Why every Aussie packs this powerful little card when travelling overseas

If you’re planning an overseas adventure—a long-awaited trip to see the grandkids in London, a river cruise through Europe, or a quick hop across the ditch to New Zealand—there’s one item you should never leave home without.

And no, it’s not your passport (though that’s a given!). It’s your humble little green Medicare card.


You might be surprised to learn that this unassuming piece of plastic could be your ticket to free or reduced-cost medical care in a number of countries around the world.

But how does it work, and what are the catches? Let’s break it down so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.


1747625524249.png
A physical Medicare card is advised to be taken by Aussie travellers when visiting countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements. Credit: Depositphotos


Most of us know our Medicare card is essential for accessing healthcare here in Australia.

However, thanks to reciprocal healthcare agreements, it can also open doors to public hospitals and medical treatment in 11 countries.

That means if you fall ill or have an accident while travelling, you may be able to access emergency care or treatment for illnesses that can’t wait until you get home—without a massive bill at the end.


Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries, including Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

In these destinations, you can present your Medicare card (and your passport) at public hospitals and, in many cases, receive medically necessary care either free or at a reduced cost.

Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, explains that the process is similar to visiting a public hospital at home.

If you’re a Medicare cardholder and an Australian citizen, you have rights to emergency care in these countries’ public systems.

However, it’s not always as simple as flashing your card.

The process can be a bit complicated, and not all medical practitioners overseas are familiar with the arrangement.


You may need to do a bit of explaining, and you’ll almost always need to show your passport as well.

While many of us have embraced the convenience of the digital Medicare card in the app, Services Australia recommends packing your physical card for overseas travel.

Not all overseas hospitals or clinics will accept the digital version, and you don’t want to be caught out in an emergency.

It’s important to understand that reciprocal healthcare agreements are not a blank cheque.

Coverage is generally limited to medically necessary care that can’t wait until you return home.

This usually includes emergency treatment and urgent care for sudden illnesses or injuries.


Routine check-ups, elective procedures, and private hospital care are typically not covered.

You may also be required to pay up front and claim reimbursement later, depending on the country and the circumstances.

As powerful as the Medicare card can be, it’s not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.

Both Dean Long and Services Australia stress that travel insurance is absolutely essential, even when visiting countries with reciprocal agreements.

There are a few key reasons why relying solely on reciprocal healthcare agreements isn’t enough.

These agreements don’t cover everything—services like ambulance transport, dental treatment, and private hospital care are often excluded.


You may also encounter out-of-pocket expenses, as some countries require payment upfront with partial reimbursement later.

Additionally, travel insurance offers broader protection, covering things like lost luggage, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events that healthcare agreements don’t include.

Having both your Medicare card and travel insurance gives you the best possible safety net while you’re away from home.

When travelling with your Medicare card, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind. Make sure to pack your physical Medicare card in a secure but easily accessible spot.

Always carry your passport, as it’s essential for proving your identity and eligibility. Before you depart, take time to research the specific healthcare agreement of your destination, as the details vary by country.

It’s also wise to keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including those for local hospitals and the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.


Many Aussies have found themselves in sticky situations overseas—broken bones in the UK, sudden illness in Italy, or a nasty fall in New Zealand.

In these cases, having a Medicare card has meant access to emergency care without the stress of a huge bill.

However, those who didn’t have travel insurance have sometimes faced unexpected costs for things like ambulances or follow-up care.

Your Medicare card is a 'powerful little' travel companion that could save you time, money, and stress if you need medical help overseas.

But remember, it’s not a magic wand—always pair it with good travel insurance for complete peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
  • Aussie travellers are urged to take their physical Medicare card with them when visiting overseas countries that have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia.
  • There are 11 countries where Australians can access some publicly funded medical care, including emergency treatment, by presenting their Medicare card and passport.
  • Experts warn that using a Medicare card overseas can be complicated, with various restrictions and requirements, so it’s important to research what’s covered before you travel.
  • Travel insurance is still strongly recommended, even when visiting countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements, as Medicare does not cover all medical costs or services overseas.
Have you ever used your Medicare card overseas? Did it save the day, or did you run into any surprises? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
In Dec 2018 I bought travel insurance for my trip to Canada. Should’ve realised the price was too good. Didn’t include medical insurance. Sure enough, I had an ambulance take me to the ED at a Toronto hospital. They wanted me to stay, but I signed a waiver so that I could leave. I paid $400 for ambulance and $800 hospital (for two hours). They estimated if I stayed for tests etc, I’d be out about $15,000!

