How do I use my Medicare card?

Having a valid Medicare card is important. Make sure Medicare has your current address to ensure you receive replacement Medicare cards and other important information.

• Use your Medicare card when claiming a cash benefit at a Medicare office, when visiting a doctor who bulk bills or when seeking treatment as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital.
• Always have your Medicare card available when visiting a doctor or hospital.
• Have your Medicare card, concession card or other proof available each time you have a PBS prescription filled at the pharmacy.
• Check the validity date on the card—contact Medicare if your card is out of date. Provided Medicare is confident your address is current, your Medicare card will be automatically replaced before its expiry date.
• Check Medicare has your current address to make sure you receive your replacement Medicare card and important information from Medicare. For parents of young children correct details will also ensure you will receive immunisation history statements from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.
• When you receive your new Medicare card make sure you destroy your old card. Your old card is cancelled in Medicare records when your new card is issued.
• If you need to make changes to your card please contact Medicare.
• If you lose your card or it is stolen please contact Medicare immediately.

Last updated: 18 March, 2010