Medicare card

The card lets Australians get a range of medical services, low cost prescriptions and free care as a public patient in a public hospital.

Eligibility basics

live in Australia or Norfolk Island
be enrolled in Medicare

A Medicare online account is an easy way to view, update and get information. To register, you need to create a myGov account and link it to Medicare.

Medicare card

Eligibility

Who can get a Medicare card

You must live in Australia or Norfolk Island to get a Medicare card.

Visiting Australia

You may get a Medicare card if you visit Australia.

We have agreements with some countries to cover your essential health care during your stay.

You may be eligible if you live in a country that Australia has an agreement with.

Read more about Reciprocal Health Care Agreements.

Medicare enrolment for New Zealand citizens

New Zealand citizens who are living in Australia can also enrol in Medicare.

Enrol

Enrol or re-enrol in Medicare

Enrol to get a Medicare card and Medicare benefits.

Get your own Medicare card at 15 years old

You can have your own Medicare card if you’re 15 or older.

Add your newborn to your Medicare card

To add your baby under 12 months old to your Medicare card, you’ll need to submit a form.

Medicare enrolment for children adopted from overseas

If you’ve adopted a child from overseas, you must determine their eligibility for Medicare before enrolling them.

Copying or transferring people between Medicare cards

You can only enrol on 2 Medicare cards at the same time.

Managing

Using your card

You can use your Medicare card to make a claim for Medicare benefits when you visit a doctor, or are treated as a public patient in a public hospital.

Update your personal details

You can update your address, contact details and bank account online. To change your name, date of birth or gender, you need to visit a service centre.

Lost, stolen or damaged Medicare cards

How to get a new Medicare card if your card is lost, stolen or damaged.

Duplicate cards

A duplicate card is a copy of your current Medicare card with the same details.

Expired cards

We’ll send you a new Medicare card about 4 weeks before your current card expires.