While COVID-19 vaccinations are free in Australia, other vaccines with out-of-pocket costs can be covered by private health insurance with some Extras policies from around $6
a week*
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*Prices updated December 2024, in line with Finder's database of health insurance policies. Prices reflect the cheapest available for a single individual with less than $97,000 income and living in Sydney with a $750 excess.
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What you need to know:
There's no charge to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.
The cost of other vaccinations can be lowered if you hold the right Extras policy.
Health insurance that helps cover the cost of vaccines starts at around $6
a week*.
*Prices are based on a single person living in Sydney earning less than $97,000 per year.
Which routine vaccinations are covered by Medicare?
The government's National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule lists the immunisations given at specific times in life. Routine vaccinations are typically available for free from providers that bulk bill. The eligibility for free vaccines is linked to eligibility for Medicare benefits.
Here are the key vaccines listed under the NIP:
Routine vaccine
When is it administered under the NIP Schedule?
Hepatitis A
2 dose schedule at 18 months and 4 years of age
Diphtheria
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Tetanus
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Whooping Cough
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Hepatitis B
Typically first offered in the hospital post-birth; then at 6 weeks; 4 and 6 months
Polio
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Rotavirus
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Pneumococcal
Can be given from 6 weeks of age
Varicella (chickenpox)
Given to children at 18 months
Meningococcal meningitis
Offered at 12 months and again in school programs at age of 14-16
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Routinely offered at 12 months
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Offered via school programs at age of 12-13
Shingles
Offered to those between 70-79
Annual Influenza
Offered free-of-charge to the following:
Children 6 months to 5 years
Those who are 6 months and older with specified medical risk conditions
People 65 and older
Pregnant women
Are COVID-19 vaccines covered by Medicare?
Everyone can get their COVID-19 vaccines for free in Australia. You don't need a Medicare card and it doesn't matter whether or not you're eligible for Medicare.
If you don't hold a valid Medicare card, you'll want to get proof that you've had your COVID-19 vaccination. Simply ask your vaccination provider to print a copy of your Immunisation History Statement.
How much are travel vaccines?
Here are some common costs of travel vaccinations:
Travel vaccine
Cost*
Unit
Cholera
$50-$70
Sachet
Hepatitis A
$60-$90
Dose
Hepatitis B
$20-$35
Dose
Hepatitis A + B
$75-$100
Combined dose
Japanese encephalitis
$275-$325
Combined dose
Meningococcal meningitis
$60-$70
Dose
Rabies
$110-$130
Dose
Typhoid
$50-$70
Dose
Typhoid/Hepatitis A
$125-$150
Combined dose
Yellow fever
$90-$130
Dose
*Use these figures as a general guide. Prices can vary significantly.
Which countries require travel vaccines?
Vaccine requirements can change at any time – check Smart Traveller and Travel Doctor for the latest information. Here are some typical vaccinations in 4 regions:
Area
Recommended travel vaccines
Southeast Asia
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Influenza
Rabies
Japanese Encephalitis
Cholera
Yellow Fever
South America
Yellow Fever (mandatory)
Tetanus
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Africa
Hepatitis A
Yellow Fever (mandatory)
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Pacific Islands
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Our expert says
"Sometimes you can be eligible for free vaccinations based on your situation or recent changes to the law. When I was pregnant in 2023 I was able to get the flu shot for free, along with elderly people and other at-risk groups. In 2024, all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over can get the flu vax for free (until September). It's always worth asking!"
Any government-approved vaccines that aren't included on the pharmaceutical benefits list (PBS) can be claimed for through some Extras cover plans. The medicine will need to cost more than $41.30. Otherwise, you may need to fund the vaccine privately and you should talk to your GP about this.
Below are policies from Finder partners with cover for Non-PBS Pharmaceuticals. All prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income and living in Sydney.
Finder Score - Health Insurance Extras
Each month we analyse over 10,000 extras insurance products and rate each one on price and features. What we end up with is a nice round number out of 10 that helps you compare extras cover a bit faster.
We want to compare apples to apples, not apples to apple pie. It doesn't make sense to compare a top extras policy with coverage for hearing aids and braces against a policy designed only for dental. So we've separated all the extras policies on the market into pools and categories. Once in their pools and categories, each product gets a price score and a features score, which are then combined to give the Final Score.
