Medicare Online
On the spot Medicare claiming is a quick, easy, secure and convenient way for you to claim your rebate directly from the doctor’s.
Key features
- It’s quick, easy, secure and convenient
- You save yourself a trip to a Medicare office
- A more convenient way for you to claim your rebate
- Your rebate is paid directly into your nominated bank account
- Less paperwork for you.
What on the spot Medicare claiming means for you
If you normally pay to see your doctor, you can now claim your rebate on the spot after you’ve paid your account. If your doctor offers on the spot claiming, practice staff can lodge your claim with us through a secure internet connection and your rebate is paid directly into your nominated cheque or savings account within two to three working days. Register your bank account details with us today.
How it works
If you pay your account in full
Step 1: Just pay your account as usual (using cash, EFTPOS, credit card or cheque) and let practice staff know you’d like to claim your rebate on the spot.
Step 2: If you have given us your bank account details, practice staff will lodge your claim with us through a secure internet connection.
Step 3: Your rebate will be paid directly into your nominated savings or cheque account within two to three working days.
Step 4: Keep the printed receipt for your records. It’s that simple!
What’s the difference? There’s no need for you to visit a Medicare office and your rebate is paid directly into your nominated bank account.
If you don’t pay your account in full
Practice staff will lodge your claim with us through a secure internet connection and a cheque made out to your doctor is sent to you.
What’s the difference? There’s no need for you to visit a Medicare office and your doctor receives a faster payment.
Some important things to know
- Take your Medicare card with you each time you visit your doctor.
- To claim your rebate on the spot, register your bank account detail with us today.
- A rebate can only be paid into a cheque or savings account—it can’t be paid into a credit card account, even if you paid your doctor using a credit card.
- Practice staff can’t give you cash on the spot—we will deposit your rebate into your nominated cheque or savings account within two to three working days.
- Practice staff can only lodge a claim for an account you have just paid.
If you’re bulk billed
If you’re bulk billed, nothing changes.
Registering your bank account details
How do I register my bank account details with Medicare Australia?
You can register your bank account details:
- online through our Online Services. If you’re not already registered for Online Services, why not register now?
- by calling 132 011
- in person at your local Medicare office
- by completing a Bank account details collection form [PDF, 126Kb]
.
Completed forms can be placed in the drop box at your local Medicare office or sent to Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822, in your capital city.
Remember to have your Medicare card and bank account details (BSB, account number and account name) with you when you register. Also, let us know if your details change in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Where is on the spot claiming available?
More and more doctors are offering on the spot claiming. Ask the practice staff if they offer on the spot claiming next time you visit your doctor.
Can I still go to a Medicare office if I don’t want to claim my rebate on the spot?
Yes—you can still visit your local Medicare office or use any of our other claiming options available to claim your rebate.
Can I claim my rebate at the doctor’s through EFTPOS?
You can if your doctor offers Medicare Easyclaim. Practice staff can lodge your claim with us through the practice’s EFTPOS terminal using your EFTPOS card and your rebate will be paid into your nominated bank account almost immediately.
What happens if my claim is rejected?
If your claim is rejected just take your original account and receipt to your local Medicare office or use any of our other claiming options available to claim your rebate.
What if my rebate doesn’t end up in my bank account?
If you don’t receive your rebate within three working days, check with your bank first then call us on 132 011. You may need to give information from your receipt, so keep it until you are satisfied your rebate has been paid into your bank account.
Can I claim for someone not on my Medicare card, for instance, my grandchild?
Yes—if you are the person who paid the account, you can claim a rebate for someone not on your Medicare card.
Will my privacy be protected?
Yes—all information sent electronically between us and your doctor’s practice is securely encrypted. Your bank account details are stored with the highest level of security, just like they are at the Family Assistance Office and Australian Taxation Office.
Also, banks are not permitted to store, see or use any claiming information. Details of the medical service itself will not appear on your bank statement.
Does this mean my local Medicare office will close?
No—there will still be lots of work for Medicare office staff to do, including processing organ donor and childhood immunisation registrations, complex claims and answering general enquiries. Medicare offices also offer a broad range of government services and payments such as Family Assistance.
More information
For more information talk to one of our service offices in your local Medicare office or call 132 011.
- If you’re a medical practitioner/provider or software vendor.
- Why does Medicare Australia want my bank account details information sheet [PDF, 179Kb]
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Last updated: 20 November, 2008