Bridging Visas and Medicare: Can You Access Health Services?

The question “do I have Medicare while on a bridging visa?” is very common — and the answer depends on more factors than most people expect.

Medicare for people on a bridging visa

People on a bridging visa do not automatically get Medicare. Access to Medicare depends on:

1. Your nationality and the health agreement between Australia and that country
2. The visa you held before the bridging visa was granted

Cases where you may get Medicare

Citizens of a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia: Australia has an RHCA with a number of countries — including the UK, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Malta, New Zealand and Slovenia.

If you are a citizen of one of these countries and on a bridging visa, you may access some Medicare services under the RHCA — usually basic, urgent medical care rather than full Medicare.

People who held a visa with a Medicare entitlement: If the visa held before the bridging visa was one that carried Medicare (for example, a student visa from certain RHCA countries), the bridging visa may inherit part of the Medicare entitlement.

Cases where you have no Medicare

People on a bridging visa from a country without an RHCA generally have no Medicare, because:

• That country has no RHCA with Australia
• The 482 and other temporary visas do not carry Medicare
• A bridging visa does not create a new Medicare entitlement of its own

Health options when you have no Medicare

Private health insurance (OVHC/OSHC):

• OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover): for people on a 482 visa and related bridging visas
• Maintain private cover for the duration of the bridging visa

Public emergency care: Public hospitals in Australia provide emergency care to everyone regardless of insurance status — but you will receive a bill that Medicare does not refund.

Check your specific situation

Medicare status varies case by case. Call Services Australia (Medicare) or check on myGov to confirm your Medicare status while on a bridging visa.