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Most nationalities cannot access Medicare. Unlike UK, New Zealand or Irish nationals, citizens of France, the USA, Canada, and most other countries have no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. Whatever your visa type, you must take out private health insurance before arriving.
Medicare in Australia: who can access it and who can't
Medicare is Australia's public health system. It covers GP consultations, hospital stays and some medications for permanent residents and Australian citizens — at no or very low cost.
A limited number of countries have bilateral agreements granting their citizens Medicare access: the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Slovenia, Italy, and Malta. Most other nationalities — including French, American, Canadian, and German citizens — are excluded.
This means that regardless of your visa type — Working Holiday, student, skilled worker, or retiree — if you're not from one of those listed countries, private international health insurance is your only option.
Your visa and your health coverage
🎒
Working Holiday (WHV)
Visa subclass 417 (18–30) and 462 (up to 35 for some nationalities) includes zero health insurance. You are fully responsible for all medical costs from day one in Australia.
No coverage included
🎓
Student Visa (500)
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is legally required. It covers basic care but limits are often too low for serious situations. Supplementary international insurance is strongly recommended.
OSHC mandatory
💼
Skilled Worker / TSS 482
Some employers include insurance in the package. But during job searching and visa processing, you're unprotected. Take out coverage from the moment you leave your home country.
Check employer package
🧓
Long Stay / Retirement
Long-stay visitors without a permanent resident status have no Medicare access. A comprehensive international plan covering pre-existing conditions is essential for older travellers.
Pre-existing conditions cover
Real medical costs in Australia (2026)
Australia has some of the highest medical costs in the world for uninsured patients. Here are real 2026 prices without Medicare or private insurance:
| Treatment / Situation | Estimated cost (AUD) | Equivalent (€) |
|---|
| GP consultation | 80–200 AUD | 50–130€ |
| Specialist consultation | 200–500 AUD | 130–325€ |
| Emergency room (no hospitalization) | 500–2,500 AUD | 325–1,625€ |
| Hospital stay (per night, private) | 3,000–8,000 AUD | 1,950–5,200€ |
| Surgical procedure (appendectomy) | 15,000–35,000 AUD | 9,750–22,750€ |
| Ambulance | 600–1,500 AUD | 390–975€ |
| Medical evacuation to home country | 80,000–200,000 AUD | 52,000–130,000€ |
*Indicative 2026 prices. Ambulances are not free for non-Medicare patients in most Australian states.
The ambulance trap in Australia
Unlike most European countries, ambulances are not free in Australia for non-Medicare patients. In New South Wales, an emergency callout costs around 400 AUD plus 6.50 AUD per kilometre. Make sure your insurance policy explicitly covers ambulance fees — many basic policies don't.
MSH International vs April International in Australia
| Criterion | 🔵 MSH International | 🟠 April International |
|---|
| Coverage from day 1 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Ambulance fees | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Medical evacuation | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| OSHC supplement compatible | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Flexible cancellation | 30-day notice | ✓ Anytime |
| Pre-existing conditions | ✓ On declaration | ✓ On declaration |
| 24/7 English support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Dental / Vision | ✓ Optional add-on | ✓ Optional add-on |
| Best for | Skilled workers, families, long stay | WHV, students, nomads |
| Indicative price (age 25) | from €80/month | from €65/month |
Expat in Australia
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Frequently asked questions — Health insurance Australia
Can I use my home country's health insurance in Australia?▼
In most cases, no. European national health systems (like France's Sécurité Sociale or Germany's Krankenkasse) only operate within their country or the EU. They provide no coverage in Australia. You need a dedicated international health insurance policy.
Is credit card travel insurance enough for Australia?▼
No. Credit card travel insurance typically covers stays of 30–90 days maximum, with coverage limits (often 30,000–75,000€) that are insufficient for serious medical events in Australia. They also exclude pre-existing conditions and are not accepted as valid insurance for student visas.
Is OSHC sufficient for a student in Australia?▼
OSHC covers emergencies and basic GP visits, but its benefit limits are capped and it doesn't adequately cover dental care for adults, optical, or mental health. Many students supplement OSHC with international health insurance for more comprehensive protection.
Can I get health insurance after arriving in Australia?▼
Technically yes, but it's strongly discouraged. You have zero coverage during the sign-up period, and any condition that occurs before your policy starts will be excluded as a pre-existing condition. Always get covered before you leave home.
Does insurance cover outdoor activities and extreme sports in Australia?▼
Standard activities like surfing, hiking, and snorkelling are typically covered. High-risk activities (skydiving, deep-sea diving, rodeo) may be excluded or require an additional rider. Always check the exclusions section or ask your broker before signing up if you plan to engage in adventure sports.
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