Health Insurance in Australia

Living in Australia as an expat offers a blend of modern city living and laid-back coastal charm. The country is known for its high standard of living, clean environment, and robust public services, which includes world-class healthcare and education systems.

Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth boast diverse, multicultural populations, which can make it easier for newcomers to integrate and find a sense of community. Expats are drawn to Australia not just for career opportunities and a strong economy, but also for the lifestyle. Australia offers sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities.

The cost of living in Australia can be relatively high, particularly in major cities, though this is often balanced by strong salaries and a healthy work-life balance. Expats of all backgrounds – individuals, couples and families alike – will find Australia to be a secure and friendly place to build a new life.

Australia’s healthcare system blends public and private services to deliver comprehensive medical care. Boasting one of the highest life expectancies globally, the country is renowned for its excellent quality of care, advanced facilities and accessible treatment options.

Australia’s public healthcare system, known as Medicare, provides residents with access to a wide range of medical services, including hospital care, visits to general practitioners, and some specialist treatments, often at little or no cost. It’s funded by the government through taxes and aims to ensure that essential healthcare is affordable and accessible for all eligible residents. Public hospitals generally provide high-quality care but waiting times for certain procedures can be longer compared to private facilities. For expats, eligibility for Medicare will depend on your visa type and residency status, so it’s important to understand your entitlements and consider additional private health insurance to cover any gaps.

Generally, expats with permanent residency are entitled to public healthcare in Australia. Expats will need to present their permanent visa, travel documents and passport to be issued with a card granting them access to public healthcare. Whilst most treatment in a public facility is covered, other aspects of medical care may only be partially funded.

Private healthcare in Australia offers faster access to specialists, elective surgeries, and a broader choice of hospitals and treatments. Many expats choose to take out private health insurance to complement the public system, as it gives them access to benefits such as shorter waiting times, private hospital rooms, and coverage for services not included under Medicare.

Private insurance also often covers extras like dental, physiotherapy and optical care which are not covered by the public system. Whilst it does come at an additional cost, private healthcare can provide greater flexibility and peace of mind, especially for those who want more control over their treatment options during their time in Australia.

Expats going to Australia on a working visa will typically need to have international private medical insurance in place. Australian officials will require proof that each individual is covered. In instances where you have emigrated with your family, you may benefit from taking out a policy for international health insurance for families.

As an expat, you may choose to take out a private health insurance policy to cover services not included in the public system. This can be particularly useful for accessing treatments such as include dental cover for expats, physiotherapy or optical services, which aren’t typically covered by Medicare for non-residents.

Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK have an agreement with Australia. Expats from these countries can get publicly funded medical care in Australia, and vice versa for Australian expats. However, health insurance is still typically required as part of the visa process.

Australia is well known for having a strict and complex migration system. It uses points to assess applicants who are scored on factors such as their age, education level, work experience and skillset, knowledge of the English language, as well as whether they have a sponsor and/or family in Australia. Those that score higher are more likely to be successful in their visa application.

There are certain Skilled Migration Visas that aim to fill gaps in the Australian workforce with international workers. Those who are successful can enjoy permanent residence in Australia, which can lead on to Australian citizenship. Jobs contained on this visa include accountants, architects, engineers, medical and social care workers, teachers, surveyors, and more.

There are different types of Skilled Migration Visas. Some will be analysed by a points-based system only, whereas others can mitigate the points system in place for a sponsor. This will usually be with the applicant’s potential employer in Australia. Applying for a skill-based visa will cost around £2,300 and can take around three to 36 months to process, depending on the type.

There is usually an age limit of 45 for those who apply for a Skilled Migration Visa. If you turn 45 while living in Australia with a skilled visa, it will remain valid, but new applicants aged over 45 won’t be able to apply. There are other routes for people to apply for a visa, but these will require the applicant to have a large amount of funds and will also usually involve a longer wait time.

Australia has a strong and diverse job market, with opportunities across a wide range of sectors for expats. Skilled professionals are particularly sought after in fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, construction, IT and finance. The country also offers roles in mining, agriculture, and trades, while temporary and working holiday visa holders often find work in hospitality, tourism, and seasonal farm work. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are the employment hubs, but regional areas also offer job opportunities, sometimes with added incentives for skilled migrants.

For many expats, adapting to the local work environment is usually straightforward, and most people find the transition to Australian working life both welcoming and rewarding. The working culture in Australia is generally professional but informal, with an emphasis on equality, teamwork and open communication. Most workplaces value initiative and a balanced approach to life, and it’s common for employees to enjoy flexible working hours and a strong work-life balance. Employment laws protect workers’ rights, with fair pay, paid leave entitlements, and workplace safety standards form part of standard contracts.

Expats working or living in Australia may be subject to local taxes, depending on their residency status for tax purposes. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will determine whether you’re considered a resident or non-resident, which affects the tax rates and obligations that apply to you. Generally, tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Australia, usually at a higher rate and without the benefit of the tax-free threshold.

Expats may also need to consider tax implications in their home country, especially if they’re still earning income abroad or maintaining assets overseas. Australia has tax treaties with many countries to help prevent double taxation, but it’s important to understand your specific situation. You can seek professional tax advice to help ensure you remain compliant and avoid any unexpected liabilities.