As international travel surges post-pandemic, Australians are being strongly encouraged to pack an essential – yet often overlooked – item in their wallets: the humble Medicare card.
Dubbed a “powerful little” card, Australia’s Medicare card isn’t just useful on home soil. Thanks to reciprocal healthcare agreements with 11 countries, Aussie travellers can access emergency and medically necessary public healthcare abroad – sometimes for free – simply by showing their card.
According to Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, many travellers and even overseas health workers are unaware of this benefit. “Ultimately, how it'll work is exactly the same way as when you go to a public hospital here,” he said. “If you've got a Medicare card and you're a citizen, you have rights to that emergency department.”
Where Can You Use It?
Australians are eligible for subsidised medical care in the following 11 countries:
Belgium
Finland
Italy
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Republic of Ireland
Slovenia
Sweden
United Kingdom
These agreements cover emergency treatment or medical care that cannot wait until you return to Australia. However, it’s not a free pass for all healthcare needs – travellers must still do their homework, as each country has its own rules, exemptions, and processes.
Plan Ahead
Hank Jongen, General Manager at Services Australia, confirmed that taking your physical Medicare card is recommended – not the digital version on your phone. "There are agreements with some countries where Australians can get publicly funded medically necessary care,” he said.
Travellers are also advised to carry their passport and be prepared to navigate a potentially “complicated process” depending on the healthcare system of the country they're visiting.
Don’t Leave Home Without It
For Aussie globetrotters heading to Europe or nearby New Zealand, your Medicare card might just be your unexpected travel lifesaver. While it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, it could save hundreds – even thousands – in emergency situations.
So before you board that next flight, add your Medicare card to your checklist. It’s small, but mighty – and it might just be your best travel companion yet.
