How to Call About Medicare Reciprocal Health Care Agreements From Abroad
9/19/2026
Quick answer: For questions about Reciprocal Health Care Agreements, whether you're an Australian heading to one of the covered countries or a visitor to Australia from one, call the dedicated RHCA line at +61 2 9895 3333.
What this actually covers
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with 11 countries, including the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, and Malta. These agreements cover the cost of medically necessary treatment, not full travel insurance, if you're an Australian visiting one of those countries, or a visitor from one of them visiting Australia. This is genuinely different from Medicare's general enquiries line, it's a dedicated team specifically for questions about eligibility, coverage, and how the agreement applies to your situation.
The verified number
| Line | Number |
|---|---|
| Reciprocal Health Care Agreements enquiries | +61 2 9895 3333 |
Source: Services Australia's official Reciprocal Health Care Agreements pages. This is a standard Sydney geographic number, so it works from anywhere internationally once you add +61.
Which direction applies to you
- You're an Australian planning to visit or living in a covered country. The agreement generally covers immediately necessary treatment during your stay, not routine or elective care, and it's not a substitute for travel insurance.
- You're visiting Australia from a covered country. You may be eligible to enrol in Medicare temporarily for the duration of your visit, which requires proof of your reciprocal eligibility, usually your passport and, depending on the country, a valid national health card from your home country.
Either way, calling ahead to confirm your specific eligibility and what's covered is worth doing before you need care, not after.
What to have ready before you call
- Your passport
- Your home country's national health card or equivalent, if you're a visitor to Australia claiming reciprocal cover
- Details of the country you're in or planning to visit, and the dates involved
Best time to call
Services Australia doesn't publish separate hours for this specific line, standard Australian business hours are the safest bet.
- UK: Australia is 9 to 11 hours ahead, depending on daylight saving, so call in your evening.
- US East Coast: Not applicable, the US isn't a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement country.
- Ireland/Italy/Netherlands/Belgium: Similar time difference to the UK, 8 to 10 hours ahead of Australia.
- New Zealand: Australia is 2 to 3 hours behind, depending on daylight saving in each country.
The cheaper way to actually make the call
If you need to sort out coverage before an appointment or a trip, this isn't a call to put off over cost. With DialVia, you call the real RHCA line from your browser over Wi-Fi instead of paying standard international rates:
- Open DialVia and sign up (about 30 seconds)
- Select Australia as the destination
- Enter the number: 2 9895 3333
- Hit call
Frequently asked questions
What's the number for Medicare Reciprocal Health Care Agreement questions from abroad? +61 2 9895 3333, a dedicated line separate from Medicare's general enquiries number.
Which countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia? The UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, and Malta.
Does the agreement cover routine or elective treatment? No, generally only medically necessary treatment during your stay, not routine, elective, or pre-existing condition care. It's not a replacement for travel insurance.
What do I need to prove eligibility as a visitor to Australia? Your passport and, depending on your country, a valid national health card or equivalent from home.
Need Medicare's general enquiries number too? See the full guide to calling Medicare from abroad.
👉 Try DialVia to call from your browser in 30 seconds. Didn't connect? You don't pay. Or return to the DialVia homepage to learn more.