Travelling Overseas

What am I entitled to?

Medicare benefits are not available for treatment received overseas, however, the Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements which means that as an Australian resident your are entitled to assistance with the cost of medical treatment in:

Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with these countries cover any medically necessary treatment you require which may arise while in that country.

Will I need travel insurance?

You are strongly recommended to take out suitable insurance covering you for the period that you will be away. Reciprocal Health Care Agreements do not replace the need for private travel health insurance.

How will I prove I’m eligible for reciprocal health care?

You will need to provide local authorities with:

your Australian passport or other passport which shows you are a permanent Australian resident, and
a valid Medicare card. If you do not have a valid Medicare card, or your card will expire while you are away, visit a Medicare office and arrange for a new card before travelling overseas.

It is important that you advise medical staff in the country you are visiting that you wish to be treated under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.

Taking and sending PBS medicine overseas