How to Apply for Medicare in Australia: Eligibility, Documents, and Step-by-Step (2025)

28 September 2025 • Updated for 2025

Who’s eligible, what to prepare, and how to enrol in 2025.

New to Australia and need healthcare access? This 2025 guide explains who can get Medicare, what documents you need, and exact steps to enrol online or in person. It also covers Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) visitors and New Zealand citizens, plus how to access your digital card.

1. Who is eligible for Medicare
2. Documents you must prepare
3. How to enrol online with myGov
4. How to enrol by form (MS004)
5. Digital Medicare card and apps
6. RHCA visitors: what’s covered and card types
7. Students and others not eligible
8. FAQs

Who Is Eligible for Medicare (2025)

• Australian citizens living in Australia.
• Australian permanent residents living in Australia, and some applicants for permanent residency who meet set conditions.
• New Zealand citizens living in Australia who can show they live here or will live here for 6+ months.
• Temporary residents covered by a Ministerial Order (limited categories).
• Visitors from RHCA countries for medically necessary care while in Australia.

Eligibility depends on your status, visa, and agreements.

Documents You Must Prepare

Have clear color scans/photos ready for each person you enrol:

• Passport or ImmiCard.
• Visa details from the Department of Home Affairs (if not a citizen).
• Evidence for your category:
  • Permanent residents: proof of permanent residence grant or PR application eligibility as required.
  • New Zealand citizens: NZ passport + 2 documents proving you live in Australia (e.g., lease, bank statement) dated within the last 6 months.
  • Ministerial Order categories: passport/ImmiCard + proof of valid temporary visa under the relevant Order.
  • RHCA visitors: passport + valid Australian visa + evidence as required for your country.

How to Enrol Online with myGov

1. Create or sign in to myGov and start the Medicare enrolment online.
2. Enter identity and visa details for you and each family member.
3. Upload documents listed above. You can enrol as an individual or as a family.
4. Submit and track progress online. Respond to any requests for more information.
5. Once processed, you’ll receive your Medicare number. Physical card arrives by mail; you can access a digital card sooner.

How to Enrol by Form (MS004)

If you can’t enrol online, use the official Medicare enrolment form (MS004):

1. Download the MS004 PDF from Services Australia and complete it clearly.
2. Attach copies of required identity and visa documents for each person.
3. Lodge the form at a Medicare Service Centre or follow the instructions on the form for return.
4. Keep copies of everything you submit.

MS004 lets you enrol for the first time or re-enrol.

Digital Medicare Card and Apps

You can view and use a digital Medicare card via the myGov app. The legacy Express Plus Medicare app is retiring in 2025. If you already have it installed, it may still work for now, but new downloads are disabled; use myGov going forward.

RHCA Visitors: What’s Covered and Card Types

Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with 11 countries. Eligible visitors can enrol for medically necessary public care while in Australia. RHCA visitors usually receive a yellow Medicare card with an expiry aligned to their eligibility. Coverage is limited; it is not a replacement for comprehensive insurance.

RHCA cover is limited. Consider extra insurance if you’re a visitor.

International Students and Others Not Eligible

Most international students on Student visa (subclass 500) are not eligible for Medicare unless they qualify under RHCA. Student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their entire stay.

Tip: Keep your name and address updated in myGov. If you move, update your details to avoid card delivery issues.

FAQs

Can I enrol online or do I need to visit a service centre?

You can enrol online via myGov if you live in Australia and have a passport/ImmiCard and visa details. If online enrolment isn’t possible, use the MS004 form and lodge it in person.

How long does it take to receive the card?

Processing times vary. You can often see your Medicare number and use a digital card in the myGov app before your physical card arrives by post.

Which countries have RHCA with Australia?

Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Do New Zealand citizens qualify for Medicare?

Yes, if living in Australia and able to show you live here or will live here for 6+ months, or you’ve lived here for 6+ months in the past 12 months.

What if I’m a temporary resident not covered by a Ministerial Order or RHCA?

You’re generally not eligible for Medicare and should maintain private health insurance appropriate to your visa conditions.