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myGov and Medicare: how health cover works here

myGov and Medicare: how health cover works here

myGov is the Australian government's central portal — it's where you connect Medicare, the ATO and Centrelink. Medicare is the public health system, but as a Latin American your access depends directly on your visa type.

Only Permanent Residents get full Medicare access
What is myGov and why do I need it?

It's the single portal where you manage Medicare, your taxes (ATO) and Centrelink. Create your account at my.gov.au as soon as you can — it's the hub for almost everything you do with the government.

Do I have Medicare access as a Latin American?

No Latin American country has a health reciprocal agreement with Australia. That means you only get full Medicare access once you obtain Permanent Residency (PR). On a temporary visa, you're not covered by Medicare.

If I don't have Medicare, what cover do I need?

Private health cover: OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) if you're coming as a student, or OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) for other temporary visas. Insurers like BUPA, Medibank or NIB charge roughly $80–$120 AUD/month.

What if I have a real medical emergency?

Call 000 — it's free from any phone, even with no credit. For non-urgent visits, find a GP who does "bulk billing", where Medicare or your insurer covers the whole consult.

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General information, not personalised migration advice. Always verify on the official Australian government websites. · Updated: Agosto 2026