Yes, most permanent residents can enrol in Medicare immediately after arrival.

What exactly is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded universal health-care scheme. It covers **visits to bulk-billing GPs**, **public hospital treatment as a public patient**, and **a scheduled rebate on selected specialists and diagnostic tests**. It does **not** pay for private hospital rooms, dental for *** s, or ambulance transport in most states.

Who qualifies for Medicare on arrival?

• Permanent visa holders (subclasses 100, 801, 186, 189, 190, etc.)
• Certain temporary residents on subclasses 309, 820, or 491 if they have applied for the permanent stage
• New Zealand citizens living in Australia under the Trans-Ta *** an agreement
• Some refugee and humanitarian entrants who hold a Protection visa

Visitor visas, student visas, and most bridging visas **do not** grant Medicare access.

Step-by-step: how to apply for Medicare in Australia

1. Collect the right documents

You will need:

• Passport (with entry stamp or VEVO print-out)
• Permanent visa grant letter or ImmiCard
• Proof of address such as a bank statement or utility bill dated within the last three months
• Completed Medicare enrolment form (MS004) – download from servicesaustralia.gov.au

2. Book an appointment or walk in

Locate your nearest **Services Australia service centre** via the website. Appointments are optional but reduce waiting time. Bring originals plus one photocopy of each document.

3. Receive your interim card

Staff will issue a **temporary Medicare card number** on the spot. This number can be used immediately to see a bulk-billing doctor. The plastic card arrives by post within **three to four weeks**.

How long does Medicare take to activate?

Enrolment is processed **the same day** if all documents are correct. The physical card is printed and mailed within **20 working days**. Until it arrives, quote your **Medicare number** or **Individual Reference Number (IRN)** when booking appointments.

Can I add family members?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be added to one card. Provide their passports and visa evidence. Children under 15 are automatically listed on the primary cardholder’s card. **Over-15s receive their own card** but remain on the same Medicare record.

What if my address changes?

Update your address **online via myGov**, by phone on **132 011**, or at any service centre within **14 days**. Failure to do so can delay rebates and renewal notices.

Understanding the Medicare Safety Net

Once your **out-of-pocket medical costs** exceed the annual threshold, Medicare rebates increase. There are two thresholds:

• General threshold – applies to everyone
• Concessional threshold – lower limit for concession-card holders

Keep every receipt; Medicare tallies them automatically when you swipe your card.

Do I still need private health insurance?

While Medicare covers essential services, **waiting lists for elective surgery** can be long. Private insurance offers:

• Choice of doctor and hospital
• Cover for dental, optical, and physiotherapy
• Avoidance of **Lifetime Health Cover loading** if you join before age 31

Compare policies on **privatehealth.gov.au** to avoid junk cover.

Common pitfalls new migrants face

1. Forgetting to enrol promptly – some specialists refuse to see patients without a valid Medicare number.
2. Using an overseas address – Medicare cards are **not forwarded internationally**.
3. Assuming reciprocal care covers everything – visitors from the UK, Italy, and 9 other countries get **limited emergency-only cover**, not full Medicare.
4. Not linking Medicare to myGov – this prevents online claims and digital card access.

How to link Medicare to myGov

1. Create a **myGov account** at my.gov.au
2. Select “Link a service” → Medicare
3. Enter your **Medicare card number** and **IRN**
4. Verify identity with an *** S code or secret answer

Once linked, you can **view claims history**, **order replacement cards**, and **download a digital card** to your phone.

Renewing or replacing your card

Medicare cards expire every **five years**. Services Australia mails a renewal form to your last known address. If the card is lost or stolen:

• Sign in to myGov → Medicare → “Request replacement card”
• Or phone 132 011 and answer identity questions

Replacement cards arrive within **10 working days**.

Extra tips for a *** ooth start

• Register with a local GP who bulk-bills to avoid upfront fees.
• Ask for a “health summary” from your overseas doctor and upload it to My Health Record after enrolment.
• Download the Express Plus Medicare app for instant claiming and card barcode access.
• Keep a scanned copy of your enrolment form and visa grant letter for future reference.

Where to get help if something goes wrong

If your application is rejected or delayed:

• Call the **Medicare general enquiries line** on 132 011 (8 am–5 pm local time)
• Visit a **Multilingual Services Centre** in major cities for interpreter support
• Lodge a complaint via **servicesaustralia.gov.au/feedback** if you experience unreasonable delays

Most issues are resolved within **five business days** once missing documents are supplied.