Introduction
Medicare is Australia's universal health scheme. It is run by Services Australia.
Service NSW does not deliver any Medicare-related services.
What is covered by Medicare
- Free or subsidised treatment by health professionals, such as doctors, specialists, optometrists and, in specific circumstances, dentists and other allied health professionals.
- Free treatment and accommodation for patients in a public hospital.
- 75% of the Medicare schedule fee for services and procedures for privately-insured patients in a public or private hospital. Hospital accommodation, theatre fees, medicines and certain other items are not covered.
Learn more about what Medicare covers.
Eligibility
Australians and certain overseas visitors are eligible for free or subsidised health services through Medicare.
How to enrol
Find out how to enrol in Medicare.
Claim a Medicare benefit
The quickest way to make a claim is at your doctor’s office straight after you pay.
You can also claim a Medicare benefit online, by mail or in person at a Services Australia office.
To process a claim, you'll need to provide Services Australia with:
- a doctor's invoice for the service you want to claim
- proof of payment if you paid for the services in full.
Learn more about how to make a Medicare claim.
More information
To make sure you're getting the benefits you're entitled to, check the bank account details linked to your Medicare account are up to date.