Cover for recent migrants

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Recent migrants are generally eligible for Medicare benefits, which provide help with basic medical expenses including free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care, and subsidised medicines.

You may be eligible to join Medicare and gain immediate access to health care services and programs. To register, go to a Medicare office seven to 10 days after arriving in Australia and take your passport and travel documents.
Medicare does not provide for all health services. You must pay for general health services such as dental care, optical care and ambulance services, or take out private health insurance to cover these costs.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship website provides more information on Medicare registration.