The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia and New Zealand, allowing eligible UK travellers to access certain publicly funded medical treatment during their visit.
However, the eligibility rules, healthcare services and costs differ between the two countries.
These agreements do not replace travel insurance, particularly for medical repatriation, private treatment or other expenses that may not be covered by the local healthcare system.
If you were living in the UK before visiting Australia, you may qualify for medically necessary healthcare through Australia's Medicare system under the UK–Australia Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
Eligible services can include:
Medically necessary treatment as a public patient in a public hospital.
Certain medically necessary outpatient and other medical services.
Some prescription medicines subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
You may still have to pay for GP appointments, prescriptions, ambulance transport, dental treatment and other services.
You can receive eligible public hospital treatment without enrolling in Medicare first.
However, you will need to enrol if you want to claim certain other Medicare benefits.
You can enrol before or after receiving treatment, using the Australian Government's Medicare enrolment process.
You may need to provide:
Your passport.
A valid Australian visa.
Evidence that you live in the UK, such as a GHIC, UK-issued EHIC or other accepted proof of residency.
A GHIC or EHIC can help demonstrate UK residency for Medicare eligibility, but it is not a replacement for Medicare enrolment where this is required.
Australia: Reciprocal Healthcare for UK Visitors
Under the UK–New Zealand reciprocal healthcare agreement, eligible UK citizens who are ordinarily resident in the UK and temporarily visiting New Zealand may receive publicly funded healthcare for conditions requiring prompt medical attention.
This can include treatment where:
An illness or injury develops after arriving in New Zealand.
An existing condition becomes significantly worse during the visit.
Treatment is needed to prevent a condition from becoming significantly worse.
Eligible treatment can include public hospital care and certain other medically necessary healthcare services.
Yes, but the reciprocal agreement does not entitle you to register with a Primary Health Organisation (PHO).
You may receive the same subsidies as an eligible New Zealand resident attending as a casual patient, where the medical practitioner determines that your condition requires prompt treatment.
You may still need to pay a contribution towards your appointment.
You should be prepared to provide:
Your valid UK passport and any required visa.
Evidence that you ordinarily live in the UK, such as proof of employment, a return ticket or UK residence documentation.
Important: The New Zealand agreement is restricted to eligible UK citizens ordinarily resident in the UK. UK residency alone does not automatically establish eligibility.
New Zealand: Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements
No. These agreements provide access to specific state-funded healthcare services, not comprehensive medical insurance.
Depending on the country, you may still be responsible for:
Private medical treatment.
Ambulance or specialist transport costs.
Prescription charges and other patient contributions.
Treatment outside the reciprocal agreement's eligibility rules.
Medical repatriation to the UK.
This is why you should still have suitable travel insurance when visiting Australia or New Zealand.
How Much Emergency Medical Cover Do I Have and Do I Need a GHIC or EHIC?
If you become ill or injured while travelling in Australia or New Zealand:
Seek immediate medical attention if your condition is serious or life-threatening.
Tell the healthcare provider that you may qualify for treatment under the UK's reciprocal healthcare agreement.
Provide the necessary identification and residency documents.
Contact our Emergency Medical Assistance Service as soon as possible if you're admitted to hospital or require medical assistance.
Keep medical reports, receipts and invoices relating to your treatment.
You must contact the Emergency Medical Assistance Service before arranging medical repatriation.
Telephone: +44 (0)330 123 2370
Available: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How Do I Get Medical Help or Emergency Assistance Abroad?
Important: All cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions, cover limits and any applicable excess.
