How to Apply for Medicare in Australia as a New Migrant
Who can enrol in Medicare as a new arrival, how to apply through myGov or in person, what to do while your enrolment is processed, and what to do if your visa doesn't qualify. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
Watch
Chapters
- 0:00 Medicare doesn't
- 0:12 Who's eligible to enrol
- 0:24 Some temporary visas qualify too —
- 0:34 417, 462 and some 482 holders:
- 0:47 Apply through myGov
- 0:59 Or apply in person
- 1:18 What's covered — and what isn't
- 1:30 No Medicare access?
- 1:40 You're not enrolled automatically.
- 1:50 Where to read more
Transcript
If your visa gives you Medicare access, it isn't automatic. You have to enrol yourself — usually through myGov.
Australian citizens, permanent residents — on visas like the subclass 189, 190 or 491 — and New Zealand citizens can all enrol.
Some temporary visa holders can access it too, but only if their passport is on Australia's current Reciprocal Health Care Agreement list, which covers 11 countries.
Working holiday makers on a subclass 417 or 462, and some subclass 482 holders, only get Medicare if their passport is on that list. Otherwise, it's private cover.
The main way to apply is through myGov. Link Services Australia, open the Medicare tile, and enrol as a new resident — it takes around 10 minutes to complete.
You can also apply in person at a Services Australia office and bring the same documents, if you'd rather not do it online.
There's no fixed processing time published. While you wait: keep your reference number, show proof of application to doctors, and update your address if you move.
Once you're enrolled, Medicare subsidises GP and specialist visits, public hospital treatment, pathology and imaging — but not dentistry, optical, or most allied health.
If your visa doesn't give you Medicare access, you'll need private health insurance for the whole time you're in Australia — compare policies before you commit.
The most common mistake is assuming enrolment happens automatically when your visa is granted. It doesn't — applying yourself is the only way onto Medicare.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description.
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