Medicare is a part of Australia’s health care system.
If you’re new to Australia, it might be tricky to understand all the terms we use to talk about health. As gay and bisexual men, it’s good to know how to get sexual health care.
That’s why we are here! We will explain what Medicare is and what’s covered by it. Some overseas visitors have access to Medicare, but we’ll also talk about your options if you do not. We will explain what ‘bulk billing’ is and how to visit your doctor cheaply.
In this article:
Key facts:
- Medicare is basic health insurance for Australians and some overseas visitors.
- Medicare covers some medical services, such as visits to your doctor.
- A GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor you go to first for medical treatment.
- Bulk billing means a medical service is free with Medicare.
- There are many affordable ways to take care of your sexual health without Medicare.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s basic health insurance. It gives Australians and some overseas visitors access to medical services for free or at a low cost. Medicare is free, but you do have to apply for it.
Which visas are eligible for Medicare?
Some overseas visitors can get a Medicare card. You can check if you can get Medicare here (available in different languages).
What is a Medicare card used for?
Medicare covers many medical services, including hospital visits and tests. This article tells you what is covered.
A Medicare card also gives you access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This makes many prescription medications, such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, cheaper.
What is not covered?
Medicare does not include some services, such as:
- Ambulance
- Dental
- Glasses and contact lenses
Private health insurance may help cover the costs of these services. Read our article on health insurance to find out more.
Do I need Medicare for sexual health?
Medicare will cover HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection pathology tests (such as blood and urine (pee) tests). If you get tested by a private doctor, you might get charged a fee for the appointment.
Medicare also lowers the price of PrEP.
But you do not need Medicare to protect yourself from HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections:
- Some sexual health services offer free HIV testing without Medicare. Use our interactive map to find a service near you. For information about fees, visit the service’s website or talk to reception.
- You can buy condoms cheaply at supermarkets and pharmacies.
- HIV treatment is free without Medicare from public hospital pharmacies in most states.
- You can import PrEP from overseas (cheaply) or apply for free PrEP if you have a valid prescription.
What is a General Practitioner or GP?
A GP, which stands for General Practitioner, is the first doctor you see when you have a health issue. Visit a GP (not the hospital) if you have a non-urgent health issue. They can treat and diagnose most basic conditions. GPs also refer you to get tests or see other doctors. There may be a cost to see your GP with or without Medicare.
Some things GPs can help you with:
- Colds and flus
- Getting a medical certificate if you are sick from work
- Getting a medicine prescription
- Mental health referrals
- Sexual health screening
How to find a General Practitioner?
To find a GP in your area, you can use HealthDirect’s service finder.
It’s a good idea for people living with HIV to have a GP who understands HIV. Only specifically trained doctors called ‘s100 prescribers’ are allowed to prescribe HIV treatment. You can use our map to find a s100 prescriber.
You may also want a doctor who understands your cultural background. Many GPs use HotDoc to book appointments. You can filter by ‘languages spoken’ to find a doctor who speaks your language.
You can change your doctor if they do not understand your cultural or LGBTQ identity.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is a doctor’s appointment over the phone. You can get a telehealth appointment if you don’t need a physical exam. For example, if you need to renew a prescription. Telehealth is good if you don’t have time to travel to a service or live far away from your doctor.
Check with your GP if they can do telehealth appointments.
What is bulk billing?
When a health service ‘bulk bills,’ it means the cost of your appointment is free with Medicare.
Not all GPs bulk bill, so check their website or reception for appointment fees.
What if I don’t have Medicare?
You may need private health insurance if you are on a visa and can’t access Medicare. You pay for insurance, which will cover some medical services, such as visiting a GP. Read more about understanding your insurance as a visa holder in this article.
There are many affordable ways to take care of your sexual health without Medicare in Australia: