Opening Hours
Monday - Friday8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday8.30am - 12.30pm
SundayClosed
Overseas Visitor Appointments
Canberra is unlike any other Australian city for overseas visitors. As the nation’s capital, it attracts diplomats, foreign representatives, international researchers, and professionals on fixed-term postings who may be here for only 2-3 years. If you are in that position, the Australian healthcare system and GP visits can feel unfamiliar.
Smith Street Medical accepts patients with temporary visas who hold private health insurance that covers out-of-hospital medical consultations. Whether your cover is through an Australian OVHC provider, an international employer policy, or a government-issued health arrangement, we will work through the details with you before your appointment.
Why This Matters
- Diplomatic visa holders and staff of foreign missions in Canberra often hold international health cover through their government or employer rather than a standard Australian OVHC or OSHC policy.
- Temporary residents on subclass 400, 408, or 482 visas attached to the ACT government or research institutions may face gaps in understanding what their policy covers in a primary care setting.
- Australia’s Medicare system is not accessible to most temporary visa holders, meaning private cover is the only pathway to subsidised GP care.
Why Choose Us?
Canberra’s overseas visitor community is diverse, and the health needs that come through our door reflect that. We take the time to understand your situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Straightforward explanation of costs and insurance before appointment begins
- GP consultations for both short-term and longer-term health concerns
- Experience working with international health cover policies like OSHC and OVHC
- Sensitive, respectful care for patients from all cultural backgrounds
- Registered with NIB and BUPA
What We Offer to Insured Visitors
From a single acute appointment to ongoing care across your time in Canberra, we can support your health needs and help you understand what your insurance covers along the way.
- GP appointments for acute illness, injury, and health concerns
- Ongoing management of chronic conditions across your time in Canberra
- Health assessments and preventive care relevant to your age and background
- Insurance claim process assistance
Important Note: How your health cover applies to a GP visit in Australia depends entirely on your specific policy. International employer policies and diplomatic health arrangements vary considerably from standard OSHC and OVHC products. We will confirm costs and coverage with you before your appointment.
Smith Street Medical is currently registered with NIB and BUPA. If your cover is through another provider, contact them directly to confirm whether out-of-hospital GP visits are reimbursable.
Who Is Eligible for Overseas Visitor Appointments?
- You are on a temporary visa as a diplomatic staff member, international researcher, skilled worker, or temporary resident in the ACT
- You hold a valid health insurance policy that covers out-of-hospital GP consultations, whether through an Australian provider or an international employer arrangement
- Your policy is current and active at the time of your appointment
- Your insurer or policy permits claims or reimbursement for primary care services
If you are not sure what your policy covers, bring your insurance documents to your first appointment, and we will go through them with you.
