Service · Medicare enrolment

Medicare enrolment, made simple

We turn the official 17-page MS004 form into a guided, plain-English experience — then prepare the completed PDF for you to lodge with Services Australia.

What is Medicare

Medicare gives Australian residents access to subsidised healthcare — including GP visits, public hospital treatment, and many specialist services. To get a Medicare card, you complete the MS004 enrolment form from Services Australia. We make that process simpler.

Who can enrol

The MS004 covers seven main eligibility categories. You only need to fit one.

Australian citizens
Born in Australia or naturalised. You'll need to show evidence of citizenship.
Children born overseas to an Australian citizen
Eligible by descent. Bring the child's birth certificate and the parent's proof of citizenship.
New Zealand citizens living in Australia
Resident in Australia and intending to stay for at least six months.
Permanent residents (non-citizens)
Holders of a permanent visa, with evidence of permanent residency status.
Applicants for permanent residency
Including protection visa applicants who meet specific work or family criteria.
Visitors from RHCA countries
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries get limited cover. See the RHCA list
Other visa holders (Ministerial Order)
Certain visa subclasses covered by a Ministerial Order — check the MS004 form for the current list.

Re-enrolment

If you've had Medicare before but have been away or your cover lapsed, you'll re-enrol rather than apply as a new person.

Returning Australian citizens

Away from Australia for 5 years or more and now resuming residence.

Returning NZ citizens or permanent residents

Outside Australia for 12 months or more and returning to live here.

Interim or Reciprocal card extensions

Extending an existing temporary or RHCA card while your situation is finalised.

What you'll need

Choose your situation to see the documents Services Australia expects. You can upload these during your application.

Australian citizen (first-time enrolment)
Required and recommended documents
  • Australian birth certificate, OR
  • Australian citizenship certificate, OR
  • Australian passport (current or expired within last 2 years)
  • Proof of current Australian address (driver licence or utility bill)
  • Bank account details for EFT benefit payments (optional but recommended)

About the official form

17
pages in the official PDF
149
numbered questions
30–50
questions we ask you

The MS004 is a 17-page PDF with 149 numbered questions and several conditional sections (Part A, B, C). We translate the relevant parts into roughly 30–50 questions based on your situation, then generate the completed PDF for you — identical in structure to the official Services Australia form.

Related topics

The MS004 also touches on these areas. You'll be asked about them during your application.

Medicare Safety Nets
Combine your family's out-of-pocket medical costs to qualify for higher rebates once a threshold is reached.
Lifetime Health Cover loading
If you take out private hospital cover before 1 July following your 31st birthday, you avoid extra loading on premiums.
My Health Record
An online summary of your key health information, accessible to you and authorised healthcare providers.
Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI)
A unique 16-digit number used to identify you across Australian healthcare services.
Bank account for EFT
Medicare benefits are paid electronically. Adding your bank details means faster reimbursements.

Family and domestic violence support

If you're affected by family and domestic violence, support is available.

  • 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7 national counselling line)
  • In immediate danger, call 000

Ready to start your enrolment?

Answer a handful of plain-English questions. We'll prepare the completed MS004 PDF for you.