Medicare card
A Medicare card is an official government ID that verifies an individual’s enrolment in Australia’s Medicare program, enabling access to subsidized healthcare services. It is issued by Services Australia and is used to claim Medicare benefits when attending medical practitioners, hospitals, and other approved health providers.
Types of Medicare cards
- Green card: Permanent card for Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Blue card: Interim card for new residents or individuals awaiting permanent status
- Yellow card: A reciprocal card for visitors from countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia.
Each card displays the card number, individual reference numbers, and the expiry date.
Accessing services
A medicare card allows access to:
- Free treatment as a public patient in public hospitals.
- Bulk-billed GP visits where the doctor bills Medicare directly.
- Subsidised specialist services and diagnostic testing.
Linking to myGov and digital card versions
Medicare can be linked to myGov and myGovID, enabling access to:
- A digital Medicare card through myGov app.
- Online claims, personal details updates, and Medicare benefit history.
Knowing how to use the Medicare card helps Australians manage medical costs and use digital health services efficiently.
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only.
