Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) eligibility for Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 011-44060000
Expand allThis page contains information about Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) eligibility for visitors to Australia and recording enrolment details on the Consumer Directory Maintenance System (CDMS) for each country.
On this page:
Entitlement less than 3 months
Retirees - visa subclass 405 or 410
Defence force personnel (subclass 945) and medical visa holders (subclass 602)
Eligibility for Australian citizens under RHCA
Belgium
Table 1
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Belgium can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must be insured in the Belgium health system, this also includes:
If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Belgium and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card, and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on either or both their passport and/or visa. For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following fields:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Belgian and non-Belgian citizens must provide:
Service Officers must:
Key the following:
If the applicant is in Australia on a long term visa (for example, aged parent or contributory parent visas) and the visa does not have an end date, enrol the applicant for a period of 5 years each time. If the entitlement end date is less than 3 months, see Table 12. |
|
4 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document Types:
|
|
5 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (no break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and wants to extend eligibility, amend the group end date only where there is no break in entitlement. The applicant must have:
The applicant must provide:
If a valid EHIC or National Health Insurance card is recorded in CDMS Documents, applicants do not need to provide the cards again, unless the EHIC or National Health Insurance card has expired. Service Officers must: |
|
6 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab - New/Additional Entitlement, see Step 3. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 4 |
Finland
Table 2
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Finland can enrol in Medicare and be issued a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must have been residing in Finland before arriving in Australia. This also includes Australian citizens that have been residing outside of Australia for 5 years or more and are not returning to Australia to reside. Student applicants travelling on a student visa are not eligible under the RHCA. If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Finland and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of diplomatic status, this will be notated on either or both their passport and/or visa. Service Officers must:
For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following fields:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Determining residency + Read more ... To determine if the applicant was residing in Finland before arriving in Australia see the Medicare enrolment form (MS004):
If the information provided in Q16 and Q17 shows the applicant did not live in Finland before arriving in Australia the applicant must provide 2 residency documents. Note: for Medicare purposes, an applicant’s country of residence is the country they have been residing in for a period of 6 months or more before arriving in Australia. A Finnish citizen who was not a resident of Finland before arriving in Australia is not eligible. |
|
4 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Finnish citizens must provide a:
Non-Finnish citizens must provide:
If the non-Finnish citizen cannot give the agency evidence of their health insurance they can provide 2 residency documents. Service Officers must:
Key the following:
Note: if the applicant is in Australia on a long term visa (for example, aged parent or contributory parent visa) and the visa does not have an end date the applicant can be enrolled for a period of 5 years each time. If the entitlement period is less than 3 months, go to Table 12. |
|
5 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document type.
|
|
6 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (no break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and wants to extend their eligibility, Service officers should amend the group end date only where there is no break in entitlement. That is the applicant has:
If a valid EHIC or Sickness Insurance card is recorded in CDMS Documents, non-Finnish citizens do not need to provide the documents again unless the EHIC or Sickness Insurance card has expired. The applicant must provide:
If the applicant provided residency documents at the time of the initial enrolment, additional residency documents are not needed to extend the applicant's eligibility to the existing enrolment. Service Officers must: |
|
7 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement. Finnish citizens must provide a:
If there is evidence that suggests the applicant may not have resided in Finland before arriving in Australia, see Step 3. Non-Finnish citizens must provide:
If non Finnish citizens cannot give the agency evidence of their health insurance they can provide 2 residency documents. Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab - New/Additional Entitlement, see Step 4. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 5. |
Italy
Table 3
Note: for information relating to the historical extension of RHCA entitlement for eligible citizens of Italy and Malta during COVID see Resources tab.
