MEDICAL

Australia has high standards of healthcare and medical services, which are provided by Commonwealth and State government funded services as well as by private providers.

Public healthcare is provided through the Commonwealth's Medicare program and covers all necessary medical procedures free or at low cost. It does not cover elective treatments, cosmetic surgery or dentistry.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens are eligible for full Medicare services. Residents of United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Malta, Italy and the Republic of Ireland are entitled to restricted access to Medicare services.

To receive Medicare services you need to register for a Medicare Card. You can download a form online or apply in person at a Medicare office.

Private health insurance schemes differ widely and some employers offer private health insurance as part of a salary package.

Family doctors that you would see for general and minor illness and injury, are referred to as GPs, short for General Practitioner. The Yellowpages provides listings of GPs in your local area.