If you're not covered by a health fund, or if you have a large bill to pay, some doctors may offer a payment plan. The average cost of an appointment with a GP (general practitioner) in Australia is around $50, while the average cost of a specialist appointment is around $130.
If you are not eligible for Medicare then you will be required to pay the full cost of public hospital services provided to you. If you have private health insurance, then the insurer may cover some of this cost. Some overseas visitors may be covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA).
When you go to the doctor, remember to take your Medicare Card. If you need to go to a doctor and you do not have a Medicare card, the doctor's receptionist can take your name and call the Medicare hotline to get your or your parent's/guardian's Medicare number. What is bulk billing?
In the case of a GP appointment, it might be covered in full (called bulk billing), or subsidised (private billing). Bulk billed means the doctor will bill Medicare directly for the cost of your consultation, and there is no cost to you – except for some vaccines not covered by the MBS.
The cost of your appointment will depend on the amount of time spent with the GP . If the time required to discuss your medical issues is longer than a standard appointment a long consult will be charged. All prices include GST.
You will be asked to present your Passport and Visa as proof of identification. You will also be asked to provide the hospital with your email address and overseas address. Please note: If you are triaged by one of our nurses and then decide not to wait and see a doctor, a minimum consultation fee still applies.
If you don't have a Medicare card, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate and appropriate health insurance cover or adequate money to cover the cost of your health care. Health care costs can include: Emergency treatment. Inpatient admission.
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can ask for a new card. You can do this using: your Medicare online account through myGov. the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
To find a doctor in your area, you can use the find a health service tool on the healthdirect website. You can search for the kind of doctor you need and find out if they bulk bill. It's best to bring your Medicare card or number with you when you see your doctor.
Making a doctor's appointment
A standard doctor's consultation is around 15 minutes, which should cover one medical issue. Ask for a longer appointment when booking if you think you will require more time.
As a GP you will often be someone's first and ongoing point of contact with our health care system. General practice addresses the health of the whole person. You'll help manage all kinds of health conditions and be involved in physical, psychological and social care.
You can enrol in Medicare if you live here on a permanent resident visa. Complete a Medicare enrolment form and mail or email it with your supporting documents to Medicare Enrolment Services. Find out what documents you need to enrol.
Health insurance is required for any type of visitor visa to be granted if your country does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia. However, the Australian government strongly recommends that all visitors take out private health insurance before they travel.
You can enrol in Medicare if you have a valid temporary visa covered by one of these Ministerial Orders: Fulbright scholars. Witness Protection (Trafficking) Temporary visa (subclass 787)
Download and complete the Medicare enrolment form. Remember to sign it before you submit it with your supporting documents. You can submit your form and supporting documents to us by mail or email to Medicare Enrolment Services. To help us process your request please include Medicare enrolment in the subject line.
Medicare doesn't cover you while you're overseas. Make sure you have a plan for health care before you travel. Countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with us may cover some of the cost. If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov you can update your details online.
If you are an Australian citizen and have your Medicare card with you, your care in the emergency department will be free. If you do not have a Medicare card or are not eligible for Medicare you will be charged for the services provided.
If you don't have private health insurance, you may have to pay a surcharge. This is only if your income is more than the Medicare levy surcharge threshold. Read more about the Medicare levy surcharge on the Australian Taxation Office website.
The Australian public accesses care within the public health system for free or at a lower cost through Medicare (funded by tax). The private system includes health service providers that are owned and managed privately, such as private hospitals, specialist medical and allied health, and pharmacies.
International medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice as a medical practitioner in Australia must have their overseas medical qualifications verified by relevant authorities before they will be permitted to practice.
Australia's skilled migration program offers several temporary and permanent residence visa options to overseas trained doctors who hold qualifications that are equivalent to Australian standards, as well as applicants who have completed their medical training in Australia on a student visa.