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 you are entitled to assistance with the cost of medical treatment in:
- New Zealand
- The United Kingdom
- The Republic of Ireland
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
- Finland
- Italy
- Belgium
- Malta
- Norway
- Slovenia
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 you are 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
- 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 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
Travelling overseas with PBS medicine
If you are planning a trip overseas, organising your medicine is one of the most important things you can do. If you require prescription medicine, it is important you have this medicine with you so you remain in good health while you are away.
Taking or sending PBS medicine out of Australia that is not for your own personal use or the personal use of someone travelling with you is illegal.
- Taking or sending PBS medicines out of the country may be illegal
- Taking PBS medicines overseas
- Sending PBS medicines overseas
- Prohibited exports
- Once you are overseas
More information
Contact details
For more information on taking or sending PBS medicines overseas call the:
- Travelling with PBS medicine enquiry line on 1800 500 147 (call charges apply)
- general enquiry line on 132 290 (call charges apply).
If you need help translating this information call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (call charges apply).
For more information:
- download a copy of:
- visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
website.
Some documents on this page may require the free Adobe PDF reader.
Last updated: 8 August, 2011