What Is a Medicare Rebate?

When you visit a doctor, specialist, or other eligible health professional, Medicare — Australia's universal health insurance scheme — covers part or all of the cost. If you pay upfront (rather than using bulk billing), you can claim a rebate from Medicare for the government's share of the fee. The gap between what Medicare pays and what the provider charges is yours to cover.

Ways to Claim

There are several ways to submit a Medicare claim:

  • Online via myGov — the focus of this guide
  • Express Plus Medicare app — the Medicare mobile app
  • At a Services Australia service centre — in person
  • By post — using a paper claim form

Online claiming is by far the fastest method and is available 24 hours a day.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

  • A myGov account with Medicare linked
  • Your bank account details registered with Medicare (for the rebate to be paid into)
  • The original account or receipt from your health provider, showing the date of service, the item number(s) billed, and the amount you paid

If your bank account isn't yet registered with Medicare, you can add it through the Medicare section of myGov before submitting your first claim.

Step-by-Step: Claiming Online via myGov

  1. Sign in to your myGov account at my.gov.au.
  2. From your dashboard, click on Medicare.
  3. Select "Make a claim" from the Medicare menu.
  4. Choose whether the claim is for yourself or a family member on your Medicare card.
  5. Enter the details from your receipt: date of service, provider name, Medicare item number (if shown), and the amount paid.
  6. Review the details and submit. You may be asked to upload a photo of your receipt for claims above a certain amount.

How Long Does It Take?

In most cases, online Medicare claims are processed and paid into your bank account within 2–3 business days. Some claims may take longer if additional checking is required. You can track the status of your claim in the Medicare section of myGov.

Time Limits for Claiming

Medicare claims must be submitted within 2 years of the date of service. While this gives you plenty of time, it's good practice to claim as soon as possible so you don't lose track of receipts.

Understanding Medicare Item Numbers

Every Medicare-claimable service has an item number under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). This number determines how much Medicare will pay. Your receipt from the health provider should include this number. If it doesn't, you can ask the practice to provide it, or search the MBS online at mbsonline.gov.au.

Bulk Billing: When You Don't Need to Claim

If your health provider bulk bills, they charge Medicare directly and you pay nothing — no out-of-pocket cost, no claim needed. Always ask if bulk billing is available when booking an appointment, as it can save you significant money over time.

Having Trouble?

If you're having difficulty submitting a claim online, contact Medicare on 132 011 or visit your nearest Services Australia centre. You can also use the Express Plus Medicare mobile app as an alternative to the myGov web interface.