Medicare is Australia’s health care system, giving all Australians access to a wide range of health services at low or no cost.
The Australian Government is investing in Medicare to make sure Australians have better access to affordable healthcare, urgent care and mental health support.
A stronger Medicare means you can access:
- free or lower cost services from doctors and other health professionals,
- free, walk-in urgent care through a growing network of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics,
- free, walk-in mental health care through a growing network of Medicare Mental Health Centres.
You don’t need an appointment, referral, Medicare enrolment or card to visit a Medicare Mental Health Centre.
A stronger Medicare also means access to an amount to spend on dental care for eligible young people under 18 years of age with the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
You’re eligible for Medicare if you live in Australia and you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen.
- An Australian permanent resident.
- A temporary resident covered by a ministerial order.
- A citizen or permanent resident of Norfolk Island, Cocos Keeling Islands, Christmas Island, or Lord Howe Island.
You’re also eligible for Medicare if you’re visiting Australia from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
To enrol in Medicare, you can apply online through my.gov.au, complete an enrolment form, or visit a Services Australia service centre.
To find out more about how Medicare can help you, visit medicare.gov.au/stronger