You can get your own Medicare card online or apply for one using a form.
You can also get a new card with other people.
We’ll send your card to the address you’ve given us. It’ll arrive in about 3 to 4 weeks. You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card straight away.
Read more about how to get a digital card.
Keep in mind, you can only be on 2 different Medicare cards at the same time.
If you choose to leave a card and you’re the contact person, we’ll assign a new contact person for the card.
If you’re getting your own Medicare card due to changes in your family situation, it’s important to also check your Medicare Safety Net registration.
Read more about how to manage your Medicare Safety Net.
How to get a Medicare card online
If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov you can get your own card online.
To do this:
- Sign in to myGov.
- Select My card.
- Select Get a new card and number.
- Follow the prompts.
You can also use the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
You can get your own card online if you meet all of these requirements:
- you’re living in Australia and you’re an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or you have a permanent resident visa
- you’re 15 or older
- you’re only on one Medicare card
- someone else doesn’t act on your behalf for Medicare purposes
- you’re not in the care of a state or territory child protection authority
- your current Medicare card has other people on it.
Once you’ve transferred to your new Medicare card, you can add people to it. You’ll need to invite them by using your online account. Read more about how to add someone to your Medicare card or accept an invite to be added to someone’s Medicare card.
How to get a Medicare card using a form
If you can’t get a new card online, you can use a form.
Follow these steps:
- Complete an application to copy or transfer from one Medicare card to another form.
- Send your form and supporting documents to us.
You can find the email and postal address on the form.
If you choose to leave a card and you’re the contact person, we’ll assign a new contact person for the card.