Understanding the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) between New Zealand and Australia
Our comprehensive guide explains the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) between New Zealand and Australia, how the RHCA can benefit New Zealand travellers visiting Australia, the specifics of the agreement, its limitations, differences between the RHCA and travel insurance and common scenarios for better understanding.
Updated 11 November 2024
Summary
Our guide covers:
Know This: While the RHCA provides valuable access to necessary medical treatments for New Zealanders visiting Australia, it's not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. It doesn't cover certain medical and non-medical situations that could potentially arise; therefore, we suggest looking for a travel insurance policy that suits your needs to complement the benefits provided by the RHCA.
Important: Do you need Travel Insurance? Too many New Zealanders take the risk and travel without it. Our Compare Travel Insurance guide helps you find affordable coverage from trusted insurers with a history of paying claims. We also compare by country to help you make finding what you need easier:
Summary
- The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) is an important healthcare arrangement between New Zealand and Australia.
- It provides access to certain health services and subsidized medications for New Zealand travellers visiting Australia.
- This guide is published to help you understand the specifics of the RHCA agreement, provide peace of mind, and help you make informed decisions when considering travel insurance.
Our guide covers:
- Understanding the RHCA - A Background
- RHCA vs Travel Insurance
- How to Access Health Care Under the RHCA in Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions
Know This: While the RHCA provides valuable access to necessary medical treatments for New Zealanders visiting Australia, it's not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. It doesn't cover certain medical and non-medical situations that could potentially arise; therefore, we suggest looking for a travel insurance policy that suits your needs to complement the benefits provided by the RHCA.
Important: Do you need Travel Insurance? Too many New Zealanders take the risk and travel without it. Our Compare Travel Insurance guide helps you find affordable coverage from trusted insurers with a history of paying claims. We also compare by country to help you make finding what you need easier:
Understanding the RHCA - A Background
The RHCA is an agreement between the New Zealand and Australian governments. It aims to provide necessary medical care to citizens of both countries when visiting the other. As a New Zealander, you can access health services in Australia, similarly as Australians can in New Zealand.
Know This: The RHCA doesn't replace the need for comprehensive travel insurance, but it can significantly help with immediate and unexpected medical treatment costs.
Who is Eligible for RHCA? What treatments does it cover?
Any New Zealand citizen temporarily visiting Australia is eligible for RHCA benefits. It doesn't cover those who have moved permanently or are planning to reside in Australia. You'll need to provide your New Zealand passport as evidence of eligibility when seeking medical services.
Under the RHCA, eligible New Zealand citizens in Australia have access to medically necessary treatment, which is any treatment that can't be delayed until you return home. This is outlined on the Australian Government website and benefits can include:
However, it doesn't cover the following:
Know This: The RHCA doesn't replace the need for comprehensive travel insurance, but it can significantly help with immediate and unexpected medical treatment costs.
Who is Eligible for RHCA? What treatments does it cover?
Any New Zealand citizen temporarily visiting Australia is eligible for RHCA benefits. It doesn't cover those who have moved permanently or are planning to reside in Australia. You'll need to provide your New Zealand passport as evidence of eligibility when seeking medical services.
Under the RHCA, eligible New Zealand citizens in Australia have access to medically necessary treatment, which is any treatment that can't be delayed until you return home. This is outlined on the Australian Government website and benefits can include:
- Consultations with doctors
- Medications at a subsidized rate under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- Hospital care
However, it doesn't cover the following:
- Ongoing or elective treatment
- Dental care and physiotherapy (unless it's a part of your hospital treatment)
- Ambulance transportation
- Medical Evacuation to New Zealand
Understanding the Limits of RHCA and Why It Doesn't Replace Travel Insurance
To help explain when RHCA is valid and when you're not covered, we have listed several example cases below:
1. Mike's Story - When RHCA is Valid
Mike, a New Zealander, visits Australia for a two-week vacation. While sightseeing, he suddenly falls and fractures his ankle. He's taken to a public hospital's emergency department and receives immediate treatment. Mike's medical expenses are covered under the RHCA, as it was an unexpected injury that needed immediate attention.
2. Nina's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Nina, a New Zealand citizen, has been dealing with a chronic back issue. She decides to go to Australia for a few months and plan for her back surgery there. However, the RHCA doesn't cover her surgery expenses, as it isn't classified as immediately necessary. The treatment will need to be arranged and carried out in New Zealand.
3. Sam's Story - When RHCA is Valid
Sam, who's visiting Australia, develops severe food poisoning and must be rushed to the hospital. The RHCA covers his treatment, as it's an urgent medical condition that could not have been predicted before his trip.
