Australian Health Care System by JJ Smith 8 August 2025 written by JJ Smith Medicare Australia, health insurance, to-do list… what you need to know about the Australian health care system. 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. Continue Reading
Medicare Australia by JJ Smith 6 March 2025 written by JJ Smith How you apply for medicare Australia, what are you entitled to, what are the costs of healthcare, medicines through PBS, and more? Medicare is a publicly funded universal health care scheme in Australia. Operated by the government authority Medicare Australia, Medicare is the primary funder of health care in Australia, 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. As an NZ Citizen, you are eligible for Medicare Australia. However, you need to either live in Australia for 6 months or provide proof that you’ll be living there for the next 6 months. Continue Reading
Costs of medication and operations in Australia by JJ Smith 28 May 2024 written by JJ Smith Are you moving to Australia and want to know if your medication or needed operation is subsidised by the Australian Government? Find out how much things cost in Australia. There are many things to consider when moving to Australia, and whether you can still get the prescription medication 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. Continue Reading
Australian Age Pension for New Zealanders (2026 Guide) by JJ Smith 12 March 2026 written by JJ Smith Can New Zealanders get the Australian Age Pension? Yes — New Zealanders living in Australia may be eligible for the Australian Age Pension, but the rules are slightly different from the NZ pension and those for Australian citizens. Eligibility depends on: your age how long you have lived in Australia and/or New Zealand your income your assets Australia and New Zealand have a social security agreement, which allows periods of residence in both countries to be counted when assessing eligibility. Because of this agreement, many New Zealanders who move to Australia later in life can qualify for an Australian pension, even if they haven’t lived in Australia for their entire working life. However, there are a few important rules and deadlines, especially if you are already receiving NZ Superannuation when you move. Quick Summary: Australian Age Pension for New Zealanders If you’re planning to move to Australia or have recently arrived, here are the key things to know. The Age Pension age is currently 67 You generally need 10 years of working-age residence (age 20–67) in Australia and/or NZ The pension is income and asset-tested If you already receive NZ Super, it usually continues for up to 26 weeks after leaving NZ During that time you should apply for the Australian Age Pension Editor Note: I highly recommend using an Age Pension calculator to get an estimate of how much pension you might receive, as this can affect when you should apply: If you’re eligible for the full Australian Age Pension: apply as soon as you arrive in Australia, as it is higher than the NZ Super. The maximum fortnightly rate for a single person in Australia is up to A$1,178.70 (after tax), while the gross weekly rate for a single person in New Zealand is approximately NZ$1,043.24. If you only qualify for a partial Australian Age Pension, it can sometimes make sense to delay applying until closer to the end of the 26-week period when NZ Super stops. This helps avoid overlapping payments that could later need to be repaid. NZ Super rates change each year in April, where the Australia Age Pension updates twice a year (20 March and 20 September). In this post, you will find helpful information on: What to do before leaving New Zealand What to do after arriving in Australia What you need to do within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand At what age can you receive the Australian Age Pension? Residency requirements for New Zealanders How to apply for the Australian Age Pension Australian Age Pension Payment Rates Age Pension income test Age Pension asset test How homeownership affects the pension Age Pension calculator Working after pension age Disability Support Pension for New Zealanders Can you receive NZ Super and the Australian Age Pension? How NZ Super and Australian Age Pension Compare Common Mistakes New Zealanders Make with Pensions Real-Life Example Scenarios for Kiwis Moving to Australia Transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia Keeping Centrelink up to date Where to get help and advice What to do before leaving New Zealand If you are receiving NZ Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or another long-term payment, there are a few things you should do before moving. 1. Notify Work and Income Advise Work and Income that you plan to move to Australia. 2. Gather important documents Before leaving New Zealand, make sure you have copies of: Passport Birth certificate Marriage certificate (if applicable) Bank account details Tax file information Medical reports (if receiving Supported Living Payment) Having these ready will make the Australian application process much easier. 