Healthcare in Sydney is of a high standard, so you can rest assured you’ll receive top-notch treatment here. Depending on your Australian residency status, though, the cost can be high.

Medicare, Australia’s publicly-funded universal healthcare insurance scheme, is available to citizens and permanent visa holders in Australia living in Australia. This covers, or largely subsidises, treatment by general practitioners and hospitals.

Temporary residents living in Sydney will not be eligible to utilise Medicare and will have to invest in private health insurance. Some permanent residents also purchase private health insurance in order to skip waiting periods. Eligible expats should check what Medicare covers to see if they would benefit from additional private insurance.

Below is a list of recommended hospitals in Sydney.

Hospitals in Sydney

Macquarie University Hospital

Website: www.mqhealth.org.au 
Address: 3 Technology Pl, Macquarie University NSW 2109

Mater Hospital

Website: www.mns.org.au 
Address: 25 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060

North Shore Private Hospital

Website: www.northshoreprivate.com.au 
Address: 3 Westbourne St, St Leonards NSW 2065

Sydney Children’s Hospital

Website: www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au 
Address: High St, Randwick NSW 2031

Sydney Adventist Hospital

Website: www.sah.org.au 
Address: 185 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga NSW 2076

What do expats say about healthcare in Sydney?

"My experiences have been positive, and, coming from America, I find it very refreshing to receive quality healthcare at no, or little, cost. The universal healthcare plan is funded through tax – the Medicare Levy Surcharge – and it's worth noting that if your visa type doesn’t allow for Medicare, you can claim back the levy when filing your tax."

Katie is an American expat in Sydney. Read her interview about expat life in Australia.

Further reading

►Find out everything you need to know about accessing medical care in our guide to Healthcare in Australia

Are you an expat living in Sydney?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Sydney. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.