What does Medicare cover in Australia?

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Written by Joshua Malin
Reviewed by Steven Spicer
Updated 2 April, 2024

What is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia’s national public healthcare system that provides many Australian residents with access to a range of healthcare services at no or reduced cost. With Medicare, you’re fully or partly covered for:

  • Hospital treatment as a public patient in a public hospital
  • Medical services provided by doctors, specialists and other health professionals
  • Tests, imaging and scans
  • Prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Keep in mind that Medicare doesn’t cover all medical treatments and operations.

Medicare in hospital

What does Medicare cover in the hospital?

What doesn’t Medicare cover in the hospital?

Medicare out of hospital

What does Medicare cover for out-of-hospital medical care?

What does private health insurance cover that Medicare doesn’t?

Which pharmaceutical medication does Medicare cover?

How does bulk billing work?

What is the Medicare Safety Net?

More information

Who can enrol in Medicare?

How do you claim a Medicare rebate?

How is Medicare funded in Australia?

What does a blue Medicare card cover?

Can I still access Medicare if I have private health insurance?

Meet our health insurance expert, Steven Spicer

Steven Spicer
Executive General Manager – Health, Life & Energy

As the Executive General Manager of Health, Life and Energy, Steven Spicer is a strong believer in the benefits of private cover and knows just how valuable the peace of mind that comes with cover can be. He is passionate about demystifying the health insurance industry and advocates for the benefits of comparison when it comes to saving money on your premiums.