When Did Medicare Start? Your Medicare Card Explained
Medicare has been part of Australian life for decades, but many people aren’t sure exactly when it began or what the details on their Medicare card actually mean. This guide covers a brief history of Medicare, what your card looks like, and how to find your Medicare card number when you need it.
When Did Medicare Start in Australia?
Medicare officially began on 1 February 1984, replacing an earlier scheme called Medibank. It was introduced to give all Australian residents access to affordable healthcare, regardless of income, by combining a public health insurance system with government-funded hospital and medical services. Since then, Medicare has remained the backbone of Australia’s public healthcare system, expanded over the years to cover a wider range of services.
What Does an Australian Medicare Card Look Like?
The Australian Medicare card is a small plastic card, typically green with white text, showing:
- Your Medicare card number (a 10-digit number)
- An individual reference number next to your name (usually 1 to 9), showing your position on the card
- Your full name, along with any other family members listed on the same card
- The card’s expiry date
Some people are added to a family member’s card, called a standard card, while others may have an individual Medicare card on its own.
How to Find Your Medicare Card Number
If you can’t find your physical card, there are a few easy ways to check your Medicare card number:
- Sign in to my.gov.au and select Medicare.
- Go to My details, and your Medicare card number will be listed there.
- Alternatively, open the Express Plus Medicare app and sign in to view your digital card.
- Your card number and details are also shown on official Medicare correspondence, such as a benefit statement.
You don’t need your physical card in hand if you have online or app access, since your digital Medicare card shows the same details.
Understanding Your Medicare Card Number
Your Medicare card number has two parts:
- The main 10-digit number, shared by everyone listed on the same card
- Your individual reference number (1 to 9), which identifies your specific position on that card
For example, if you’re the second person listed on a family card, your individual reference number would be 2. This is why two family members on the same card share the same 10-digit number but have different reference numbers.
What Your Medicare Card Covers
Since 1984, Medicare has grown to cover a wide range of health services, including:
- Visits to GPs and specialists
- Many public hospital services and treatments
- Eye tests through optometrists
- Selected allied health and mental health services, depending on eligibility
- Subsidised medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), when combined with a prescription
Medicare doesn’t cover everything, private hospital treatment, most dental care, and some allied health services generally fall outside standard Medicare benefits.
Do I Have Medicare or Something Else?
If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or from a country with a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, you’re likely eligible for Medicare. Some visa holders and temporary residents may need private health insurance instead, since not everyone automatically qualifies for a Medicare card. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, it’s worth checking directly through Services Australia.
What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Medicare Card
If you can’t locate your physical card, you don’t need to panic. You can view your digital Medicare card anytime through the Express Plus Medicare app or your Medicare online account, and request a replacement physical card if needed. Read our full guide on how to get a new Medicare card for the complete step-by-step process.
FAQs About Medicare and Your Medicare Card
Q: When did Medicare start in Australia?
Medicare began on 1 February 1984, replacing the earlier Medibank scheme.
Q: What colour is an Australian Medicare card?
Australian Medicare cards are green with white text, different from the Medicare cards used in other countries.
Q: How do I find my Medicare card number without my physical card?
Sign in to your Medicare online account through myGov, or check the Express Plus Medicare app, where your card number is displayed digitally.
Q: What does the individual reference number on my card mean?
It’s a number from 1 to 9 that identifies your specific position on a card shared with family members.
Q: Does my Medicare card expire?
Yes, Medicare cards have an expiry date. Services Australia usually issues a new one automatically, or you can request a replacement if needed.
Conclusion
Medicare has provided Australians with access to affordable healthcare since 1984, and understanding your Medicare card, its number, and what it covers makes it much easier to use when you need it. If you ever misplace your physical card, your digital Medicare card through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app has you covered in the meantime.
