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Medicare — what it covers, and the immunisation program
What Medicare actually covers — and the gaps. Finding a bulk-billing GP. The National Immunisation Program and the AIR register. PBS scripts and the rebate ceiling.
Published 17 May 2026 · Last reviewed 17 May 2026
We cover enrolment in enrolling in Medicare. Here's what Medicare actually does once you've enrolled.
What Medicare covers
- GP visits — most bulk-billing GPs charge nothing. Non-bulk-billing GPs charge a gap above the Medicare rebate. Verify typical gap with practices in your area.
- Specialist visits — with a GP referral, Medicare rebates a portion. The gap varies by specialist.
- Pathology and imaging — bulk-billed at most centres if requested by a doctor.
- Hospital treatment as a public patient — free in public hospitals.
- Some allied health, with a Mental Health Care Plan or Chronic Disease Management Plan — limited sessions per year.
- Medicines under PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) — heavily subsidised. Verify the current general script co-payment ceiling at https://www.pbs.gov.au/
What Medicare doesn't cover
- Most adult dental — see dental costs.
- Most physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy and other allied health (unless under a care plan).
- Most ambulance services (Queensland and Tasmania cover residents — other states require ambulance insurance).
- Cosmetic surgery and procedures.
- Private hospital costs as a private patient.
- Most assisted reproductive technology (with some exceptions).
- Optometry (eye tests are usually bulk-billed but glasses and contacts are not).
- Specialist treatment as a private patient.
Finding a GP
- HealthDirect's "Find a Health Service" tool: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services
- Bulk-billing GPs are getting harder to find. Many practices now charge a gap.
- The first visit is usually 15–20 minutes. You may need a longer "standard consultation" or "long consultation" for complex issues — book accordingly.
- A "regular GP" — staying with one practice over time — is recommended. It builds a continuous health record and they get to know you.
Vaccinations and immunisation
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines for children and certain adult groups. You'll need to know your child's vaccination status for childcare enrolment and Family Tax Benefit Part A eligibility ("No Jab, No Pay").
For newcomers
- Get your overseas vaccination records translated and have your GP review them.
- Children may need catch-up vaccinations if records are incomplete.
- The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) tracks vaccinations. Access via myGov / Medicare.
- COVID-19, flu, RSV vaccines — annual or seasonal, check current advice with your GP.
See https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-immunisation-program