Health & Wellbeing

Medicare, finding a GP, and understanding your health cover. Because feeling safe starts with knowing you're covered.

13 tasks in this category

First Week

Enrol in Medicare

Medicare is Australia's public health system. It covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and some medical costs. Not all visa types are eligible.

First Week30 minutes at service centre

health

Activate your OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

Student visa holders don't get Medicare. Instead, you must have OSHC - private health insurance that covers medical costs during your studies.

First Week15 minutes online

health

Know the emergency number: 000

000 is Australia's emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance. Call only in life-threatening or time-critical situations.

First Week2 minutes

health

Save Lifeline for mental health crises

Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis support service. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or suicidal, call them. It's free and confidential.

First Week1 minute to save the number

health

Access Beyond Blue for anxiety and depression

Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Their counsellors understand the challenges of starting over.

First WeekVaries

health

Save Kids Helpline for under 25s

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service for anyone under 25. Available 24/7 by phone, chat, or email.

First Week1 minute to save the number

health

Know 1800RESPECT for domestic violence support

1800RESPECT is Australia's national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Free, confidential, 24/7.

First Week1 minute to save the number

First Month

health

Find a bulk-billing GP near you

A bulk-billing GP is a doctor who accepts Medicare as full payment - no out-of-pocket cost. Find one before you get sick.

First Month15 minutes to search

First 3 Months

health

Compare private health insurance

Consider private health insurance to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge and get faster access to specialists.

First 3 Months30 minutes research

health

Find an after-hours doctor service

Medical issues don't always happen during business hours. Know your local after-hours GP options.

First 3 Months10 minutes research

health

Find your local pharmacy (chemist)

Pharmacists can help with minor ailments without a GP appointment. Know where your nearest one is.

First 3 Months5 minutes

health

Get a Mental Health Care Plan

If you're struggling with mental health, a GP can create a Mental Health Care Plan giving you Medicare-subsidised psychologist sessions.

First 3 Months30-45 minute GP appointment

First 6 Months

health

Avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading

If you don't have private hospital cover by July 1 after your 31st birthday, you pay a 2% loading for each year you're late (up to 70%).

First 6 Months30 minutes

Australian Jargon You'll Need

Medicare

Australia's universal public health insurance system. It covers GP visits, public hospital treatment, and some specialist services at no cost (or reduced cost) for eligible residents.

Bulk billing

When a doctor charges Medicare directly and you pay nothing out of pocket. Not all GPs bulk bill — always ask before booking.

OSHC

Overseas Student Health Cover. Private health insurance required for all student visa holders in Australia. You must maintain it for the entire duration of your visa.

General Practitioner — your primary doctor in Australia. You need a GP referral to see most specialists. Find one close to home and register as a patient.

PBS

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A government program that subsidises the cost of prescription medications, making them much cheaper than full price.

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