What is a Medicare card?
A Medicare card allows you to receive free or low cost health services from doctors, psychologists, specialists, and optometrists. A Medicare card can be used at general practices, or clinics, public hospitals and pharmacies.
Who can get one?
Anyone over the age of 15 who lives in Australia and is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or a citizen of New Zealand can get a Medicare card
Why should I get one?
- You won’t have to worry about who will know about your medical appointments, such as a sexual health check-up
- It’ll give you a sense of independence
- It’s convenient, especially since you won’t have to share the one card with the rest of your family
- It can be used as ID when applying for things like a passport
How do I get one?
It’s easy to get your Medicare card. Here’s how.
- Fill out this form
- Bring the form to any Centrelink Service Centre along with ID such as:
- birth certificate
- current driver’s license or learner’s permit
- current passport
- current Australian school or educational photo ID
- proof of age card
Find the closest Centrelink Service Centre here.
Live in a remote community? Centrelink has mobile service centres. Find out when and where they are coming to location near you here.
- Wait for the card to be sent to you in the mail 😎
