AGPT registrar training handbook

Training program requirements

Overseas doctors

        1. Overseas doctors

Overseas doctors

Overseas trained doctors and foreign graduates of accredited medical schools are subject to section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cwlth). The Act restricts their access to Medicare benefits for a minimum period of 10 years (‘10-year moratorium’) unless they work in a rural or remote location (distribution priority area). If you are an AGPT registrar who falls into this category, it means you must train with the rural stream in non-metropolitan areas (MMM 2–7).

It is possible to apply for a section 19AB exemption if you believe you have exceptional circumstances that are outside your control and would prevent you from training with the rural stream. You can apply to the Department of Health for a letter of exemption that would make you eligible to apply for the general stream. For more information, visit the section 19AB pages of the Department of Health website.

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