New Zealand citizens can enrol in Medicare when they meet the requirements for living in Australia. You do not always need to wait six months: Services Australia also accepts proof that you will be living here for six months or more.
Reviewed November 2026. This guide covers moving to Australia, rather than visiting for a holiday.
Can New Zealand citizens get Medicare?
Services Australia says you can enrol if you provide proof you will live in Australia for at least six months, have lived here for six months or more in the last twelve months, or live here and have applied for permanent residency. You need to be in Australia to enrol.
Check the official Medicare eligibility and enrolment guidance for NZ citizens before applying.
What documents should you prepare?
You need a New Zealand passport for each person enrolling and two documents showing your family lives in Australia, dated within the last six months. These can be two Australian documents, or one Australian document and one from where you last lived.
Accepted evidence includes documents about employment, banking, housing or ending your previous arrangements. Read the current document list for the exact combinations. Contact Services Australia if you do not have the listed evidence.
How do you enrol?
You can apply online through myGov or use the Medicare enrolment form. Follow the current instructions for providing documents and including family members. Keep your application confirmation and make sure your mailing address is correct.
What if you are only visiting?
Visitor arrangements differ from enrolment as a resident. The reciprocal health care agreement can cover essential public hospital treatment for eligible visitors, but it is not the same as having full Medicare enrolment. Check Services Australia’s guidance for your situation.
Where does private health fit?
Medicare and private health insurance are separate. If you compare private cover, check the policy’s benefits, exclusions and waiting periods rather than assuming every policy covers the same services.
Plan the rest of your Australian setup
Read our free moving checklist for the wider steps before and after arrival.
For the main topics together, the $49.95 NZ to AU Starter Kit covers preparation, mobile, banking, TFN, Medicare, private health and super in one online guide.
See what is inside the Starter Kit
General information only. Eligibility is assessed by Services Australia. Check current requirements before applying.
