Australia’s national public health insurance scheme, Medicare, provides universal health coverage for citizens
and permanent residents, as well as automatic coverage for people with temporary visas from countries with
whom Australia has reciprocal arrangements. All overseas students are required to enroll in Overseas Student
Health Cover. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs covers eligible veterans and dependents by directly purchas-
ing public and private health care services. The Australian government provides some assistance for asylum
seekers while their applications are processed.