Moving to Australia from New Zealand?
Get all information you need to make a successful and stress-free move across the ditch.
Medicare is Australia’s main healthcare government-funded scheme. New Zealand citizens can enrol in Medicare immediately (recommended a week after you arrive) if you can prove you’ve moved to Australia (see below).
Until you enrol with Medicare Australia, you can get healthcare under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement New Zealand has with Australia. This covers essential treatment in a public hospital, and of course, Doctors will happily still see you but it will cost more because you aren’t registered with them.
The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between New Zealand and Australia provides temporary coverage for medically necessary care in a public hospital and access to prescription medications at a lower price. However, it is important to note that it is only designed as a temporary measure, and longer-term treatment may require returning to New Zealand.
The Australian High Commission still recommends that people take out suitable insurance coverage for the duration of their travel. Reciprocal health care agreements do not replace the need for private travel health insurance.
The Australian Government funds three major national health schemes: Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and the 30% Private Health Insurance Rebate. These are funded via taxes and the income-based Medicare Levy, which everyone pays (unless you’re a temporary resident for tax purposes).
Editors note: the Australia government are really good at putting together online informational websites and documents to help in so many aspects of live, including healthcare.
Their website Healthdirect Australia is the national virtual public health information service. They believe that all Australian’s should have access to the information and advice they need to manage their own health and well being. Check it out!
In this post, you will find helpful information on the following:
Let us know in the comments section below if there is anything else you need to know. We will do some research and, if possible, add it to our online resources.
Medicare is a publicly funded universal health care scheme in Australia. Operated by the government authority Medicare Australia, Medicare is Australia’s primary funder of health care, funding primary health care for Australian citizens and permanent residents (except for those on Norfolk Island).
Residents are entitled to subsidised treatment from medical practitioners, eligible midwives, nurse practitioners and allied health professionals who have been issued a Medicare provider number and can also obtain free treatment in public hospitals.
Find more information on Medicare Australia here.
Moving to Australia and want to know if your medication or recommended operation is subsidised in Australia (how much is it going to cost you).
There are many things to consider when moving to Australia, and whether you can still get the prescriptions you need is high on the list. There also might be an operation you’ve been told you might need, and you want to know if you will be covered under Medicare and how much it will cost.
The good news is that, as New Zealanders living in Australia on an SCV, we are covered under Medicare for the prescriptions and hospital care we need.
Find out exactly how much your medication and operation will cost in my costs of medication and operations in Australia post.
If you are making plans to move to Australia, applying for health insurance is an important part of the process. Aside from that, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected.
In Australia, the public health system Medicare covers most Australian residents’ health care. However, Medicare does not cover everything, and you can choose to take out private health insurance to give yourself a wider range of healthcare options and more comprehensive coverage.
There are two types of health insurance: hospital and general treatment (ancillary or extras). You can buy them separately, or most funds offer combined policies. Any policy you buy will have limitations on what and when you can claim.
The Private Health Insurance Rebate is a federal government subsidy for the cost of insurance, while the Lifetime Health Cover rules are designed to encourage people to purchase and stay covered in private health coverage earlier.
Most Australians with private health insurance currently receive a rebate from the Australian Government to help cover the cost of their premiums. You can find more information on my private health insurance post.
If you are in Australia on a temporary student visa or if you are applying for a visa subclass 457, it is a visa condition that you take out private health cover. If you are visiting Australia on any other visa, you should consider taking out some cover for the duration of your stay.
This is a good place to start, the Australian Government website Private Health or you can read more on my private health insurance post.
To allow for a simpler comparison of health insurance products, all Australian health insurers are required by law to provide details of each of their products to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman. PrivateHealth.gov.au contains details of every health insurance policy available in Australia, as well as its Private Health Information Statement.
This government website provides facts that are not biased or trying to sell you anything! It provides comprehensive, independent private health insurance information.
Start comparing policies here.
Private health insurance is important because Australia’s Medicare system does not cover some things. The same reasons you have health insurance in New Zealand apply to Australia.
With Health Insurance, you’ll get access to elective surgery, probably with your choice of doctor, in the comfort of a private hospital without having to wait months or even years.
The taxpayer-funded Medicare healthcare system in Australia covers many medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs. Under this system, you can be treated as a public patient, at no charge, in a public hospital by a doctor appointed by the hospital.
However, as a public patient, you have to wait your turn, and you are at the mercy of waiting lists for doctors and procedures—the same as in New Zealand.
The benefits of private health insurance include a greater choice of doctors than you would get in the public system, access to a private hospital that might be more comfortable than the public one, and probably a shorter wait for some forms of elective (non-urgent) surgery.
