Which Visa Types Qualify for Medicare?

One of the best parts of becoming an Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen is the affordable access to our healthcare services through Medicare. However, this benefit is not limited to just PR or citizens of Australia. The Department of Human Services (DHS) determines eligibility for Medicare benefits in Australia. This breakdown below will determine whether you are eligible for Medicare benefits.  

What Types of Visa Holders are Eligible for Medicare Services? 

1. Regional Provisional Visa Holders - Holders of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional visa (subclass 494) are eligible for Medicare. 

2. Permanent Visa Holders: - Individuals holding a permanent visa, including returning resident visa holders.

3. Non-Citizens/PR Visa Holders - Non-citizens or permanent resident visa holders in Australia are eligible if they have applied for a permanent visa (excluding Parent Visas) and hold a valid temporary visa (including a bridging visa). 

4. Permanent Visa Applicants

   1. Applicants for a permanent visa (some exclusions apply) who: 

      1. Have the right to work in Australia. 

      2. Have a parent, spouse, or child who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia.

5. Certain Temporary Visa Holders - Specific temporary visas may be eligible for Medicare. 

6. Reciprocal Health Care Agreement - Temporary visa holders living in a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia may qualify. Some agreements require individuals to be residents and citizens of the relevant country. 

How to Enrol in Medicare? 

Once you hold one of the eligible visas to apply for Medicare,  bring the following to a DHS Service Centre, or submit an online visa via email: 

• A completed Medicare enrolment application form (MS004) 

• Identity documents (e.g., birth certificate, driver's license) for all applicants. 

• Travel documents (e.g., passports, ImmiCard) for all applicants. 

• Any documentation confirming your current visa status, such as: 

  • Acknowledgment of application for a permanent visa. 

  • Visa grant notification. 

  • A printout copy from VEVO of your current visa and conditions.

What is the Definition of "Australian Resident"? 

You are considered an Australian resident for Medicare purposes if you: 

• Have applied for a permanent visa in Australia, and 

• Hold a temporary visa (including a bridging visa), and 

• Either: 

  • Your spouse/de facto spouse, parent, or child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 

  • You have permission to work. 

Important Note for Medicare Eligibility for Visa Holders 

• If You’ve Applied for Permanent Residency, you can enrol in Medicare from the date you applied for permanent residency or the date you arrived in Australia if you applied from outside. 

• If Your Permanent Resident Visa Application is refused, you can remain enrolled in Medicare if you lodge an appeal. If not, you lose eligibility unless covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

• If You’ve Applied for a Parent Visa: 

  • You cannot enrol in Medicare if you apply for an Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) or Parent Visa (Subclass 103). 

  • You may have some coverage under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. 

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you want to be eligible for Medicare, seek professional visa guidance from our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer(s) and our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Agape Henry Crux. We specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.