Understanding Medicare
Medicare and private health insurance
Medicare provides access to free or low-cost public healthcare and the ability to claim some medical expenses to eligible individuals, opens in a new tab.
However, Medicare doesn't cover everything which is why having access to private health insurance can help. With private health insurance you can claim back some or all of the costs associated with your healthcare that you can't claim through Medicare and potentially avoid public hospital waiting lists.
What is covered by Medicare?
Benefits covered by Medicare include:
A stay in a public hospital as a public patient
Part of the cost of pharmaceutical prescriptions, through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, opens in a new tab
Part of the cost of GP and specialist consultants through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, opens in a new tab
Part or whole consultation fees for doctors, including specialists
Part or the whole cost of tests and examinations by doctors needed to treat illnesses, including X-rays and pathology tests
Part or the whole cost of eye tests - undertaken by optometrists
Part or the whole cost of psychology services - you must be referred by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician to receive the benefits
What is not usually covered by Medicare?
Items not usually covered by Medicare include:
Private patient hospital costs (for example, theatre fees or accommodation)
Dental examinations and treatment
Ambulance services
Glasses and contact lenses
Home nursing
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, eye therapy, chiropractic services, podiatry
Psychology services (unless as part of an agreed procedure referred by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician)
Acupuncture (unless part of a doctor's consultation)
