Medical costs
We can help you and your family with medical costs. There are also things you can do to keep your costs down.
Exemptions from the newly arrived resident's waiting period
After you arrive in Australia, there can be a waiting period to get some of our payments and concessions. Find out if you may not have to wait this period.
What the benefits are of a Health Care Card
A Health Care Card entitles you to cheaper prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Children's health care covered by Medicare
We cover some or all of your child’s health care costs.
About reciprocal health care agreements
These are agreements with some countries where visitors can get publicly funded medically necessary care.
Someone else’s Medicare
You can act on behalf of someone else to help manage their Medicare affairs.
How to manage your Health Care Card
Your options and obligations to hold a Health Care Card.
Documents to enrol in Medicare if you’re a temporary resident covered by a Ministerial Order
You need to provide documents that prove your identity and travel status.
Concessional families for Medicare Safety Net
If you’re registered as a Medicare Safety Net family, you may be eligible as a Concessional Safety Net family.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Some prescription medicines can cost a lot of money. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) can lower the cost.