Everything You Need to Know About Medicare

What even is Medicare? 🩺

Medicare might seem like one of those grown-up things you don’t need to worry about, until you suddenly do.

But if you’re living in Australia, especially as a student, it’s something you need to know about.

Whether you’re heading to the doctor for a check-up, getting a scan, or just sorting out your own Medicare card for the first time, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about Medicare.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia’s health care system that helps Aussie’s with the cost of their health care bills.

Medicare provides Australian’s with free or subsidised health services.

It is free and funded by Australian taxpayers, who pay 2 per cent of their taxable income to help cover healthcare costs.

How does Medicare work?

If you go to a GP or doctor who bulk bills (more on that below), Medicare covers the cost.

To use Medicare, you need to be enrolled. If you're 15 or older, you can get your own Medicare card. Just check first if you’re already on your parent or guardian’s card.

To see if your eligible and to enrol, head here.

What is bulk billing?

Bulk billing means you don’t have to pay a cent for your medical bill.

Your doctor sends the bill straight to Medicare, and they take care of it. Just make sure to bring your Medicare card or have your number on hand at your appointment so you can access this benefit.

To find doctors that bulk bill near you, use this tool.

What if my doctor doesn’t bulk bill?

Some doctors don’t bulk bill, which means you’ll have to pay upfront. But the good news is, you’ll still get some money back. Medicare refunds part of the fee (called a rebate).

You’ll just need to make a claim (more on that below), or often the practice will process this for you, and you’ll receive a refund back in your nominated account within seven days.

How do I submit a Medicare claim if my practice doesn’t do this for me?

To claim your Medicare benefit (refund), sign in to your MyGov account and ensure your Medicare account is linked. You’ll be able to submit your claim through their website.

When you submit your claim online, you’ll usually get your benefit within seven days.

If you can’t claim at the doctor’s office or online, you can claim by mail. Learn more about claiming Medicare benefits here.

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers either 100 per cent or a portion of your GP appointments, as well as tests and scans, X-rays, and some surgeries and procedures.

It’s important to note that Medicare doesn’t pay for all medical services. Some things that Medicare do NOT cover are ambulances, most dental services, glasses, hearing aids and more.

To see what services they do pay for, check out The Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS).

Upcoming changes to bulk billing

From 1 November 2025, things are changing.

Every Medicare-eligible patient will be eligible for bulk billing benefits.

The Aussie Government’s also rolling out a new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program to help more GPs bulk bill everyone, making it easier (and cheaper) to access medical services. Learn more here.

Once you know how Medicare works, it can save you a heap on medical costs. Keep your Medicare card handy, double-check if your doc bulk bills, and know how to claim if you need to.

Future you (and your bank account) will thank you.