Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement
A reciprocal healthcare agreement is a treaty between countries giving each other’s citizens access to public healthcare.
A reciprocal healthcare agreement is a treaty between countries giving each other’s citizens access to public healthcare.
Also known as
RHA, Bilateral health agreement, Medicare reciprocal agreement, S1 form (EU)
Why travellers need to know
Reciprocal healthcare agreements exist between specific country pairs and provide public healthcare access at local rates. They're separate from EHIC (which is an EU-wide scheme). Coverage varies by agreement: some cover only emergency care, others include GP visits and prescriptions. Knowing whether an agreement exists between your home country and destination can save significant money and simplify healthcare access.
Real-world example
You're an Australian visiting the UK. Under the Australia-UK reciprocal healthcare agreement, you can access NHS services on the same basis as a UK resident. You see a GP, receive a prescription, and pay only the standard NHS prescription charge (GBP 9.90). Without the agreement, you'd pay the full overseas visitor rate.
Country-specific notes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Agreements with Australia, NZ, and several non-EU countries
The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries. Coverage varies: the Australia-UK agreement is comprehensive (GP, hospital, prescriptions), while others may cover only emergency care.
🇦🇺 Australia
Medicare agreements with 11 countries
Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements covering Medicare with the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia, and Norway. These give visitors access to Medicare-subsidised treatment. Coverage is for medically necessary treatment, not elective procedures.
🇮🇪 Ireland
Irish citizens have reciprocal healthcare access in 44 countries under bilateral and EU agreements
Ireland participates in the EU EHIC scheme for EU member states and has a bilateral agreement with Australia. Irish GHIC cards replaced the EU EHIC for UK travel post-Brexit. Presenting an Irish passport at an Australian public hospital unlocks Medicare-equivalent emergency access.
Irish citizens visiting Australia should present their Irish passport at hospital registration — no separate card is needed to trigger the bilateral agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Does a reciprocal healthcare agreement replace travel insurance?
No. Reciprocal agreements typically cover public healthcare only. They do not cover repatriation, private treatment, dental care, or trip cancellation. They also don't cover pre-existing condition exclusions that travel insurance would. Always carry travel insurance as well.
How do I prove eligibility for reciprocal healthcare abroad?
Bring your national health ID (Medicare card, NHS number, etc.) and your passport. Some countries require you to register with a local provider first. Check your government's health abroad website for the specific documentation required for your destination.
Store your Medicare card, NHS number, or national health ID in Nomedic so you can prove eligibility for reciprocal healthcare at the point of care.