Health care discounts

Medicare

Having a Medicare card is important —you need to show it when you visit a doctor to get discounts on health care.

Getting a card

You must be at least 15 to get your own card. To apply, follow the instructions on the ‘Medicare enrolment and card form’—available from Medicare Australia.

Benefits

• If your doctor bulk bills, you avoid any out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of your visit is charged directly to Medicare.
• If your doctor does not bulk bill—you have to pay for your visit and your Medicare card allows you to claim cash back from Medicare.
• Pay the lowest possible price for your medication each time you have a prescription filled at the chemist when you show your Medicare card, concession card or other proof

Visit MBS Online for the current Medical Benefits Schedule—a list of medical services subsidised by the Australian government.

Health care cards

A health care card lets you get cheaper medicines as well as discounts on other medical products and services.

Check if you are eligible and what medical services you can claim discounts on.

Private health insurance

Learn how private health insurance works , including information on the Private Health Insurance Rebate, Lifetime Health Cover and the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

Compare policies of different health funds to help you choose the best one for you.