Depending on your age, you may be eligible for an
aged-based discount. This is used to estimate your
rebate.
Under 65
65 - 69
70 or older
What's your household's taxable income?
This is the combined income you and your spouse earn before tax. It's needed to calculate the correct Australian government rebate.
$93,000 and under
$93,001 to $108,000
$108,001 to $144,000
$144,001 and over
What kind of health insurance do you need?
Combined (Extras + Hospitals)
Extras
Hospital
What level of hospital coverage would you like?
You can change this at any time later.
Legend
Covered
Restricted cover, You may be partially covered for
this category.
Not covered. Optional for insurer to include.
*Prices updated March 2024, in line with Finder's
database of health insurance policies. Prices are based
on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and
living in Sydney with a $750 excess.
What extras cover do you need? (Optional)
Select as many as you want or move to the next step
Preventative & general dental
Major dental & implants
Optical
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Non-PBS pharmaceuticals
Chiropractic
Emergency ambulance
Remedial massage
Email me my results (optional)
To get a copy of your results for later, add your email below
You'll pay the same price as going direct - we don't
charge fees
We don't ask for your phone number to see prices
Hang tight - we're fetching policies just for you!
Comparing quotes from 40+ funds...
Frequently asked questions
A full list of the vaccines covered by Medicare can be found on the NIP Schedule here.
Yes, you can save money as long as you hold an Extras policy that specifies vaccinations and the medication costs more than $41.30. Medibank and HBF confirmed to Finder that non-permanent residents (for example, visa holders) are eligible for these benefits as long as their policy is comprehensive enough.
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone in Australia. You don't need a prescription from a GP to get vaccinated.
Single vaccines can cost an average of $50-$95, according to The Travel Doctor. Vaccination costs vary depending on the type of vaccine and the administrator (consultation fees may apply). You may also need follow-up doses, which is why it is important to get your vaccinations at least 6 to 12 weeks before you plan to travel.
Most routine vaccinations are provided by the government at no cost to Australians who have a Medicare number.
No, GPs can't bill you for the COVID-19 vaccine or for your appointment to receive the vaccine. If you consult your GP for issues not about the COVID-19 vaccination, you'll be charged their normal fee for that.
All vaccines in Australia get "thoroughly tested" before they can be used, and are "monitored continuously", according to the Department of Health. Read more about vaccine safety. When it comes to setting risk, life insurance brands in Australia don't appear concerned by COVID-19 vaccines. For example, 3 providers, including Suncorp, confirmed to Finder that they don't have any specific policy exclusions related to coronavirus vaccines.
James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, WIN News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
James's expertise
James has written 204 Finder guides across topics including:
Australians love to travel, but we often need to get vaccinations due to the far-flung places we visit around the globe. This guide provides a brief summary of what vaccines are, who needs them and what diseases they help guard us against.
Physiotherapy services can be beneficial at any life stage, so it could be worth considering and comparing extras health insurance that can cover the cost of this type of treatment.
If you're wondering what pharmaceutical costs are covered by private health insurance, we've got a guide to health cover for non-PBS pharmaceuticals here.
This guide takes a look at private health insurance in relation to gym membership and other health-related services.
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Depending on your age, you may be eligible for an
aged-based discount. This is used to estimate your
rebate.
Under 65
65 - 69
70 or older
What's your household's taxable income?
This is the combined income you and your spouse earn before tax. It's needed to calculate the correct Australian government rebate.
$93,000 and under
$93,001 to $108,000
$108,001 to $144,000
$144,001 and over
What kind of health insurance do you need?
Combined (Extras + Hospitals)
Extras
Hospital
What level of hospital coverage would you like?
You can change this at any time later.
Legend
Covered
Restricted cover, You may be partially covered for
this category.
Not covered. Optional for insurer to include.
*Prices updated March 2024, in line with Finder's
database of health insurance policies. Prices are based
on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and
living in Sydney with a $750 excess.
What extras cover do you need? (Optional)
Select as many as you want or move to the next step
Preventative & general dental
Major dental & implants
Optical
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Non-PBS pharmaceuticals
Chiropractic
Emergency ambulance
Remedial massage
Email me my results (optional)
To get a copy of your results for later, add your email below