In the public system, if you need elective rather than emergency surgery, you may have to wait months or even years. However, with private health insurance, you may be able to have elective surgery within weeks, possibly at a time and place convenient to you.
In addition, some forms of health care are not free in the public system. You have to pay for your regular dentist visits, for instance.
Depending on the policy you take out and within the annual maximum payouts set by the policy, private health insurance can cover costs such as:
A good GP can be one of the most important people in your life, particularly if you have a chronic condition or develop a serious illness. A positive ongoing relationship with your GP is priceless, so choosing the right one is important.
The best doctors do more than diagnose – they coordinate your complete healthcare, sending you the right tests and to the right specialists. They’ll help you stay healthier and limit unnecessary hospital visits.
Health Direct, an Australian Government website, has put together a helpful guide to finding the right health professional. On this page, there is a tool to help you find a health service, such as a GP (general practice), pharmacy, emergency department, or hospital, in your area. There are no review ratings on this website, so I recommend searching Google for reviews on your local practitioners, which is always enlightening.
In saying that, I find getting a referral for a new doctor/GP is always best. The good news is that Australians love to chat, so once you’ve found your new home, start asking around. I’m sure you’ll get chatting with someone in your local cafe, bar, school or supermarket and end up with a referral. Honestly, it always amazed me the chats I’d get into in the supermarket line, or anywhere for that matter, with a local Aussie.
The below posts might interest you:
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 15 years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 15 years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, making sure the information here is comprehensive and up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
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Ailee
January 27, 2025 at 10:58 amThank you so much for the information here on the blog. I was just wondering what is the Dental coverage like in Australia? As you know, in NZ, our kids have free dental services until they are 18. Is there something similar in Australia for NZ citizens?
JJ Smith
February 27, 2025 at 2:48 pmHi Ailee,
Thank you for your comment. I sincerely apologies for the delay in replying.
The Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers the cost of essential dental services for eligible children aged 0 to 17 years.
The CDBS provides a capped benefit per child over a two-calendar-year period, which can be used for a range of basic dental services at both public and private dental clinics.
When booking an appointment, inform your dentist that you’d like to use the CDBS and check how much funding remains under your cap.
CDBS payments are managed by Services Australia.
You can read more about it here: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/dental-benefits-for-kids.
I hope the above helps.
Elyse
June 14, 2024 at 3:53 pmHello,
I am moving to Melbourne next month, just wondering what the process is like for getting a GP in comparison to NZ. Can I enroll with a practice and have all my files sent over in advance? Do they have shortages like in NZ, which mean you have to be on a waitlist or cannot join?
I’m in my 30s and generally pretty healthy, expect to go to the doctor less than once a year but I want to make sure I can see someone quickly if I do need to.
JJ Smith
June 19, 2024 at 9:41 amHi Elyse,
Thanks for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying.
I’ve done some research and there is a shortage like NZ, but particularly in rural areas. There is noting major in the media, so can’t be too bad.
Health Direct, an Australian Government website, has put together a helpful guide to finding the right health professional (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-to-find-the-right-health-professional). On this page, there is a tool to help you find a health service, such as a GP (general practice), pharmacy, emergency department, or hospital, in your area. There are no review ratings on this website, so I recommend searching Google for reviews on your local practitioners, which is always enlightening.
In saying that, I find getting a referral for a new doctor/GP is always best. The good news is that Australians love to chat, so once you’ve found your new home, start asking around. I’m sure you’ll get chatting with someone in your local cafe, bar, school or supermarket and end up with a referral. Honestly, it always amazed me the chats I’d get into in the supermarket line, or anywhere for that matter, with a local Aussie.
Hope the above helps.
Alison Adamson
May 17, 2024 at 4:15 pmHi JJ
My husband and I are considering moving to Australia, but my husband is concerned that his health issues will prevent him from receiving care under Australia’s healthcare schemes. Can you help relieve our concerns? He has a condition called Ankylosing Spondilitis (AS) – a long term condition that is treated with medication but cannot be cured. He also has an injury to his neck, which at the moment he gets nerve blocker injections every 3-6 months for. This injury ultimately requires surgery but he is considered high risk due to the AS. Will these issues be covered by Medicare or the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement?
Thanks
Alison
JJ Smith
May 20, 2024 at 11:43 amHi Alison,
Thanks for your comment.
You use the below link to search the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme website to find out costs of your husbands medicine in Australia: https://www.pbs.gov.au/browse/medicine-listing. Since you didn’t include the name of the medication, I couldn’t search for you.
