You’re an overseas trained doctor (OTD) if you got your primary medical qualification from a medical school outside Australia or New Zealand.
You’re a foreign graduate of an accredited medical School (FGAMS) if you:
- got your primary medical qualification from an accredited medical school in Australia or New Zealand
- weren’t a permanent resident or citizen of Australia or New Zealand when you enrolled in the medical school.
IMGs need to meet all eligibility and exemption requirements to claim a Medicare Benefit.
They are subject to Medicare provider number restrictions if they want to treat private patients. These restrictions affect where IMGs can work in Australia.
You may be exempt from these restrictions if you work in a district of workforce shortage (DWS).
There are extra requirements you need to meet before you can apply for a Medicare provider number. These include if you either:
- got your medical qualification outside Australia or New Zealand
- didn’t have citizenship when you registered.
You’ll also need to apply for a section 19AB exemption before you can claim Medicare benefits. Find out more about restrictions and exemptions for overseas trained doctors.