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Eligibility and enrolment

People who reside in Australia - excluding Norfolk Island - are eligible if they:

  • hold Australian citizenship
  • have been issued with a permanent visa
  • hold New Zealand citizenship
  • have applied for a permanent visa (excludes an application for a parent visa)—other requirements apply. Contact Medicare for further information.

You will need to provide documents to support your residency in Australia or your severing of ties with the previous country of residence if:

  • you are an Australian citizen returning to Australia to reside after living overseas for more than five years
  • you are a New Zealand citizen requesting enrolment as a permanent resident.

In some cases both forms of documentation may be needed.

Norfolk Island does not participate in the Medicare program. Australian citizens who have been living in Australia and move to Norfolk Island will be eligible for Medicare on return visits for up to a period of five years.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements—the Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with some countries. Under these arrangements, residents of these countries are entitled to restricted access to health cover while visiting Australia. For more information go to visitors travelling to Australia. 

Information sheets

How do I enrol?

To enrol in Medicare you need to fill out an enrolment form [PDF, 618Kb]PDF reader required. Forms are also available from your local Medicare office.

When you enrol, you need to show original or certified copies of documents such as a birth certificate or passport to prove that you are eligible. Please call Medicare to check what documents you need.

To simplify the process for enrolling a newborn baby, the hospital can help new parents complete a form to be sent to Medicare. Enrolment will ensure your child is registered on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.

Some documents on this page may require the free Adobe PDF reader.

Last updated: 15 April, 2009