4. Lisa's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Lisa is a New Zealander having two weeks in Australia. On the first weekend, she goes skiing and injures her knee. She calls an ambulance for transportation to the hospital. Though her hospital treatment costs are covered under the RHCA, the ambulance service charge is not, as RHCA does not cover such services.
5. John's Story - When RHCA is Valid
John, a New Zealander visiting Australia, experiences chest pain and is diagnosed with a heart condition that requires immediate treatment. John's hospital treatment costs are covered under the RHCA, as this was an unforeseen, urgent medical situation.
6. Angela's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Angela, a New Zealander working temporarily in Australia, decides to get a dental check-up and treatment. However, she learns that these services are not covered under the RHCA because dental services are generally not covered unless part of an immediate hospital treatment.
7. Daniel's Story - When RHCA is Valid
Daniel, a New Zealander, is in Australia for a business trip when he falls ill due to his pre-existing asthma condition. His immediate treatment for his asthma attack is covered under the RHCA because the care was urgently required and couldn't wait until he returned to New Zealand.
Case 8: Emma's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Emma, who's on holiday in Australia, loses her prescription medication. While she manages to get a local doctor to write her a new prescription, she realizes that she has to pay full price for the medication, as loss of medication is not covered under the RHCA.
1. Mike's Story - When RHCA is Valid
Mike, a New Zealander, visits Australia for a two-week vacation. While sightseeing, he suddenly falls and fractures his ankle. He's taken to a public hospital's emergency department and receives immediate treatment. Mike's medical expenses are covered under the RHCA, as it was an unexpected injury that needed immediate attention.
2. Nina's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Nina, a New Zealand citizen, has been dealing with a chronic back issue. She decides to go to Australia for a few months and plan for her back surgery there. However, the RHCA doesn't cover her surgery expenses, as it isn't classified as immediately necessary. The treatment will need to be arranged and carried out in New Zealand.
3. Sam's Story - When RHCA is Valid
Sam, who's visiting Australia, develops severe food poisoning and must be rushed to the hospital. The RHCA covers his treatment, as it's an urgent medical condition that could not have been predicted before his trip.
4. Lisa's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Lisa is a New Zealander having two weeks in Australia. On the first weekend, she goes skiing and injures her knee. She calls an ambulance for transportation to the hospital. Though her hospital treatment costs are covered under the RHCA, the ambulance service charge is not, as RHCA does not cover such services.
5. John's Story - When RHCA is Valid
John, a New Zealander visiting Australia, experiences chest pain and is diagnosed with a heart condition that requires immediate treatment. John's hospital treatment costs are covered under the RHCA, as this was an unforeseen, urgent medical situation.
6. Angela's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Angela, a New Zealander working temporarily in Australia, decides to get a dental check-up and treatment. However, she learns that these services are not covered under the RHCA because dental services are generally not covered unless part of an immediate hospital treatment.
7. Daniel's Story - When RHCA is Valid
Daniel, a New Zealander, is in Australia for a business trip when he falls ill due to his pre-existing asthma condition. His immediate treatment for his asthma attack is covered under the RHCA because the care was urgently required and couldn't wait until he returned to New Zealand.
Case 8: Emma's Story - When RHCA is Not Valid
Emma, who's on holiday in Australia, loses her prescription medication. While she manages to get a local doctor to write her a new prescription, she realizes that she has to pay full price for the medication, as loss of medication is not covered under the RHCA.
RHCA vs Travel Insurance
Understanding the distinction between RHCA and travel insurance is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare while visiting Australia. Here are the key differences:
1. Scope of Coverage
2. Pre-existing Conditions
3. Ambulance Services
4. Duration of Stay
5. Repatriation
Overall, while the RHCA provides a valuable safety net for New Zealanders visiting Australia, it doesn't replace the comprehensive coverage provided by travel insurance. Therefore, many New Zealanders buy a travel insurance policy that covers a trip's specific needs and potential risks. It's also important to read the terms and conditions of any policy carefully before making a purchase decision.
1. Scope of Coverage
- RHCA: The RHCA covers essential and immediate medical treatments. It primarily includes care at public hospitals and subsidized medicines under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It's important to note that RHCA coverage is similar to what a local resident would receive from Australia's public health system, Medicare.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance provides a broader scope of coverage. Along with medical emergencies, it often covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, travel delays, repatriation, personal liability, and sometimes even coverage for certain adventurous activities that would not be covered under the RHCA. Travel insurance may also provide for private healthcare, which may offer shorter waiting times and broader treatment options.
2. Pre-existing Conditions
- RHCA: The RHCA covers treatment for exacerbations of pre-existing conditions if it becomes acutely worse and requires immediate treatment.
