Reciprocal health care agreements: How they work

Travelling overseas is exciting, but there’s no denying it comes with risks that can result in an unexpected illness or injury. Thankfully, if you’re an Australian headed abroad, you might have backup medical care through Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA). These agreements grant you access to public healthcare in specific countries without breaking the bank. While they aren’t a total replacement for travel insurance, these agreements can take away some of the worry from international travel.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about RHCAs, from what they cover and which countries are included, to how you can take advantage of healthcare benefits while overseas.

An RHCA is a pact between Australia and a few other countries that lets travellers get medically necessary public healthcare while abroad. “Medically necessary” might sound fancy, but it simply means care that’s urgent or can’t wait until you’re back home. Think about things like emergency treatment for injuries or serious illnesses that pop up unexpectedly.

At the same time, it’s good to know what RHCAs don’t cover:

• Non-emergency treatments: Think elective procedures, like getting your wisdom teeth out.
• Ambulance services: Some countries include them, some don’t. Better to check before you go.
• Ongoing prescriptions: You might need to pay for medications you’d take outside of a hospital.
• Long-term treatments: Things like ongoing therapies or chronic condition management usually aren’t included.

RHCAs aren’t a replacement for travel insurance. They can help with certain medical needs, but they won’t cover everything, especially in cases where you need extensive treatment or repatriation. It’s always wise to have a solid travel insurance policy alongside the RHCA benefits – just to cover all your bases.

Australia’s RHCA network includes 11 countries. In these places, you can receive public healthcare benefits to help with your medical costs for any unexpected issues that crop up during your trip. Here are the countries that Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with:

1. Belgium
2. Finland
3. Italy
4. Malta
5. Netherlands
6. New Zealand
7. Norway
8. Republic of Ireland
9. Slovenia
10. Sweden
11. United Kingdom

Here’s what it means in each of these countries:

• Emergency care: If you’ve suddenly taken a tumble or have an illness that can’t wait for treatment, you’ll have access to emergency services at public healthcare facilities.
• Public hospital care: RHCA benefits generally only apply to treatment in public hospitals, so if you wander into a private facility, prepare to cover the bill all by yourself.

Keep in mind that while these agreements give you access to healthcare, each country operates a bit differently. New Zealand and Norway, for example, might cover a wider range of services than Malta or Slovenia. Before you leave, check the specific details for each country to avoid any expensive surprises.

If you’re off to one of these 11 countries, here’s what you need to do to make sure you can access RHCA benefits if needed:

• Confirm your eligibility: Only Australian citizens or permanent residents can enjoy RHCA benefits, so make sure you’re eligible before you go. Having your Medicare card on hand is a must.
• Pack the right paperwork: When you need medical care, be ready to show your Australian passport and Medicare card to prove your eligibility. Some countries might tack on some extra requirements, so it doesn’t hurt to pack a few extra forms of ID, like your driver’s licence or health insurance card.
• Head to a public facility: RHCA benefits are generally available only in public hospitals or clinics. If you end up at a private facility, you’ll likely need to pay for it yourself, so it’s best to head to a public healthcare provider.
• Ask about potential costs: While RHCAs help cover emergency treatments, you might still have out-of-pocket costs, like for prescription medications. It’s always a good idea to ask upfront about any costs you might need to pay yourself.
• Look up covered services before you go: Since every RHCA country handles things a bit differently, make sure you research what’s covered before you travel.

If you’re headed to a country that doesn’t have an RHCA with Australia, it’s even more important to be prepared. First, you should be taking out comprehensive travel insurance. Without a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, your only real option while abroad is travel insurance. Good travel insurance will cover emergency care, hospital stays and sometimes even medical evacuation if you need to get back home in a pinch. It’s worth paying a bit more for a plan that covers health emergencies, as the costs of care in some countries can be steep.

Next, double-check for any pre-existing conditions. If you have a medical condition, make sure your insurance covers it. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions or charge extra to include them, so ask your insurer about your situation before signing up.

You then might want to scope out local hospitals and clinics. Knowing where the nearest hospital is can be a huge help in an emergency. Note down the location of recommended public hospitals or major healthcare facilities at your destination so you’re not scrambling for directions in a hurry. Also save some contact information for your travel insurer, Australian consulate and any healthcare facilities near where you’re staying. This can be a lifeline if you need help quickly.

Finally, it pays to understand local healthcare costs. In the United States, for example, healthcare can be eye-wateringly expensive, with emergency visits and surgeries regularly running into the tens of thousands of dollars. A bit of research on healthcare costs at your destination can help make sure your level of insurance is adequate.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements can be a great backup when you’re travelling to certain parts of the world. But they’re no substitute for travel insurance, especially if you’re visiting countries without an RHCA. Safe travels!