If I were a resident of Canada, it wouldn’t cost me anything. But I haven’t lived there for many, many years.
Did you lose you Canadian residency? I thought if you were born in a country and moved to another country then you had dual residency.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
In 2019, while on a 4 week holiday in New Zealand (first week cycling the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail) sightseeing the remaining 3 weeks!!
Well lo and behold 14 kilometers from Twizel, first day of cycling…I came over the handlebars on a hairpin corner and shattered my right humerus.
Thanks to the reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand….all ambulance, hospital and medical procedures were covered.
I would not travel anywhere without Travel Insurance or my physical Passport or Medicare Card….
 
Last edited:
In 2019, while on a 4 week holiday in New Zealand (first week cycling the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail) sightseeing the remaining 3 weeks!!
Well low and behold 14 kilometers from Twizel, I came over the handlebars on a hairpin corner and shattered my right humerus.
Thanks to the reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand….all ambulance, hospital and medical procedures were covered.
I would not travel anywhere without Travel Insurance or my physical Passport or Medicare Card….
I bet it wasn't funny....
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
In Dec 2018 I bought travel insurance for my trip to Canada. Should’ve realised the price was too good. Didn’t include medical insurance. Sure enough, I had an ambulance take me to the ED at a Toronto hospital. They wanted me to stay, but I signed a waiver so that I could leave. I paid $400 for ambulance and $800 hospital (for two hours). They estimated if I stayed for tests etc, I’d be out about $15,000!

If I were a resident of Canada, it wouldn’t cost me anything. But I haven’t lived there for many, many years.
We went to Canada in 2014 but we had full insurance we made sure we were fully covered for anything and yes it wasn't cheap but spending nearly $30,000 on the 31 day holiday it was worth it
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
In Dec 2018 I bought travel insurance for my trip to Canada. Should’ve realised the price was too good. Didn’t include medical insurance. Sure enough, I had an ambulance take me to the ED at a Toronto hospital. They wanted me to stay, but I signed a waiver so that I could leave. I paid $400 for ambulance and $800 hospital (for two hours). They estimated if I stayed for tests etc, I’d be out about $15,000!

If I were a resident of Canada, it wouldn’t cost me anything. But I haven’t lived there for many, many years.
Sonja my daughter ended up in hospital in Milan when she got bronchitis on her way to London where she is now .Luckily she had insurance as the bill was just over $2,000 for treatment and an overnight stay
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
I do have dual citizenship, but I don’t reside in Canada.
So you need to reside there to be covered? That's a bit unfair.

Mt sister inlaw was born here but has lived in Greece for 30 years. She has dual citizenship yet when she comes to Australia she is still covered by Medicare.

I know she won't be able to get a pension unless she is living here
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
So you need to reside there to be covered? That's a bit unfair.

Mt sister inlaw was born here but has lived in Greece for 30 years. She has dual citizenship yet when she comes to Australia she is still covered by Medicare.

I know she won't be able to get a pension unless she is living here
Yes, I’d have to be a resident (not necessarily a citizen), of Canada to receive their medical coverage. I’ve had an Australian passport for 34 years and have lived here about 48 years.

I’ve never kept up to date with the Canadian medical system, which is very good system, if you live there. I’m not entitled to any Canadian benefits, but my home has been here for more years than anywhere else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Suzanne rose
This is a brilliant article. My wife and I will be visiting 6 countries in a few months and this is very handy to know. ONE PROBLEM WITH THE ARTICLE. I would like to print the article to add to my documents to take with me but don't seem to be able to do so. This would be a very good addition to your web site if we could print an article or two from time to time
If you are on an iPad: put your cursor at the beginning of the first letter, then hold for a second or two and you should see some options come up - one will be the word ‘select’. Click on that and you will get the option of ‘copy, paste’ etc., holding the cursor over the selected word drag down to wherever you want to stop and it should highlight your document in blue. Release the cursor & your highlighted document can now be pasted onto a blank ‘note’.

The same applies on a keyboard where you start at the first letter and drag your mouse all the way down to where you want to stop. You can then ‘paste’ that onto a blank sheet (maybe a Word document) on your computer and print from there. Depending how/if your iPad or tablet has been set up to connect with your printer you should be able to print directly from the tablet and/or your computer.

Hope I’ve explained this correctly and you have success.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×