You can also sesarch the nerve blocker injections on the above site.
The Scheme is available to all Australian residents who hold a current Medicare card and overseas visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA), which includes New Zealand citizens.
You can also search the Australian Government Department of Health website to find and understand costs for medical specialist services across Australia. You can search for a procedure or service, browse by category or enter an MBS item number. Explore typical costs across Australia. Some procedures also include typical specialist fees: https://medicalcostsfinder.health.gov.au/.
Hope the above helps.
Matthew
February 11, 2024 at 11:25 pmHello,
I am a New Zealand citizen and my partner is dutch. We are wanting to emigrate to Australia. My partner has last year been diagnosed with Bowel cancer. She has now had treatment and is in remission, can this be a reason for her Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa to be rejected?
JJ Smith
February 14, 2024 at 9:34 amHi Matthew,
Thank yo for your comment, but unfortunately I am not an immigration specialist, so can’t advise you.
I recommend you ask your question to IMMagine: https://immigration.co.nz/ask-us-question/.
For a small fee (AUD$15.00) you can post your question online and one of the IMMagine team will be in touch with your answer within 24 hours (usually same-day response). This service is designed for people who need quick access to accurate information, but don’t want to trawl through the internet to find the answers or commit to anything just yet. Most importantly, your questions are answered by licensed advisers living in New Zealand or Australia.
Hope the above helps.
Maddie
October 25, 2023 at 1:19 pmHi JJ, thanks for your blog, the info and details shared are very helpful and you’re very kind. My mother and I are Kiwis and we want to move to Sydney to be with family. She has osteoarthritis and we know she will need a knee replacement surgery in the future. Wondering if she will be eligible for support in the public health system? Will surgery be subsidised? Where can we get more information? Thanks so much again.
JJ Smith
October 26, 2023 at 12:03 pmHi Maddie,
Thanks for your comment and compliment.
Knee replacement surgery is covered by Medicare. The Australia healthcare system is very similar to NZ, where you can go public or private (with insurance).
Public hospital patients: you have no costs for the procedure as a public patient in hospital with Medicare. Fees and costs shown in below link do not apply.
Private hospital patients: you may have out-of-pocket costs for the procedure in a private hospital. The typical fees and costs shown below are for people with Medicare and who have private health insurance for the procedure. See Explanations of fees and costs in below link.
You can read more on the Australia Government website, Department of Health and Aged Care: https://medicalcostsfinder.health.gov.au/services/H40/ih?term=knee+replacement.
Sydney is such an amazing place to live. My brother lives there and loves it!
Hope the above answers all your questions.
Good luck with your move.
Graeme
August 30, 2023 at 8:07 amHi,
I am a myeloma patient who has undergone treatment here in NZ but has relapsed.
The drug (treatment) I need now is not funded in NZ and my future looks bleak
It is funded in Australia and my question is can I move to Australia permanently and receive this govt funded drug as a new immigrant?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
JJ Smith
August 31, 2023 at 12:12 pmHi Graeme,
Thank you for your message.
I’ve done some research and found out the below…
As of December 2020, the following drugs are available in Australia either through Medicare on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), on special access programs through the manufacturer or on a clinical trial – https://myeloma.org.au/what-is-myeloma/, click on ‘how is myeloma treated tab to view list of drugs.
Who is eligible for the PBS?
The Scheme is available to all Australian residents who hold a current Medicare card.
Overseas visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) are also eligible to access the Scheme. Australia currently has RHCAs with the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Malta, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Belgium and Slovenia.
Source: https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/about-the-pbs#Who_is_eligible_for_the_PBS.
Therefore, it looks like you are eligible to get the drug you need in Australia!
However, I recommend you reach out to Myeloma Australia and ask them any questions you have, as they will be able to give you confirmation on what your treatment would look like/cost in Australia when I can only provide information I have been able to find online: https://myeloma.org.au/what-is-myeloma/telephone-support-line/.
Hope the above helps.
Graeme
August 31, 2023 at 3:23 pmThank you so much JJ.
This is fantastic & really is a big help!
Kelly Grey
June 7, 2023 at 1:34 amHi, my father in law is in a care home in NZ, he has limited family and friends left in NZ both his son (my husband) and my sister in law have lived in australia for over 20 years. My father in law came for a holiday with a nurse but now has his heart set on living over here as upon returning to Nz he is lonely. Is migrating to Australia an option when you need to go into a care home and what steps would need to be taken?
