Medicare is Australia’s universal healthcare system, providing access to essential medical services for eligible residents. If you’re new to Australia or haven’t enrolled yet, applying for a Medicare card is a crucial step to access subsidised healthcare. This blog post walks you through the Medicare application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and tips to ensure a smooth enrolment in 2025.
Who Can Apply for Medicare?
You can apply for Medicare if you are:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency
- A New Zealand citizen living in Australia
- A visa holder covered by a ministerial order
- A visitor from Italy or the United Kingdom living in Australia
- From a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia
You must also be living in Australia to enrol, except for visitors from Italy or the UK.
How to Apply for Medicare
You can enrol in Medicare either:
- Online through myGov (recommended for convenience)
- By completing a paper Medicare enrolment form and submitting it by mail or email
Enrolling Online via myGov
- Create or log in to your myGov account at my.gov.au.
- Link Medicare to your myGov account: Select “View and link services,” find Medicare, and click “Link.”
- Start your enrolment: Choose “Enrol in Medicare” and follow the prompts.
- Provide identity documents: You’ll need your current passport or ImmiCard, visa details from the Department of Home Affairs if applicable, and proof of residency in Australia.
- Enrol as an individual or family: You can include family members, especially children under 15. For anyone 15 or older, they will need to complete their own enrolment using your application number through their myGov account.
- Track your application: You can monitor the progress of your enrolment via your myGov inbox.
If approved, your Medicare card will be mailed to your address.
Applying with a Paper Form
If you prefer or need to apply offline:
- Download and complete the Medicare enrolment form (MS004) from the Services Australia website.
- Gather your supporting documents (passport, visa details, proof of residency).
- Submit the form and documents by mail or email to Medicare Enrolment Services.
- Make sure documents are in accepted formats (PDF, JPG, PNG) and under size limits.
- Include “Medicare enrolment” in the email subject line if applying by email.
Documents You Need to Provide
- Proof of identity: Current passport or ImmiCard
- Visa details: If you are not an Australian citizen, provide valid visa information or VEVO printout
- Proof of residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents dated within the last 6 months
- Additional documents: For families, identity documents for children under 15
- Bank details: For Medicare rebates to be paid directly into your account
Important Tips for a Successful Application
- Double-check that all personal details match across documents to avoid delays.
- Keep a copy of your application number to help family members enrol.
- Use the Express Plus Medicare app to access a digital copy of your Medicare card once approved.
- If you encounter issues, contact the Medicare program line or visit a Services Australia centre for assistance.
Applying for Medicare in Australia is straightforward, especially with the convenience of online enrolment through myGov. Whether you’re enrolling as an individual or with your family, having the right documents and following the steps carefully will ensure your application is processed smoothly. Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to a wide range of subsidised healthcare services, making Medicare an essential part of your life in Australia.