3. Check any overseas pension arrangements If you receive an overseas pension through New Zealand’s Special Banking Option, you may need to arrange for the overseas agency to pay you directly instead. For assistance, contact Senior Services International. What to do after arriving in Australia Once you arrive in Australia, you should begin preparing your Age Pension application through Centrelink. Depending on your situation, you may also need to apply for: Disability Support Pension Carer Payment These payments are available to New Zealand citizens living in Australia, including those on a Special Category Visa (SCV). Most New Zealanders automatically receive an SCV visa when entering Australia, which allows them to live and work there. What you need to do within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand If you already receive New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran’s Pension, there is an important rule to understand. You can usually continue receiving your New Zealand payments for up to 26 weeks after leaving New Zealand. This period gives you time to apply for the Australian Age Pension. When should you apply? The timing of your application can affect your payments. If you qualify for the full Australian Age Pension It often makes sense to apply soon after arriving in Australia, because the maximum Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Superannuation. If you may qualify for a reduced Age Pension Some people choose to apply closer to the end of the 26-week period if they are still receiving NZ Superannuation. This can help avoid overlapping payments that might later need to be repaid. Because every situation is different, it is a good idea to contact Centrelink International Services before applying. What happens if you don’t apply within 26 weeks? If you do not apply for the Australian Age Pension within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand, your New Zealand pension payments will normally stop. This is why it is important to start the application process early. At what age can you receive the Australian Age Pension? The Age Pension age in Australia is currently 67. However, the age depends on your date of birth. Date of birth Age Pension age 1 July 1952 – 31 Dec 1953 65 years 6 months 1 Jan 1954 – 30 June 1955 66 years 1 July 1955 – 31 Dec 1956 66 years 6 months 1 Jan 1957 onwards 67 years Residency requirements for New Zealanders To qualify for the Age Pension under the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement, you must have: At least 10 years of working-age residence Working-age residence means time lived in Australia or New Zealand between age 20 and Age Pension age. These periods can be combined across both countries. How to apply for the Australian Age Pension The easiest way to apply is online through Centrelink. Step 1 — Set up your accounts You will need: a myGov account your Centrelink account linked to myGov You can set this up at: my.gov.au Step 2 — Prepare your documents You will need supporting documents that show: identity bank account details tax file number (TFN) relationship status income assets You can read more about the documents needed on the Services Australia supporting documents page, which provides examples of each. Step 3 — Submit your claim Online application steps: Sign in to myGov Select Make a claim Choose Older Australians Select Age Pension Follow the prompts You must submit the claim within 13 weeks of starting it. If you cannot apply online You can also: print the Age Pension claim form request help from Centrelink International Services Australian Age Pension Information Booklet Here is the Information you need to know about your claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus (Ci006) (Information Booklet), so you can read through the questions and get a better understanding of what’s required. You can view, print and complete the Claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus form here and the Income and Assets form. If you would like to speak with someone about applying, please call Canterlink International on 0800441248. Australian Age Pension Payment Rates The amount you receive depends on: your income your assets your relationship status All income and assets are taken into account, whether they are Australian-based or still in New Zealand. Rates are updated twice each year: 20 March 20 September Australia Age Pension rates (from September 2025): Per fortnight Single Couple each Couple combined Couple apart due to ill health Maximum basic rate $1,079.70 $813.90 $1,627.80 $1,079.70 Maximum Pension Supplement $84.90 $64.00 $128.00 $84.90 Energy Supplement $14.10 $10.60 $21.20 $14.10 Total $1,178.70 $888.50 $1,777.00 $1,178.70 * Rates as per November 2025. Check here for updated rates. Age Pension income test The Age Pension is income tested. If your income exceeds certain thresholds, your payment will be reduced. Income-free area Single: first $218 per fortnight is not counted Couples: first $380 combined per fortnight is not counted Above these limits, the pension reduces gradually. Age Pension asset test The Age Pension is also asset tested. Assets include: savings investments vehicles investment property superannuation income streams shares Asset limits for a full pension (example) Situation Homeowner Non-homeowner Single $321,500 $579,500 Couple $481,500 $739,500 Your main home is not counted as an asset. How homeownership affects the pension Your principal residence is exempt from the asset test. However, homeowners have lower asset limits than non-homeowners. Situations that may affect your pension include: selling your home downsizing granny-flat arrangements moving out of the home. Age Pension calculator The Age Pension Calculator on the SuperGuide website is simple and easy to use. Just enter your details in the yellow fields, and you’ll receive an estimate of the Age Pension you may be eligible for. Reminder: do not include the value of your home in your assets. If you haven’t yet sold your NZ home and purchased one in Australia, it will be difficult to get a completely accurate estimate, but still leave out your home to keep the calculation as accurate as possible. You’ll be asked to answer the following questions: Are you single or part of a couple? Do you own your own home? Value of your non-financial assets Value of your financial investments Your employment income (annually) Other income (annually) Try the Age Pension Calculator here: SuperGuide Age Pension calculator. Working after pension age You can still work while receiving the Age Pension. Australia offers a Work Bonus that allows pensioners to earn some income without reducing their pension. Work Bonus rules first $300 per fortnight from employment is not counted unused amounts accumulate in a Work Bonus income bank Maximum Work Bonus balance: $11,800 The amount accumulated in the income bank can be used to offset future income from work that would otherwise be assessable under the pension income test. The income bank amount is not time-limited; if unused, it carries forward, even across years. For more information, visit Work Bonus on the Australian Government Department of Social Services website. Disability Support Pension for New Zealanders Under the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement, New Zealanders living in Australia may be able to apply for the Australian Disability Support Pension (DSP) if they have a severe disability and meet certain residency rules. To qualify for the Disability Support Pension under the agreement, you must meet three key requirements. 1. You must be considered “severely disabled” To qualify under the agreement, you must meet Australia’s definition of severe disability, which generally means: you have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working, and the condition is expected to last at least two years, and you are unable to benefit from employment support or rehabilitation programs, or you are permanently blind. Medical evidence from your doctor or specialist will be required when applying. 2. The disability must have occurred while living in Australia or New Zealand To qualify under the social security agreement, the severe disability must have occurred while you were a resident of either Australia or New Zealand. If the disability occurred while you were living in another country, you may not qualify under the agreement. 3. You must meet the residency requirements You must have: lived in Australia and/or New Zealand for at least 10 years, and usually lived in Australia for at least 12 months before applying. Periods of residence in both countries can be combined to help meet the 10-year requirement. Important note The Disability Support Pension is income and asset tested, similar to the Age Pension. This means your income, savings, investments, and other assets may affect how much you can receive. Where to get help If you think you may qualify for the Disability Support Pension, you can contact: Centrelink International Services New Zealand Phone: 0800 441 248 Australian Phone: 131 673 They can explain the eligibility rules and help you start the application process. Can you receive NZ Super and the Australian Age Pension? Once your applications are processed, you may receive payments from both New Zealand and Australia, e.g., your payment may consist of a NZ Superannuation payment and an Australian Age Pension payment. However, the total amount you receive is generally limited to what an Australian resident would receive. Because of this, the final payment may include: a component from New Zealand a component from Australia How NZ Super and Australian Age Pension Compare Many Kiwis wonder how their NZ Superannuation stacks up against the Australian Age Pension. Here’s a quick comparison to make it easier to plan your move. Status NZ Super Australian Age Pension Difference Single NZ$1,043.24/week A$1,178.70/fortnight +A$135.46/week* Couple (each) NZ$803/week A$888.50/fortnight +A$85.50/week* *Based on current exchange rates and the maximum Australian Age Pension. Exact amounts will vary depending on income, assets, and living arrangements. Key points to note: The Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Super for most Kiwis. Payments include additional supplements like Energy Supplement and Pension Supplement. Exchange rates can affect your NZ$ equivalent, so it’s good to check your fortnightly payments after conversion. If eligible for the full Australian