FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

How does the Australian healthcare system work?

Australia’s healthcare system combines a public scheme called Medicare, which provides Australian residents free or subsidised access to doctors, specialists, public hospitals, and some medicines, with a private insurance sector that covers services known as ‘extras’ such as dental and physiotherapy, and treatment as a private patient in private or public hospitals. Medicare is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some visitors under reciprocal health agreements, while most temporary visa holders must obtain and maintain Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) to meet visa requirements.

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