The Australian Healthcare System
A comprehensive overview of Medicare, billing models, and how healthcare delivery in Australia compares to the UK system.
Australia's healthcare system is built around Medicare, the country's universal public health insurance scheme. Introduced in 1984, Medicare provides Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders with access to subsidised or free medical services. If you are coming from the UK's NHS, the most significant difference you will encounter is that Australian general practice operates on a fee-for-service model rather than a capitation-based system. This means your income is directly linked to the consultations you deliver rather than the size of a registered patient list.
Understanding how Medicare works is essential for any GP moving to Australia, as it affects your day-to-day clinical workflow, billing processes, and earning potential. Below we cover the key components of the system you need to know.