JJ Smith
June 19, 2023 at 1:51 pmHi Kelly,
The Australian Government subsidises a range of aged care homes in Australia. This means affordable care and support services can be accessed by those who need it. The subsidies are paid directly to the aged care home. The amount of funding that a home receives is based on:
– an assessment of your care needs by an independent assessor
– how much you can afford to contribute to the cost of your care and accommodation (using a means assessment)
To get the funding, subsidised aged care homes have to meet Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure quality care and services are provided.
Australian Government-funded aged care homes:
– Receive subsidies to make care more affordable
– Regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC): https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/.
– Some can also offer places that aren’t subsidised
You can find a list of subsidised aged care homes on this website using the Find a provider tool: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/node/161.
Aged care homes not funded by the Australian Government:
– Some aged care homes don’t receive subsidies from the Australian Government
– Retirement homes or independent living units don’t necessarily provide care services
– Retirement homes are regulated by state and territory governments
These aged care homes and retirement homes aren’t listed on this website, but you can read more about them on our non government-funded providers page (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/node/103).
Who is eligible for a subsidised place?
Eligibility is based on need, determined through an assessment. To be eligible, you must be unable to live independently at home and can be either:
– an older person
– a younger person with a disability, dementia or other special care needs not met through other specialist services.
Your financial situation doesn’t affect your eligibility to live in a government-subsidised aged care home. It will impact the amount you may have to pay.
Check if you meet the requirements for an assessment (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/node/1678071) or if you are ready, apply for an assessment now (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/node/1511289).
You can find more information about costs, assessments, eligibility, means assessment and the steps to getting into an aged care home here: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-homes.
Here are some other posts that I found useful when researching your question:
– About residential aged care – https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/residential-aged-care/about-residential-aged-care.
– My Aged Care – eligibility guidelines for senior Australians – https://agedcaredecisions.com.au/who-is-eligible-for-my-aged-care/.
– Get a customised list of aged care vacancies near you – https://get.agedcaredecisions.com.au/find-aged-care-options/?utm_source=decisions&utm_medium=webpage&utm_campaign=find_aged_care&utm_content=newbannersidebarA.
Hopefully the above has given you enough information to get you started.
Please let me know if there is any information I can share with other visitors about getting a loved one in an aged care home in Australia.
Thanks
Norman
March 4, 2023 at 10:20 pmI have spent the last 25 years in Brisbane. Dad is an Australian citizen as he was born there in 1941. Mum recently passed away and had spent her last year and a bit being a full-time carer for Dad. Dad has early stage Dementia. I have spent the last month or so taking on this role here in NZ but need to return to Australia to my family as this is not financially sustainable here as I am without an income.
I am looking at bringing Dad to Brisbane and return to my job. Dad would stay at home with me. Also would need some help and support with in home care package and what does Dad qualify for. He currently receives the Australian pension..
Any help or steps in the right direction appreciated.
JJ Smith
March 6, 2023 at 10:36 amHi Norman,
Thank you for your message.
As your Dad is an Australian citizen, he will have access to support from the Australia Government.
I recommend you contact Dementia Australia to see what support you both can get after you arrive in Australia: https://www.dementia.org.au/support/family-and-carers.
Sorry, I can’t give you any specifics about what care help you both will receive, but Dementia Australia is the best first contact.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move back to Australia.
Rebecca
March 2, 2023 at 10:28 amHi there
myself and my husband are thinking of moving from NZ to OZ we have a 15 Year old son with special needs so I just wanted to now what help medically and education wise there is available for him in Oz if we do move thank you.
JJ Smith
March 3, 2023 at 2:30 pmHi Rebecca,
Thank you for your message.
This is one of the hardest areas to find information online about, and therefore I can’t really help.
I do recommend you research your son’s condition online in Australia and get in touch with a support group over there. They will be able to give you some answers.
You can also approach/call a school in the area you are planning on moving to and ask what help they are able to offer you.
Here is a list of the Australian Government payments and the newly arrived resident’s waiting period for each: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-visa/#Newly-arrived-residents-waiting-period.
Please let me know if there is anything more specific I can research for you.
Jessica
December 1, 2022 at 4:56 pmHello!
I am moving to Australia, I have an autoimmune disease and I require medication each day (medication is funded). I have health insurance in NZ (Southern cross). How do I go about getting medical scripts when I am over in Australia, is it easy to sign up for a doctor’s practice?
Thank you!!
JJ Smith
December 5, 2022 at 2:48 pmHi Jessica,
Thank you for your comment.
You will need to find a doctor in the area you are moving to for your prescription and you should look into health insurance in Australia.
