How to Renew Your Medicare Card
Yes. Every Medicare card has an expiry date printed on the front, usually a month and year. Most cards are valid for several years. The good news is that Services Australia renews most Medicare cards automatically before they expire and posts a new one to your registered address, so for many people there is nothing to do.
You only need to take action if your details have changed, your card is lost or damaged, or a new card has not arrived by the time the old one expires.
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If you need to update or request a card, the fastest way is online. You can:
- Sign in to your myGov account and open the linked Medicare service to update your details or request a replacement
- Use the Express Plus Medicare mobile app on your phone
- Call the Medicare general enquiries line, or visit a Services Australia service centre in person
First, check that your postal address is up to date, since that is where the new card is sent. Services Australia explains each option on its replace or update your Medicare card page.
If your card has already expired and a replacement has not arrived, you can still access your Medicare details. Once you sign in to your Medicare online account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app, you can view a digital copy of your card and find your Medicare number straight away.
That number is what matters most for booking and claiming, so an expired physical card does not have to leave you stuck. We cover this in more detail in what to do when your Medicare card has expired.
A new or replacement Medicare card is usually posted to you within about three weeks. In most cases your Medicare number stays the same, and the card simply shows an updated expiry date. The position number next to your name can change if your card is reissued.
While you wait for the physical card, the digital card in the Express Plus Medicare app works for most purposes, including confirming your number when you see a doctor.
A valid Medicare card matters when you see a doctor, because it is what makes you eligible for a Medicare rebate. At Abby, consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Strict eligibility criteria apply.
Once your card is sorted, you can book an appointment or use our online prescriptions and medical certificates services. For more on costs, see our guide to a bulk billed online doctor.
Book a consult from home.
For anything to do with your Medicare card, enrolment or eligibility, Services Australia is the official source. You can manage most things through your Medicare online account or by calling its Medicare line. If you have lost your card, our guide on replacing a lost Medicare card walks you through it.
This article is general information about Medicare administration and is not medical advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.
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The information reflects guidance available as of the "last updated" date shown above. Medical knowledge evolves, and individual circumstances vary — always discuss decisions about your care with a qualified clinician.
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