Healthcare & Medicare
Medicare is at the heart of Australia's healthcare system. South Korea is not among the countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia. Holding a Korean passport or a working holiday or student visa does not, by itself, entitle you to Medicare benefits under this agreement.
Medicare enrolment eligibility depends on separate conditions, including residency and visa status. Check your own eligibility with Services Australia. If you are enrolled in Medicare, you can be treated with no out-of-pocket cost at clinics that bulk bill the service.
🏥 Healthcare System Essentials
GP (General Practitioner)
A GP is usually the first point of contact. You can see a specialist without a referral, but Medicare rebates generally require a valid referral.
Bulk Billing
If you're enrolled in Medicare and the clinic chooses to bulk bill that service, you pay nothing. Some services in the same visit may not be bulk billed.
※ Search with the 'Bulk Billing' filter on the HotDoc or HealthEngine apps
Private Billing
Fees and rebates vary by clinic. Ask about fees and your Medicare rebate eligibility before booking.
Emergency
☎ 000 (ambulance, police, fire)
Go to the nearest Emergency Department (ED)
💊 Pharmacies
Chemist Warehouse — strong on prescription and over-the-counter medicines; prices vary by product and time
Priceline — cosmetics plus pharmacy, membership benefits
Terry White Chemmart — local pharmacy with friendly advice
Highlights
Tips
Medicare eligibility depends on your residency and visa status. Check your own eligibility with Services Australia.
Use the Bulk Billing filter on the HotDoc or HealthEngine apps to find clinics.
In an emergency call ☎ 000 — Medicare does not cover ambulances. NSW fees combine a callout charge plus per-kilometre rates, with exemptions; check NSW Ambulance or your insurer.
Prices vary between pharmacies such as Chemist Warehouse and Priceline, so compare before you buy.
Most dental care and glasses/contact lenses are not covered by Medicare, but some optometrist eye tests are covered if you're eligible. Check your private insurance options.