official Triple Zero guidance explains when and how to call.

Hospital emergency departments are for urgent and serious situations. For non-urgent health questions, services such as healthdirect may help you understand where to seek care.

For urgent but not life-threatening illness or injury, a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic may be an option where a suitable clinic is available. Check the live service information and your eligibility rather than delaying emergency care.

Use official emergency and health information for your state or territory if you are unsure.

Ambulance cover can differ by state

Ambulance costs and cover can differ between states and territories. Do not assume ambulance transport is automatically free or covered by Medicare.

If ambulance cover matters for your household, check your state or territory rules and your private health policy, if you have one.

PrivateHealth.gov.au ambulance guidance explains the national starting point and why the arrangement must be checked for the place where you live.

If you are moving to New South Wales, the NSW Guides link to current NSW health, urgent-care and ambulance information without repeating Medicare guidance.

This is especially important if you are moving interstate.

If you are moving interstate

If you are already in Australia and moving interstate, your Medicare card may still be national, but your practical healthcare setup may change.

You may need to:

  • find a new GP
  • transfer prescriptions or medical records
  • check ambulance cover
  • find local specialists or allied health providers
  • update your address with relevant services
  • understand how public hospitals and local health services work in your new state

For broader interstate planning, see Moving Interstate in Australia.

What to read next