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible Italian citizens can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. The entitlement period must not exceed 6 months. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must be:
An Italian citizen does not need to have been residing in Italy but must be an Italian citizen and meet the other agreement conditions. If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Italy and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card, and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Italian citizens must provide:
Service Officers must:
Key the following:
Note: if a statutory declaration is provided, the entitlement end date should be 6 months from the arrival date or the visa expiry date, whichever is earlier. If the entitlement period is less than 3 month, go to Table 12 See the Resources page for a link to the Commonwealth statutory declaration |
|
4 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document types:
|
|
5 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
To add a new entitlement under the Entitlement tab - New/Additional Entitlement, see Step 3. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 4. |
|
6 |
Eligibility beyond 6 months + Read more ... Medicare eligibility cannot go beyond 6 months, unless the applicant:
An Italian citizen experiencing an episode of ill health must provide documentation, for example, correspondence from medical practitioners setting out the treatment the applicant is undergoing and why they are unable to travel, where the:
Service Officers must refer the documentation to Medicare Consumers Program Support for further consideration. Service Officers must follow Escalation Process for Medicare Eligibility. The Department of Health and Aged Care make the decisions on the extension of these applications. |
Malta
Table 4
Note: for information relating to the historical extension of RHCA entitlement for eligible citizens of Italy and Malta during COVID see Resources page..
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Malta can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. The entitlement period must not exceed 6 months. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must:
This also includes dual citizens (Australian/Maltese) who have been residing outside of Australia for 5 years or more and are not returning to Australia to reside. Students Applicants travelling on a student visa are not eligible under the RHCA. If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Malta and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued with a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card, and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of the visa). Documents required:
Services Officers must:
For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Determining residency + Read more ... To determine if the applicant was residing in Malta before arriving in Australia refer to the Medicare enrolment MS004 form:
If the information provided in question 16 and 17 shows the applicant did not live in Malta before arriving in Australia they must also provide 2 residency documents. Note: for Medicare purposes, an applicant’s country of residence would be the country they have been residing in for a period of 6 months or more before arriving in Australia. A Maltese citizen who was not a resident of Malta before arriving in Australia is not eligible. |
|
4 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Maltese citizens must provide:
Non-Maltese citizens are not eligible under the RHCA. Service Officers must:
Key the following:
If the entitlement period is less than 3 months, go to Table 12. |
|
5 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document type.
|
|
6 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
To add a new entitlement under the Entitlement tab, see Step 4. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 5. |
|
7 |
Eligibility beyond 6 months + Read more ... Medicare eligibility cannot go beyond 6 months, unless the applicant:
|
Netherlands
Table 5
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from the Netherlands can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must be entitled to benefits according to the Netherlands Health Insurance Act, this also includes:
If the applicant:
Note: as long as the applicant is entitled to benefits according to the Netherlands Health Insurance Act, it does not matter where they were residing before traveling to Australia. |
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from the Netherlands and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued with a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Dutch and non-Dutch citizens must provide:
Service Officers must:
Note: if the applicant is in Australia on a bridging visa and the visa does not have an end date (for example, applicant for aged parent or contributory parent visas) the applicant can be enrolled for a period of 5 years each time. If the entitlement end date is less than 3 months, go to Table 12. Key the following:
|
|
4 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document types:
|
|
5 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (no break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and they want to extend their eligibility, amend the group end date only where there is no break in entitlement, that is:
The applicant must provide:
If a valid EHIC or Netherlands health insurance card is recorded in CDMS Documents, unless expired, applicants do not need to provide this again. Service Officers must: |
|
6 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab, see Step 3. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 4. |
New Zealand
Table 6
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... To be eligible under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) for Medicare, the applicant must have been a New Zealand citizen or resident before arriving in Australia. Eligible New Zealand visitors under RHCA are not enrolled in Medicare and are not issued with Medicare cards. New Zealand residents who are not New Zealand citizens are also covered under the RHCA for the duration of their stay. New Zealand residents are not enrolled in Medicare and are not issued a Medicare card. New Zealand citizens are only eligible to enrol in Medicare if:
For more information, see New Zealand citizens' eligibility for Medicare. |
|
2 |
Services covered + Read more ... Eligible visitors from New Zealand have access to the following services for the length of their stay in Australia:
|
|
3 |
Documents required to obtain treatment at a public hospital or pharmacy + Read more ... If treatment is required, the following documents are sufficient to show the public hospital or pharmacy:
|
|
4 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from New Zealand and their families get the same entitlement to Medicare as a non-diplomatic New Zealand citizen if they are in Australia for less than 6 months:
Diplomats from New Zealand and their families who are in Australia for more than 6 months may be eligible to enrol see Medicare eligibility for New Zealand citizens. |
|
5 |
Students eligibility + Read more ... Students from New Zealand who are in Australia for longer than 6 months may be eligible to enrol in Medicare, see Medicare eligibility for New Zealand citizens. |
Norway
Table 7
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Norway can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must have been residing in Norway before arriving in Australia and a member of the Norwegian Insurance Scheme. This also includes Australian citizens that have been residing outside of Australia for 5 years or more and are not returning to Australia to reside. Applicants from Norway travelling on a student visa are not eligible under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Norwegian diplomats and their families are not eligible under the RHCA. Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Determining residency + Read more ... To determine if the applicant was residing in Norway before arriving in Australia, refer to the Medicare enrolment MS004 form:
Note: for Medicare purposes, an applicant’s country of residence would be the country they have been residing in for a period of 6 months or more before arriving in Australia. A Norwegian citizen who was not a resident of Norway before arriving in Australia is not eligible. |
|
4 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Norwegian and non-Norwegian citizens must provide:
Service Officers must:
Key the following:
Note: if the applicant is in Australia on a bridging visa and the visa doesn’t have an end date (for example, applicant for aged parent or contributory parent visas) the applicant can be enrolled for a period of 5 years each time. If the entitlement period is less than 3 months, go to Table 12. |
|
5 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document Types:
|
|
6 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (no break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and want to extend their eligibility, amend the group end date only where there is no break in entitlement, that is:
The applicant must provide a:
If a valid EHIC or National Health Insurance card is recorded in CDMS Documents, applicants do not need to provide this again unless the EHIC or health insurance has expired. Service Officers must: |
|
7 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab, see Step 4. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 5. |
Ireland
Table 8
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ...
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Ireland and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Services covered + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Ireland have access to the following services for the length of their stay in Australia:
|
|
4 |
Documents required to obtain treatment at a public hospital or pharmacy + Read more ... If treatment is required, the following documents are sufficient to show the public hospital or pharmacy:
|
Slovenia
Table 9
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Slovenia can enrol in Medicare and will be issued with a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must be insured in the Slovenian health system. This also includes:
If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Slovenia and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued with a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this is notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Slovenian and non-Slovenian citizens must provide:
Service Officers must:
Note: if the applicant is in Australia on a bridging visa and the visa does not have an end date (for example, applicant for aged parent or contributory parent visas) the applicant can be enrolled for a period of 5 years each time. If the entitlement end date is less than 3 months, see Table 12. Key the following:
|
|
4 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document types:
|
|
5 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (no break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and they want to extend their eligibility, amend the group end date only where there is no break in entitlement, that is:
The applicant must provide a:
If a valid EHIC or Health Insurance card is recorded in CDMS Documents, applicants do not need to provide this again unless the EHIC or health insurance has expired. Service Officers must: |
|
6 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab, see Step 3. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 4. |
Sweden
Table 10
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from Sweden can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must have been residing in Sweden before arriving in Australia. This also includes:
If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from Sweden and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Determining residency + Read more ... To determine if the applicant was residing in Sweden before arriving in Australia refer to the Medicare enrolment form (MS004):
If the information provided in Q16 and Q17 shows the applicant did not live in Sweden before arriving in Australia they must also provide 2 residency documents. Note: for Medicare purposes, an applicant’s country of residence would be the country they have been residing in for a period of 6 months or more before arriving in Australia. A Swedish citizen who was not a resident of Sweden before arriving in Australia is not eligible. |
|
4 |
Register a customer in Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... Swedish citizens must provide a:
Non-Swedish citizens must provide:
If the non-Swedish citizen cannot give the agency evidence of their health insurance they can provide 2 residency documents. Service Officers must:
Key the following:
Note: if the applicant is in Australia on a bridging visa and the visa does not have an end date (for example, applicant for aged parent or contributory parent visas) the applicant can be enrolled for a period of 5 years each time. If the entitlement end date is less than 3 months, go to Table 12. |
|
5 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document types:
|
|
6 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (no break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and wants to extend their eligibility, amend the group end date only where there is no break in entitlement, that is:
If a valid EHIC or National Health Insurance is recorded in CDMS Documents, non-Swedish citizens do not need to provide this again unless the EHIC or insurance has expired. The applicant must provide:
Service Officers must:
If the applicant provided residency documents at the time of the initial enrolment, additional residency documents are not needed to extend the applicant’s eligibility. |
|
7 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement, the applicant must provide: Swedish citizens
If there is evidence that suggests the applicant may not have resided in Sweden before arriving in Australia, see Step 3 Non-Swedish citizens
If non-Swedish citizens cannot give the agency evidence of their health insurance they can provide 2 residency documents. Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab - New/Additional Entitlement, see Step 4. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 5. |
United Kingdom
Table 11
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Eligible visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man) can enrol in Medicare and be issued with a Medicare card. To be eligible for Medicare the applicant must be ordinarily residing in the UK before arriving in Australia. This also includes:
If the applicant:
|
|
2 |
Diplomats eligibility + Read more ... Diplomats from the United Kingdom and their families are eligible for full Medicare cover and are issued with a green Medicare card for the length of the visa. The system will automatically issue a green Medicare card, and an entitlement end date must be added (expiry date of visa). Documents required:
Service Officers must:
For a diplomatic Medicare enrolment, key the following:
Note: the diplomat and accompanying family must have evidence of their diplomatic status, this will be notated on (either or both) their passport and/or visa. Procedure ends here. |
|
3 |
Determining residency + Read more ... To determine if the applicant was residing in the United Kingdom (UK) before arriving in Australia refer to Medicare enrolment MS004:
Note: for Medicare purposes, an applicant’s country of residence would be the country they have been residing in for a period of 6 months or more before arriving in Australia. A UK citizen who was not a resident of the UK before arriving in Australia is not eligible. |
|
4 |
Register a customer for Medicare (not previously enrolled in Medicare) + Read more ... British and non-British citizens must provide:
If the British or non-British citizen cannot give the agency evidence from the above list they can provide 2 residency documents. Service Officers must:
Key the following:
Note:
|
|
5 |
Recording eligibility documents in CDMS + Read more ... For a new Medicare enrolment, eligibility documents must be added in CDMS, under Document types:
|
|
6 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare enrolment (non-Australian citizens) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and they want to extend their eligibility, amend the group end date, only where there is no break in entitlement, that is:
The applicant must provide:
If evidence of residency (proof of health insurance, residency documents) is recorded in CDMS, applicants do not need to provide this again. Applicant can be enrolled for the length of their visa. Service Officers must:
Note: if enrolled prior to the policy change 1 September 2022 go to Step 7. |
|
7 |
Extending eligibility to existing Medicare customer enrolled before Policy change on 1 September 2022 + Read more ... Some UK visitors are in Australia on long term visas. If the customer was enrolled in Medicare prior to 1 September 2022 they did not need to provide proof of residency. The entitlement end date can be amended if they have a valid visa. The customer must provide a:
Proof of residency documents were not required and will not be recorded in Documents in CDMS. Do not ask the customer to supply proof of residency documents if they were enrolled prior to 1 September 2022. Service Officers must:
Note: the applicant can be enrolled for the length of their visa. If the applicant is in Australia on a bridging visa and the visa does not have an end date (for example, applicant for aged parent or contributory parent visas) eligibility can be extended for 5 years from date of processing. |
|
8 |
Re-enrolling in Medicare (break in entitlement) + Read more ... If the applicant has previously had RHCA entitlement and there has been a break in entitlement applicant must provide:
If a proof of residency document cannot be provided to the agency the applicant can provide 2 residency documents. Service Officers must:
To add new entitlement under the Entitlement tab, see Step 4. All eligibility documents must be recorded under Documents, see Step 5. |
Entitlement less than 3 months
Table 12
|
Step |
Action |
|
1 |
When entitlement is less than 3 months + Read more ... If the applicant’s entitlement is for less than 3 months, the Production Control check box must be selected in CDMS which will prepopulate the address. This prevents a Medicare card from being produced, but still allows the applicant to make a claim. See Register a customer for Medicare in the Consumer Directory Maintenance System (CDMS). Attempt to call the customer once to tell them their Medicare card number. If unsuccessful send Your Medicare card details letter (Z2590). |
Retirees - visa subclass 405 or 410
Table 13
|
Step |
Action |
|
1 |
Holders of the following visas are not eligible for Medicare under a RHCA. + Read more ...
