Medicare Card — How to Get and Use Your Card

Your Medicare card gives you access to Australia's public health system. Whether you're a new resident, a new parent adding a baby to your card, or just need a replacement, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Card?

You can enrol in Medicare if you are:

• An Australian citizen
• A permanent resident of Australia
• A New Zealand citizen living in Australia
• An applicant for a permanent residency visa (with a valid Medicare-eligible visa)
• A person covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and several other countries)

How to Apply for a Medicare Card

1. Complete the Medicare enrolment form (MS004). You can download it from Services Australia or pick one up at a service centre.
2. Provide proof of identity — certified copies of your birth certificate, passport, or other identity documents
3. Provide proof of Australian residence — visa grant letter, permanent residency evidence, or citizenship certificate
4. Submit your application at a Services Australia service centre or mail it with certified copies of your documents
5. Receive your card — it usually arrives by post within 2–3 weeks

Adding a New Baby to Your Medicare Card

When your baby is born, you can add them to your Medicare card through the Newborn Child Declaration process:

• If you give birth in a hospital, the hospital will give you a Newborn Child Declaration form
• You can also register your baby's birth through Services Australia online via myGov
• Your baby will be added to your Medicare card automatically in many cases if you registered their birth through the birth registration process
• A new Medicare card with the child's name will be posted to you

Digital Medicare Card

You can use a digital version of your Medicare card through:

• Express Plus Medicare app — available for iOS and Android
• My Medicare digital card — accessible via myGov

The digital card displays the same information as your physical card and is accepted by most healthcare providers. You can also store your digital card in your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet).

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Medicare Card

If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged:

1. Log into myGov and go to Medicare
2. Select "Order a replacement card"
3. Or call the Medicare General Enquiries line (132 011) to request a replacement
4. Or visit a Services Australia service centre in person

Replacement cards are free and usually arrive within 2–3 weeks.

Medicare Card Numbers Explained

Your Medicare card shows:

What Can You Use Your Medicare Card For?

• Bulk billed GP and specialist visits
• Claiming Medicare rebates for out-of-hospital services
• Free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital
• Discounted medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Access to the Medicare Safety Net

Updating Your Details

You must update Medicare if you:

• Change your name or address
• Change your relationship status (if it affects who is on your card)
• Want to add or remove a dependant

You can update most details through your myGov account linked to Medicare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medicare card overseas?

Medicare generally only covers medical treatment in Australia. However, Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, and Slovenia that provide limited cover.

Do I need to carry my physical card?

Not necessarily — most providers accept the digital version. However, it's a good idea to have your card number and IRN handy.

This guide is updated for 2026. Check Services Australia website for latest rates.

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How Medicare Enrolment Works

Medicare is Australia's public health system, and your Medicare card is your key to it. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens can enrol, and people from countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (including the UK, Ireland, Italy, and New Zealand) can access medically necessary treatment while visiting. To enrol, you complete the Medicare enrolment form and provide proof of identity and residency; once accepted, you receive a card with a Medicare number, individual reference numbers for each family member, and an expiry date.

New parents should enrol their baby at the hospital or through Medicare as soon as possible after birth — the baby's Medicare number links to the parent's card and is needed for immunisations and health checks. From 2026 the digital Medicare card in the Medicare app and myGov is accepted almost everywhere a physical card is, and you can add family members and see your safety net balances in the same app.

Action Plan: Medicare Tasks in 2026

1. Link your Medicare account to myGov and download the Medicare app for the digital card.
2. Update your details (address, name, or family changes) online — an outdated address can delay claims.
3. If your card is lost or stolen, order a replacement online; your digital card remains valid immediately.
4. When travelling, carry your card and check Reciprocal Health Care Agreement coverage for your destination.
5. Add your newborn to your card within days of birth — you can do it through the app or at a Medicare Service Centre.