Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I've lost my Medicare card, how do I get a new one?

If you’ve lost your Medicare card and have not updated your address with Medicare Australia your address has not been changed in the past four weeks, you can request a replacement Medicare card by:

• calling 132 011
• visiting your local Medicare office (a form is not required)
• sending a request to Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city (a form is not required). You will need to attach a certified copy of identification, for example, your driver’s licence.
• using our Online Services. If you’re not already registered for Online Services, register now.

Note: if you have updated your address with Medicare Australia in the past four weeks, you will need to visit your local Medicare office with proof of identity, for example, a passport or driver's licence. If the expiry date on your Medicare card has lapsed by more than six months you will also need to visit your local Medicare office. You will need to provide proof of identity and you may be required to provide residency documents, for example, a rates notice, rental contract or employment contract.

If you are residing or holidaying overseas, your Medicare card cannot be reissued until you return to Australia.

My Medicare card has expired, how do I get a new one?

On your Medicare card there is an expiry date on the bottom right hand corner. If your Medicare card has recently expired and you have not updated your address with Medicare Australia in the past four weeks, a replacement card may be requested by:

• calling 132 011
• visiting your local Medicare office (a form is not required)
• sending a request to Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city (a form is not required). You will need to attach a certified copy of identification, for example, your driver's licence
• using our Online Services. If you’re not already registered for Online Services, register now.

Note: if you have changed your address in the past four weeks, you will need to visit your local Medicare office with proof of identity, for example, a passport or driver's licence If the expiry date has lapsed by more than six months you will also need to visit your local Medicare office. You will need to provide proof of identity and you may be required to provide residency documents, for example, a rates notice, rental contract or employment contract.

Where is my nearest Medicare office and what hours is it open?

Find your nearest Medicare office

How do I update my address?

It is important that you keep your address details up-to-date with Medicare Australia. If we do not have your current address, you may not receive important information from us which could cause delays in processing claims for Medicare benefits.

You can change your address by:

• using our Online Services. If you’re not already registered for Online Services, register now
• calling 132 011
• visiting your local Medicare office
• sending a request to Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city (a form is not required). You will need to attach a certified copy of identification, for example, your driver’s licence.

How do I add my newborn to my Medicare card?

To add a baby to your Medicare card you will need to complete a Newborn Child Claim for Family Assistance and Medicare form. This form is included in the information pack given to birth parents after the birth of a child, either in hospital or from a registered midwife for home births. You can lodge the completed form at your local Medicare office or by mail in the reply paid envelope included in the pack.

If you don't have a Newborn Child Claim for Family Assistance and Medicare form, you will need to complete a Medicare enrolment application form [PDF, 257Kb] and provide an acceptable identification document, for example, a birth certificate. The form and relevant document can be lodged in person at your local Medicare office.

• Information sheet for parents adopting a child from overseas [PDF, 262Kb]

How do I add my partner to my Medicare card?

To add your partner to your Medicare card you will need to visit your local Medicare office and complete a Copy/Transfer Application form. If you cannot get to your Medicare office you will need to post a completed form to Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city. 

The form must be signed by both the Medicare cardholder and the person being transferred. The Medicare cardholder will need to provide proof of identity, for example, a passport or driver's licence. Copy/Transfer Application forms are also available from your local Medicare office or you can request a copy be sent to you by calling 132 011.

How is my Medicare benefit calculated?

When medical services are provided outside hospital, Medicare usually pays 85 per cent of the schedule fee other than for GP services. The patient pays the difference between the schedule fee and the Medicare benefit (known as the 'gap'), plus the difference between the schedule fee and the health care professional’s charge (if the health care professional decides to charge above the schedule fee).

Schedule fees are uniform across Australia and are determined by the Department of Health and Ageing in consultation with professional bodies. Medicare benefits are based on a percentage of the schedule fee for each service as listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Health professionals are able to charge fees they consider suitable for the services they provide, however, any extra amount above the Schedule fee will not be included in the calculation of Medicare benefits.

How do I get a Medicare benefit tax statement?

Online through our Online Services

To download a copy of your Medicare benefit tax statement from our website, visit our Online Services. You will need to be registered for Online Services. If you’re not registered, register now. Once you have registered and received your password, you will be able to download a copy of your Medicare benefit tax statement to:

• keep for your personal records
• give to your accountant
• lodge with your paper tax return.

You can also request a copy by completing a Medicare benefit tax statement request form. Your Medicare benefit tax statement will be sent to your address recorded with Medicare Australia.

Online through the ATO eTax application

If you’re lodging your tax return online, visit the ATO website to download your Medicare benefit tax statement into your e-tax application or to print a copy to use later. You don’t need to be lodging your tax return electronically, you can still use eTax to get a copy of your Medicare benefit tax statement—all you will need is your tax file number, Medicare card number and a previous notice of assessment number.

For more information go to the Financial tax statement page.

By mail

If you need a Medicare benefit tax statement for a financial year that is more than two years before the date of your request, a written request is required.

Send a completed Request for a Medicare benefit tax statement [PDF, 144Kb] form to:

ACT, NSW and Vic residents:
Information Release
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 9822
Sydney NSW 2001

NT, QLD, SA, Tas and WA residents:
Information Release
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 9822
Brisbane QLD 4001

Your Medicare benefit tax statement will be sent to your address recorded with Medicare Australia.

Note: information is only available for the past five years. Do not send your Medicare card when you request by mail.

By phone

To request a copy of your Medicare benefit tax statement over the phone, call 132 011 to speak to a service officer. The service officer will ask you for the following details:

• your Medicare card number
• your personal details
• personal details of the persons who are requiring a Medicare benefit tax statement
• applicable financial year.

A copy will be sent to your address recorded with Medicare Australia.

I've lost my cheque, how do I get a new one?

A replacement cheque can be issued for a lost cheque if it is more than 21 days from the date of issue and the cheque has not been presented. Call 132 011 to speak with a service officer about stopping the old cheque, and requesting a reissued cheque. The service officer will provide you with the old cheque number. Once a new cheque has been reissued the old cheque is no longer valid. If the old cheque is found it should not be banked as charges not payable by Medicare Australia may be incurred.

I have just arrived in Australia, can I get a Medicare card?

If you are visiting Australia you can find out what health services are available on the Travelling overseas page.

If you are a new arrival to Australia you can find out what health services are available to you in our translated Information kit, available in 19 community languages. More information is available on the New residents page.

Some documents on this page may require the free Adobe PDF reader.

Last updated: 11 March, 2010