How do I claim from Medicare?
At the doctor's
Many doctors now offer Medicare electronic claiming. It’s a fast, secure system that allows you to lodge your Medicare claim at the doctor’s when you pay your account.
Your doctor’s receptionist lodges your claim with Medicare Australia either through the practice’s EFTPOS terminal using your EFTPOS card or through a secure internet connection. Whichever system your doctor uses, your Medicare benefit will be paid into your nominated bank account within two to three working days, sometimes even sooner.
What do you need to do?
If your doctor uses the internet based claiming system, your Medicare benefit is paid into your nominated cheque or savings account within two to three working days. To begin claiming this way, you just need to provide us with the details of the bank account you’d like your Medicare benefit paid into.
You can register your bank account details:
- by completing a Bank account details collection form [PDF, 158Kb]
- through our Online Services. If you’re not already registered with Online Services, register now
- by calling 132 011
- in person at your local Medicare office
Remember to have Medicare card and bank account details (BSB, account number and account name) with you when you register. Also remember to let us know if your details change in the future.
If your doctor uses the EFTPOS based claiming system—using your EFTPOS card—your Medicare benefit is paid into your bank account almost immediately. Remember to take your Medicare and EFTPOS cards with you when you visit your doctor.
Ask practice staff if they offer Medicare electronic claiming next time you visit your doctor.
At your local Medicare office
We have a network of Medicare offices throughout Australia where claims can be made in person or by using the Medicare drop box. Find your nearest Medicare office today.
By mail
Send a completed Medicare claim form [PDF, 190Kb] with the original accounts and/or receipts to:
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 9822
in your capital city
Do not send your Medicare card when you claim by mail. Once we have received your documents and your claim has been processed, your Medicare benefit will be paid into your nominated bank account or we will send you a cheque.
Over the phone
Call 1300 360 460, give your claim details and then send your accounts and/or receipts to:
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 9847
in your capital city
No claim form is needed. We will start to process the claim while the documents are in the mail. Once they have been verified, the payment will be made.
At a Medicare Australia access point
If it’s not easy for you to get to a Medicare office, Medicare Australia access points are a quick, easy and convenient way to make a claim. Access points are located in local communities in pharmacies, rural transaction centres and some shops. As with phone claiming, you talk to a service officer who will take down your details and begin processing your claim. You send your documents to Medicare Australia and once they have been verified, the payment is made. Find your nearest access point today.
Medicare two-way
Medicare claims can be lodged at participating private health funds if you are a member. Fill in a Medicare claim form [PDF, 190Kb], attach the accounts and/or receipts and the private health fund will then send your claim to us on your behalf.
Or, you can fill in a Medicare two-way claim form [PDF, 161Kb], attach the accounts and/or receipts and lodge the claim at your local Medicare office. We will pay the Medicare benefit owing and send the rest of the claim to your private health fund for payment.
Bulk bill
You do not need to claim from Medicare Australia as your doctor will bill Medicare Australia directly.
Some documents on this page may require the free Adobe PDF reader.
Last updated: 18 March, 2010
