Travel can be unpredictable, and for many, that unpredictability is part of the allure. But not every surprise is welcome, and not every twist in the journey is fun-especially when it comes to health and safety.
The last thing anyone wants to deal with in a foreign country is a sudden illness or injury. An emergency like that can quickly derail your plans, turn a holiday into a stressful ordeal, and-without adequate protections-leave you with a massive bill.
That’s why understanding your healthcare options before you leave is just as important as, say, knowing your flight details. We discussed travel insurance in the previous article, but there’s an existing healthcare benefit you might already be eligible for—and best of all, it doesn’t come with any additional cost.
What is the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement?
To extend access to public healthcare for people travelling abroad, many countries have reciprocal agreements that let their citizens receive necessary support in the country they're currently visiting. Limits apply, but these agreements still offer a valuable safety net.
A great example of this is Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). RHCAs are bilateral treaties between Australia and 11 partner countries, designed to provide medical coverage for eligible travellers. These agreements allow visitors to access necessary medical treatment through public health systems-such as Australia's Medicare or the UK's NHS-during their stay.
Generally, the RHCA covers partial costs for emergency medical care required for illnesses or injuries.
However, what's included depends on where you're from and where you're going. Each country sets its own guidelines on what services are covered or subsidised.
If you're planning an international trip, it's worth checking whether your destination is included-and, if so, understanding exactly what the RHCA does (and doesn't) cover.
Countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with Australia
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Belgium
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Finland
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Italy
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Malta
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The Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Republic of Ireland
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Slovenia
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Sweden
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United Kingdom
For Australians Travelling to These Countries
Australian citizens and permanent residents with Medicare may be entitled to Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) benefits when visiting any of the 11 partner countries. This generally means you can access urgent or essential medical treatment for illnesses or injuries, as well as some outpatient services that would normally be covered by Medicare in Australia.
Be sure to carry your Medicare card with you, as it is usually required to prove eligibility. Some countries may also ask for additional documentation. Requirements vary by country, and so does the level of coverage.
For example, in Belgium, the RHCA may cover certain prescription medicines, while in Italy, medicines and diagnostic tests are generally not covered at all. Finland might subsidise outpatient care and some prescriptions, but not hospital accommodation.
Always check official government sources for country-specific details before you travel.
For Citizens of These 11 Countries Travelling to Australia
Citizens and permanent residents from any of the 11 RHCA partner countries may be eligible for medical care through Australia's Medicare system, depending on the specific terms agreed with each country.
To access these benefits, you must meet eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation when seeking treatment. This generally allows you to receive essential healthcare services during your stay in Australia, though the level of coverage and available services can vary.
For full details on how the RHCA applies to you, visit the official Services Australia page.
What Isn't Covered by Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
RHCAs provide adequate coverage for uncomplicated emergency and outpatient healthcare, but they have strict limitations and exclusions.
RHCAs generally do not cover:
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Non-urgent care that can wait until you return home. Routine check-ups, elective procedures, and ongoing management of chronic conditions are excluded and must be arranged independently.
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The full cost of medical treatment. RHCAs typically subsidise only part of your medical expenses. You should expect to pay some costs out of pocket.
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Private healthcare services. If you receive care from private providers or facilities, you will be responsible for all associated costs.
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Non-subsidised medicines, treatments, or procedures. Prescription medicines, diagnostic tests, or treatments not subsidised by the host country's public health system are usually not covered.
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Medical evacuation or repatriation. Costs related to transporting you back to your home country, or any assistance required for such transport, are not covered under the RHCA.
What if I'm From a Non-RHCA Country?
If you're not covered under Australia's RHCAs, check whether comparable agreements exist for your destination. The European Union, for example, is widely regarded as a gold standard in this area. EU citizens travelling within the EU are entitled to receive the same level of healthcare as local residents.
If no such agreements or entitlements exist, travel insurance becomes essential-particularly for those with pre-existing or chronic health conditions, who are pregnant, travelling with children or seniors, medically vulnerable, or planning to engage in adventurous or high-risk activities.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements vs Travel Insurance
Given the limitations of RHCAs, they should not be considered a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance. Those seeking broader protections and peace of mind should still consider purchasing a suitable travel insurance policy.
Travel insurance covers much more than just medical expenses. It can protect you against a variety of travel-related risks, such as:
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Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
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Trip cancellations or delays
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Personal liability claims overseas
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Emergency evacuation
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Travel disruptions due to natural disasters or extreme weather
Stay connected with SimCorner
As you prepare for your next trip, whether for business or leisure, make sure you're covered in every way that matters. This includes data connectivity. SimCorner offers affordable travel SIM cards and eSIMs for more than 200 countries and regions, allowing you to access the internet, navigate unfamiliar places, and stay in touch with loved ones wherever you go. Peace of mind means both safety and staying connected.
