Which countries have a Medicare agreement with Australia?

Which countries have an RHCA with Australia?

The 11 countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement:

• United Kingdom
• Republic of Ireland
• New Zealand
• Sweden
• Netherlands
• Finland
• Norway
• Belgium
• Slovenia
• Malta
• Italy

If your country is not on this list (for example, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, USA, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong), you are not eligible for Medicare under an RHCA.

What do the RHCA agreements cover?

Coverage under an RHCA is limited:

• Medically necessary treatment (conditions that arise during your visit and cannot wait until you return home)
• GP visits at the Medicare-subsidised rate
• Some public hospital treatment
• Some prescription medications at the PBS subsidised rate

What is not covered:

• Pre-existing conditions in most cases
• Dental treatment
• Optometry and glasses
• Most specialist visits
• Private hospital treatment
• Ambulance services in most states
• Cosmetic or elective procedures

The specific entitlements vary between agreements. Even with an RHCA, comprehensive private health insurance is usually a good idea.

How do you enrol in Medicare under an RHCA?

If your country has an RHCA with Australia, enrolment is done in person at a Services Australia office (previously known as Centrelink/Medicare offices). You need:

• Your passport
• Your working holiday visa (electronic confirmation or grant letter)
• Proof of citizenship from the RHCA country (if not the same as your passport country)

You receive a Medicare card that allows you to access the covered services. The card is valid for the duration of your eligible visa.

What does an RHCA mean for the Medicare Levy?

If you are enrolled in Medicare under an RHCA, the Medicare Levy treatment becomes more complex:

• You may not be entitled to the full 2% exemption
• Partial exemption may apply depending on your enrolment status and time in Australia
• The rules are nuanced and depend on your specific circumstances

When we prepare your tax return, we work out the correct Medicare Levy position for your specific situation. Some RHCA enrollees get full exemption, some get partial, and some get none. The right answer depends on factors like the dates of your Medicare enrolment and the agreement terms.

Get in touch with our team before lodging if you are unsure about your Medicare Levy entitlement.