Enrolling in Medicare as a new arrival
What Medicare covers, who can enrol, and what you need to apply.
In short
Permanent residents
Medicare is Australia's public health system. It pays some or all of the cost of seeing a GP or specialist, tests and scans, and treatment as a public patient in a public hospital. It does not cover ambulances, most dental care or glasses.
Temporary visa holders
Medicare is Australia's public health system. It pays some or all of the cost of seeing a GP or specialist, tests and scans, and treatment as a public patient in a public hospital. Whether you can join depends on your visa and your home country.
What to do
Permanent residents
Permanent residents can enrol online through myGov or by form. Your card is posted to you.
Temporary visa holders
Eligibility depends on your visa and your home country. Check before applying.
What you need to know
Permanent residents
- A current passport or ImmiCard
- Valid visa details
- Children under 15: add them on your application
- Family aged 15+: give them your application number so they enrol on their own myGov
Temporary visa holders
- Use the official page to check if you qualify
Permanent residents
You can enrol from the date you applied for permanent residency, or from your arrival date if you applied from overseas.
Medicare for permanent residents ↗Medicare enrolment overview ↗