Those from the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand:
- Do not receive a Reciprocal Medicare Card
- Receive medically necessary treatment in a public hospital (by showing their passport)
- Receive pharmaceuticals at subsidised Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) levels, which is the same cost as Australians pay (by showing their passport)
- Can seek exemption from the Medicare Levy (1.5%) by completing the Medicare Levy Exemption form, and lodging this at the end of each tax year, with the Medicare Levy Exemption Unit in Hobart. If the exemption is granted, the refund of the 1.5% Medicare Levy is processed through the annual tax return.
- Will not be liable to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge of 1% (MLS)
Please note: If you are a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia and are not on a temporary resident visa, you may be able to establish permanent residency and therefore be eligible to enrol in Medicare. You need to check your Medicare eligibility before applying for IMAN Australian Health Plans.