Note: the pre 1 December 1998 arrangements for holders of visa subclass 410 only apply if the RHCA was in force at that time. See Ministerial orders and Medicare eligibility. Exceptions Applicants that hold a retiree visa 405 or 410 may be eligible under a RHCA if one of the following applies, applicant:
Procedure ends here. |
Defence force personnel (subclass 945) and medical visa holders (subclass 602)
Table 14
|
Step |
Description |
|
1 |
Defence force personnel + Read more ... Medical expenses for foreign defence force personnel residing in Australia are covered by their defence force. However, they can enrol in Medicare together with their spouse and dependants if from a country that has an RHCA with Australia. They are then covered under Medicare for medically necessary treatment to the extent of the RHCA that applies. British defence force personnel British defence force personnel and their dependants on exchange transfer with Australian defence services are eligible for enrolment under the RHCA. British defence force personnel must provide the following documents:
Entitlement to Medicare:
Note: if the customer does not provide a VEVO, Service Officers must action a VEVO to confirm visa subclass 945. |
|
2 |
Medical visa (subclass 602) + Read more ... Visa issued outside Australia A person entering Australia with a Medical Treatment visa subclass 602 who is a resident from an RHCA country can enrol in the Medicare program but is not entitled to claim benefits for treatment related to the medical condition for which the visa was issued. Visa issued in Australia If a person residing in Australia is issued with a medical visa (commonly subclass 602) and they are from an RHCA country, they remain eligible for Medicare enrolment. There is no restriction to benefits for this group as they are generally elderly and too ill to return to their home country. To enrol, a current passport and valid visa are required. Action required by Service Officers If it is identified that an applicant holds a medical visa, advise the applicant they will be asked when lodging claims to produce a letter from a doctor or provide other evidence of the condition they are seeking treatment for. This advice is to be given at the time of enrolment. Service Officers must key the details of the medical condition relating to the issue of the visa in the Comments field on CDMS. |
Eligibility for Australian citizens under RHCA
Table 15
|
Step |
Action |
|
1 |
Eligibility + Read more ... Australian citizens are eligible to be enrolled under Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, if they:
Applicants must provide:
Australian citizens who are travelling on an Australian passport are not issued with a visa. Service officers must:
Note: the applicants initial departure date from Australia can be confirmed from Q16 and Q17 on the MS004 or may be recorded in Personal comments. |
|
2 |
Updating existing entitlement in CDMS + Read more ... Amend existing entitlement details, under Eligibility Status:
|
|
3 |
Add new RHCA entitlement + Read more ... If only one person is changing their entitlement type to RHCA, they must be transferred to a Medicare card of their own. Under New/Additional Entitlement:
Note: Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport may not be able to provide proof of health insurance or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In this situation, 2 residency documents from the RHCA country must be provided. |