A ‘Reciprocal Health Care Agreement’ (RHCA) is an agreement between the Australian Government and certain other countries that allows Australians to access public healthcare for medically necessary treatment while overseas.

What’s covered can vary depending on the country. In most cases, it’s limited to treatment that can’t wait until you return home, and you may still need to pay part of the cost (a co-payment). Please note that reciprocal health care agreements are not a substitute for travel insurance.

For more information, visit the Services Australia page on Reciprocal Health Care Agreements.