- Travel Insurance: Most travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing conditions unless declared and accepted by the insurer when purchasing the policy. Some insurers may provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, often at an additional cost. Our guide to travel insurance pre-existing conditions has more details.
3. Ambulance Services
- RHCA: The RHCA generally does not cover the cost of ambulance transportation in Australia, which can be expensive, as outlined in this 2022 survey from News.com.au explains the significant costs of ambulance call-outs.
- Travel Insurance: Many travel insurance policies cover the cost of ambulance services, providing an important safety net in emergencies.
4. Duration of Stay
- RHCA: The RHCA covers New Zealanders who are temporarily visiting Australia. It doesn't cover those who have moved to Australia or are planning to stay for an extended period.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance policies can be tailored to the duration of your stay, whether it's a short trip or an extended stay. Coverage is provided for the duration of the policy term.
5. Repatriation
- RHCA: The RHCA does not cover the cost of repatriation (returning you to New Zealand) in case of severe illness or injury. If you need to urgently return home, you'll need to pay for your flights and any assistance - at short notice, flights can easily be $500 to $1,000 oneway. If you need medical assistance, the costs will be significantly higher.
- Travel Insurance: Most travel insurance policies include repatriation coverage (also known as medical evacuation), which can cover the potentially high costs of returning you to New Zealand in an emergency.
Overall, while the RHCA provides a valuable safety net for New Zealanders visiting Australia, it doesn't replace the comprehensive coverage provided by travel insurance. Therefore, many New Zealanders buy a travel insurance policy that covers a trip's specific needs and potential risks. It's also important to read the terms and conditions of any policy carefully before making a purchase decision.
How to Access Health Care Under the RHCA in Australia
If you need medical attention while in Australia:
- For non-emergencies, you can visit a General Practitioner (GP). You'll need to tell them you're visiting from New Zealand and show them your passport.
- If you require prescription medications, your GP will provide a prescription which can be filled at a pharmacy, allowing you to access medications at subsidized rates.
- In an emergency, go to the public hospital's emergency department. Inform them that you're a New Zealander covered by the RHCA.
Limitations and Considerations of the RHCA
While the RHCA provides valuable cover, it has limitations:
Other must-know facts include:
- It doesn't cover treatments that aren't immediately necessary or can be delayed until your return to New Zealand.
- It doesn't cover the cost of returning you to New Zealand for medical treatment.
- Ambulance services are generally not covered.
Other must-know facts include:
1. Emergency services are covered
In an emergency, you can access services at public hospitals. The RHCA covers any medically necessary treatment required. Remember to identify yourself as a New Zealander and show your passport.
2. Non-emergency health services are not covered
For non-emergency services, such as routine check-ups or specialist appointments, you can visit a GP. However, the RHCA won't cover you for non-urgent or elective treatments and so you'll need to pay for any such consultations and treatments yourself.
3. RHCA does not replace Travel Insurance
The RHCA and travel insurance serve different purposes:
- The RHCA provides you with access to essential medical treatments in Australia.
- Travel insurance offers broader protection, covering trip cancellation, lost or damaged baggage, theft, and sometimes medical evacuation.
- Because of the RHCA's limitations, travel insurance is often recommended to complement the RHCA coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the RHCA replace the need for travel insurance?
No, the RHCA does not replace the need for travel insurance. It covers essential medical services but does not cover things like medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatments, or non-health-related issues such as trip cancellation, lost luggage, or theft. Getting comprehensive travel insurance and relying on RHCA coverage is a popular option.
How do I prove I'm eligible for the RHCA?
You'll need to show your New Zealand passport; this will be sufficient evidence of your eligibility under the RHCA.
Does the RHCA cover ambulance services?
No, ambulance services are not covered under the RHCA. However, costs for ambulance transportation can be high, so it's advised to include this coverage in your travel insurance policy.
Does the RHCA cover dental services?
No, the RHCA does not generally cover dental services, physiotherapy, or other ancillary health services unless these are part of your immediate hospital treatment.
Can I go to any doctor or hospital under the RHCA?
For non-emergency situations, you can visit a GP. In an emergency, go to the public hospital's emergency department. Confirming that the health service provider will recognize the RHCA is always best.
Does the RHCA cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, the RHCA covers treatment for pre-existing conditions if the treatment is considered to be medically necessary and can't wait until your return to New Zealand.
What if I need prescription medicine while in Australia?
Under the RHCA, you'll have access to subsidized prescription medicines. Once a doctor in Australia provides a prescription, you can get the medicine from a pharmacy at a reduced cost.
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Important: Do you need Travel Insurance? Too many New Zealanders take the risk and travel without it. Our Compare Travel Insurance guide helps you find affordable coverage from trusted insurers with a history of paying claims. We also compare by country to help you make finding what you need easier:
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