I’ve just added the below section to my Australian health care system post, thanks to your comment:
Finding a GP in Australia
A good GP can be one of the most important people in your life, particularly if you have a chronic condition or develop a serious illness. A positive ongoing relationship with your GP is priceless, so it’s important to choose the right one.
The best doctors do more than just diagnose – they co-ordinate your complete healthcare, sending you for the right tests and to the right specialists. They’ll help you stay healthier and limit unnecessary hospital visits.
Choice has put together an extremely helpful guide to help you find your new GP – Your guide to choosing a good GP: https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/health-practitioners/doctors/articles/guide-to-choosing-a-gp.
I also recommend asking Southern Cross if they partner with a provider in Australia, or have a read of my private health insurance post, which includes a link to comparing Australian insurance policies: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/private-health-insurance/.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Wendy
January 24, 2020 at 11:54 pmHi JJ,
Thank you, your blog is very informative.
I’m looking at studying in Aus but was told as a NZ citizen if I get a Health Card I will qualify for a concession on the fees
Is a Medicare Card a Health Card?
Would appreciate your assistance.
Kind Regards
Wendy
JJ Smith
February 4, 2020 at 11:57 pmHi Wendy,
Thank you for your email. Sorry for the delay in replaying.
I have not come across this before but it looks like the advice you have been given is correct. And a Australia Health Card is different from Medicare.
Here is the info on the Health Care Card on the Australian Government website, including eligibility: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/health-care-card/who-can-get-card.
Can you please let me know how you get on so I can pass the advise onto other New Zealanders moving to Australia?
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Michelle
December 10, 2019 at 10:46 pmHiya! Awesome website. Loads of info! But, we have a son diagnosed with autism, and would love more information on what Australia can offer us. Currently in NZ there are waiting lists for months for services. We are entitled to a few supports, a disability allowance and paid for carer support hours. Does Australia offer these to NZers. Any info at all that you might have would be appreciated.
Kind regards, Michelle
JJ Smith
December 10, 2019 at 10:47 pmHi Michelle,
Thanks for your email.
I’ve been doing a lot of research but unfortunately haven’t come up against anything positive.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services are restricted to Australian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Special Category Visa-holders (PSCVs). New Zealanders residing in Australia as non-protected Special Category Visa-holders (SCVs) are temporary residents under the Migration Act when it comes to disability help.
Here is the NDIS eligibility checklist: https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility, you can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency directly on 1800 800 110 to submit an Access Request Form, or visit the national NDIS website (http://www.ndis.gov.au/).
You can search for autism support on Google by the state you plan on moving to, as each state has it’s own rules and regulations.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Sean
November 24, 2019 at 11:45 pmHi my wife and I are in the final stages of preparing our move to Brisbane. 10yrs ago we moved Brisbane and lived there for over 4yrs. While there i became sick and I was in and out of Brisbane Hospital and I recieved the required medical treatment. When I got well enough to fly we moved back to New Zealand and since moving back I’ve had more medical procedures which now require me to have medical infusions every 8 weeks. From what I’ve read and the information I have found, my infusions should continue as per normal if living in Australia. But I still have my doubts about it. I have to have infliximab infusions every 8 weeks in a hospital. I really need to know if this will be covered under the repricol agreement that New Zealand has with australia. It looks as thou it is, but I need this clarified more. I’m hoping my previous time in Brisbane hospital will help me get the treatment I need now in Australia.
Thanks for your time. Look forward to your reply.
JJ Smith
November 24, 2019 at 11:47 pmHi Sean,
Thank you for your email.
Sorry but I have not had personal experience with this so can only recommend what I personally would do if in your position.
Therefore I recommend contacting Brisbane hospital and confirm with them. You can also ask whoever is treating you in NZ, as they may know.
Sorry I can not be of more help.
Good luck with your move.
Kathy Hunter
August 20, 2019 at 12:46 amHi, I’m a Kiwi and my husband’s an Australian. I’ve got multiple sclerosis, I was diagnosed with it here in NZ nine years ago and have been on what they call a “disease modifying drug” for the past two years. It is fully funded for me here. My husband and I often talk about moving back to Aussie but I’m not sure I would be eligible to have this treatment there. I haven’t asked my neurologist about it yet – I will do if we get more serious about moving back, but wondered if you might know anything about it?
Thank you x
JJ Smith
August 21, 2019 at 11:33 pmHi Kathy,
Thank you for your comment.
Unfortunately I can’t find anything online that answers your question.
You will need to talk to your neurologist. You will be able to get Medicare and private health insurance. You just need to know if the drug is available and funded in Australia.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.