Medicare Rules

Important information about Medicare coverage and billing

Medicare General Information

Understanding Medicare coverage

Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme. It provides access to a range of medical services, reduced cost prescriptions and free care as a public patient in a public hospital.

What Medicare Covers

  • GP consultations (with potential out-of-pocket expenses)
  • Specialist consultations (with referral)
  • Tests and scans (pathology and diagnostic imaging)
  • Eye tests by optometrists
  • Most surgical procedures performed by doctors
  • Some dental surgeries for specific conditions

What Medicare Does Not Cover

  • Ambulance services (except in Queensland and Tasmania)
  • Most dental examinations and treatments
  • Most physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, eye therapy, chiropractic services
  • Glasses and contact lenses
  • Hearing aids and other appliances
  • Home nursing