Understand Medicare, private health insurance, and community services so you and your family can access quality care from day one.
Explore servicesAustralia's universal healthcare system delivers world-class care through public hospitals, private providers, and targeted support programs. Use this guide to learn how to enrol, what is covered, and where to find trusted practitioners in your new city.
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Call 000 in any life-threatening situation. For non-urgent medical advice, contact the 24/7 healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.
Use these key services to access everyday medical care, prescriptions, and specialist treatment across Australia.
Australia's publicly funded healthcare program covers hospital treatment, GP visits, and some allied health services.
Eligibility: Citizens, permanent residents, some temporary residents, and visitors from reciprocal countries.
GPs are your first point of contact for medical concerns and can provide referrals to specialists when needed.
Tips: Register with a local GP soon after you arrive and book longer appointments for complex issues.
Public hospitals provide free emergency and inpatient care with Medicare, while private hospitals offer shorter wait times and more choice of specialists.
Private cover: Consider extras for dental, optical, and physiotherapy services.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises hundreds of prescription medicines.
Tip: Track your spending to access PBS safety net discounts sooner.
Dental, optical, and many allied health services are not fully covered by Medicare.
Options: University clinics, state dental schemes, or extras policies for better coverage.
Access subsidised psychology and counselling sessions through a GP mental health care plan.
Need urgent help? Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Australia offers generous childcare subsidies and early learning programs to support working families.
Long day care, family day care, and preschool programs combine education with play-based learning.
Included services: Meals, nappies, accredited educators, developmental assessments, and outside school hours care.
The Australian Government pays a percentage of approved childcare fees based on your family's income and activity hours.
How to claim: Create a Centrelink online account, submit proof of income, and report your activity hours regularly.
Use this quick checklist to locate bulk billing clinics, emergency departments, and after-hours care near your new home.