Grandparents and Carers

Can I make a claim for medical expenses incurred on behalf of the child I am caring for?

Yes, as a grandparent or carer you are able to claim Medicare benefits for medical expenses you incurred on behalf of the child you are caring for—all you need to do is present your account/receipt to Medicare to collect a benefit.

Do I need to have the child registered on my Medicare card to make the claim?

No, you do not need to have the child enrolled on your Medicare card to make a claim for medical costs you incurred.

How can I claim from Medicare?

• bulk billing
• Medicare offices
• claiming from a medical practice
• by mail
• home telephone claiming
• Medicare Australia access points.

Do I need to have the Medicare card that the child is registered on?

The child does need to be enrolled with Medicare and registered on a Medicare card; however you do not need to have their Medicare card with you to claim the benefit. The doctor may ring Medicare Australia's enquiry number 132 150 for the child's Medicare card number and use this on a bulk bill claim. If the doctor issues an account/receipt the Medicare office will assist you to claim the rebate.

Can I add the child to my Medicare card?

Grandparents may request to have their grandchildren copied on to their Medicare card, though it will be necessary for them to provide documentation to support their request. Documents from the Court and relevant State Department of Community Services can be used for proof that the children are in dedicated care.

A child cannot be removed from a parent's Medicare card without the authority of the parent. However, where a child is in the primary care of a person other than a parent, they may be enrolled on that person's Medicare card or enrolled on a Medicare card of their own where they have reached the age of fifteen years.

Can I add the child to my Medicare Safety Net registration?

Medicare Safety Net has some limitations, and a grandchild cannot be registered under the grandparents' safety net registration if the child is already registered under two safety net registrations (for example, each parent has a separate registration). If the child only appears on one safety net registration then the grandparents' may register the child under their safety net registration.

More information

For more information download a copy of the Medicare claiming—Grandparents and carers information sheet [PDF, 326Kb]

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Last updated: 18 March, 2010