Can you use health insurance overseas?

In short  Not sure if you can use your private health cover overseas? We've explained a very common misconception, and how else we can help.

On this page 

• Does your private health cover you when you're outside of Australia?
• Suspension of cover
• Travel insurance
• Reciprocal cover 

Does your private health cover you when you're overseas? 

No, Australian private health cover only covers you while you're in Australia. 

By law, Australian health funds cannot pay claims for medical services, hospital stays, or items purchased in other countries 

However, there are some important things to know before your next trip overseas. 

Suspension of cover 

With Police Health you can apply to have your membership fully or partially suspended when you’re overseas, provided the application is made prior to the date of departure. 

You also need to provide proof of travel, to the satisfaction of Police Health, and other terms and conditions apply. 

To apply for suspension of cover, download Application to Suspend Form here and email it to enquiries@policehealth.com.au.  

PassportCard Travel Insurance 

If you're heading overseas, having travel insurance is one of the best ways to prepare for unexpected medical costs, cancellations and other travel mishaps. 

If you're a Police Health member, you may want to consider PassportCard Travel Insurance, 2025's most awarded travel insurance. 

It's Australia's only travel insurance with instant payouts for approved common claims, and Police Health offers our members a 20% discount^. Access your Police Health discount and get a free quote by logging into the Police Health Member Portal, and select ‘Member discounts’. 

Reciprocal cover 

Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with 11 countries.  

These agreements let travelers and visitors get urgent, necessary public health care in each other's countries. 

Smarttraveller.gov.au states that most agreements specify the care must be urgent and medically necessary.  

They also usually need a co-payment from the patient. 

Services Australia publishes details about Australia's agreements. This includes what services they cover. Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with; 

• Belgium
• Finland
• Italy
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Ireland
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• United Kingdom 

If you travel to a country without an agreement, you're not covered, and these agreements should not be considered a substitute for travel insurance.  

We suggest reading more information about these agreements on Smarttraveller.gov.au.