Medicare Services in Australia — What's Available and How to Use Them

Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme, administered by Services Australia. Every Australian citizen and permanent resident is eligible for a Medicare card, which gives access to subsidised or free medical services. This guide covers everything Medicare does — and what you can do at your local Service Centre or online via myGov.

What Medicare covers

• GP visits — bulk-billed (free) or partially covered with out-of-pocket gap.
• Specialist consultations — when referred by a GP, Medicare covers a portion of the cost.
• Hospital services — public hospital treatment as a public patient is free; private treatment has Medicare rebates.
• Diagnostic tests — x-rays, blood tests, scans (with referral) are covered.
• Mental health — under Mental Health Care Plans, Medicare covers up to 10 sessions/year with psychologists.
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) — subsidised prescription medications.

Common Medicare tasks at a Service Centre

• Get a Medicare card — for new residents, newborns, or replacement cards. Full guide.
• Enrol family members — adding a new baby, spouse, or dependent to your Medicare.
• Update personal details — name change, address change, bank details for refunds.
• Submit Medicare claims — for services that weren't bulk-billed.
• Request a Medicare statement — for tax returns or insurance purposes.

Online via myGov — what you can do without visiting

• Most Medicare interactions can be done online by linking Medicare to your myGov account. Online services include: viewing claims history, submitting claims, updating personal details, getting digital Medicare cards, and accessing your immunisation record.
• Visit a Service Centre when you need original document verification (passport, citizenship papers), special enrolments (newborns, returning expats), or interpreter-assisted help.

Frequently asked questions

Who's eligible for Medicare?

Australian citizens and permanent residents. Some New Zealand citizens and people with certain visas may also be eligible. International visitors are not covered.

Is Medicare free?

Yes, it's funded by the Medicare Levy (2% of taxable income) and government revenue. There's no upfront cost to use it, though some services have out-of-pocket gaps.

What's the Medicare phone number?

13 20 11 — general Medicare line. For from-overseas calls, use +61 3 9035 8001.