What kind of health insurance do I need in Australia?

In Plain English

The type of health insurance you need in Australia depends on your residency status and visa, if applicable.

  • Australian citizens and permanent residents are generally eligible for Medicare, which is Australia's public health insurance scheme.
  • Temporary visa holders may or may not be eligible for Medicare, depending on their visa type and country of origin. Some temporary visa holders are required to have private health insurance as a condition of their visa.
  • Overseas visitors who aren't eligible for Medicare usually need to have private health insurance to cover any medical costs they might incur while in Australia.

Some specific visa holders are considered eligible for Medicare due to Ministerial orders under subsection 6(1) of the Health Insurance Act 1973. These include, but are not limited to:

Detailed Explanation

The Health Insurance Act 1973 establishes the framework for Medicare, Australia's universal health insurance scheme. Section 6(1) of this Act grants the Minister for Health the power to declare certain individuals or classes of individuals eligible for Medicare, even if they would not otherwise qualify. This power is frequently used to extend Medicare coverage to specific groups of temporary visa holders.

Medicare Eligibility:

Generally, Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Medicare. However, the legislation clarifies the eligibility of certain groups who may not automatically qualify.

Temporary Visa Holders and Medicare:

Several Ministerial orders address the Medicare eligibility of specific temporary visa holders:

Private Health Insurance:

Even with Medicare, some individuals may choose to purchase private health insurance to cover services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, and some physiotherapy services. Additionally, certain temporary visa holders may be required to have private health insurance as a condition of their visa. Rules 17 and 18 of the Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Rules 2018 outline specific circumstances where insurance for overseas visitors and students is not considered "health insurance business" under the Act. This relates to the regulatory framework for private health insurers.

Recommendation:

To determine the specific type of health insurance you need, it is essential to consider your individual circumstances, including your residency status, visa type (if applicable), and any specific health needs you may have. You should consult the Department of Health website or contact Medicare directly for the most up-to-date information and guidance.