Age Pension, it usually makes sense to apply soon after arrival in Australia. This section helps you understand how much more (or less) you could receive in Australia compared to staying in New Zealand. Common Mistakes New Zealanders Make with Pensions Moving to Australia and applying for the Age Pension can be confusing, and many Kiwis make simple mistakes that could cost them time or money. Here are the top ones to avoid: Mistake Why it matters Waiting too long to apply for the Australian Age Pension NZ Super payments stop after 26 weeks if you don’t apply Assuming NZ Super continues automatically You must submit an application to continue receiving payments in Australia Not reporting income or assets to Centrelink Could result in overpayment and needing to repay later Overlooking your partner’s eligibility Could reduce or increase your combined pension Not using the Work Bonus If you’re still working part-time, you could be missing out on extra pension payments Pro tip: Keep a checklist and gather all your documents early. It will save you a lot of stress and ensures you get the full pension you’re entitled to. Real-Life Example Scenarios for Kiwis Moving to Australia Sometimes it helps to see how the rules apply in real life. Here are a few examples based on common situations: Example 1: Single retiree moving at 67 NZ Super: NZ$1,043/week Australian Age Pension: A$1,178/fortnight Outcome: Receives a combination of NZ Super and Australian Age Pension for the first 26 weeks, then full Australian pension. Result: slightly higher income than staying in NZ. Example 2: Couple with significant assets Total assets exceed the maximum for a full pension They may only receive a partial Age Pension Outcome: Selling or downsizing a home, or transferring some assets, can increase the pension entitlement. Example 3: Working retiree over pension age Works part-time while receiving the Age Pension Outcome: The Work Bonus allows the first $300 of fortnightly income to be excluded from the income test. Any unused portion accumulates in a Work Bonus “bank”, which can be used to offset future income assessments. These examples make it easier to see how your own situation might work and why it’s worth getting advice early. Transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia If you move permanently to Australia, you may wish to transfer your KiwiSaver to an Australian superannuation fund. This is optional. Steps include: Choose an Australian super fund Join the fund Complete the KiwiSaver transfer form Arrange the transfer through your provider For more information, read my Australian Super or KiwiSaver for your Home Deposit posts. Keeping Centrelink up to date Once you receive a pension, you must inform Centrelink if: your income changes your assets change you travel overseas you receive an inheritance or a large financial gift Keeping your details up to date helps avoid overpayments or repayment obligations. Where to get help and advice Several organisations offer free help with retirement planning. Helpful resources include: Financial Information Service (FIS) MoneySmart National Debt Helpline For aged care information in Australia, visit: My Aged Care. Still have questions about the Australian Age Pension? If you want more detailed information about: applying for pensions what happens if your partner is under pension age Disability Support Pension eligibility receiving NZ benefits in Australia Visit: Work and Income – Social Security Agreement with Australia. You might be interested in… The posts below might interest you: Moving money to Australia (keep more of your money) Buying a house in Australia Medicare Australia Still, got unanswered questions? If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you. Can I help you find something else? 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!
Having a baby in Australia by JJ Smith 8 August 2025 written by JJ Smith Do New Zealanders get free maternity care in Australia? Do we get free midwifery and childbirth services in Australia? Do we receive Parental Leave Pay? The cost of having a baby will vary depending on whether you give birth in the public or private system. In Australia, pregnancy care in a public hospital or birth centre is free because it is covered by Medicare, which covers New Zealanders on an SCV, Australian citizens, and some visitors to Australia. We are eligible for Parental Leave Pay as New Zealand citizens living in Australia on an SCV and don’t have to wait the two-year wait period for newly arrived residents. However, you do need to meet the income and work tests. Read more below. In Australia, you receive antenatal care from your GP, midwife, or obstetrician, and you will have very similar options for your child’s birth as in New Zealand. Continue Reading
Private Health Insurance by JJ Smith 29 May 2024 written by JJ Smith Do you need it, how much does it cost and where to compare policies… 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’ healthcare needs. However, Medicare does not cover everything, and you can choose to take out private health insurance to get a wider range of healthcare options and more comprehensive coverage. Continue Reading
