Replacement or routine renewal?
Routine renewal is sent about 4 to 8 weeks before expiry, not 4 to 8 weeks after a replacement request.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Lost, stolen or damaged | Request a replacement. |
| About to expire | Check your address; renewal is normally automatic. |
| Renewal has not arrived | Ask Medicare for a replacement. |
Check access and the delivery address
A shared Medicare card has one postal address. Updating it online changes the address for everyone on that card. If the new address does not apply to everyone, contact Medicare before making the change; Services Australia directs people in that situation to move to their own card.
- Use your existing myGov account with Medicare linked for the online route.
- Choose the reason for replacement: lost, stolen, damaged or expired.
- Check the postal address, especially if you have moved.
Request the replacement online
These are browser labels; the app layout differs.
- Sign in to myGov. Select Medicare, then My card.
- Choose Get a replacement or extra card, your reason, then Next.
- Answer any shared-card question about a second copy.
- Check the postal address. Choose Edit or Confirm addresses.
- Check the success confirmation. Choose Go to card page for new details, then sign out.
Use the digital card while you wait
With Medicare linked, open the myGov app, go to Wallet and select the plus icon to add your digital Medicare card. It shows your Medicare number and the people listed. Services Australia recommends still carrying the physical card.
| Card format | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Digital card | The new card can be used straight away in the myGov app. |
| Physical replacement | The online help guide says it will be sent to your postal address within 4 weeks. |
If you cannot order online or the card does not arrive
If you cannot order online, call Medicare on 132 011. Free interpreter help is available. If the card has not arrived after the stated period, ask Medicare to check your request and address.
Do not pay a postage request in a message
Services Australia warns about texts claiming that cards must be replaced or will be suspended. It will not ask for your bank card details to replace a Medicare card or charge you to mail the new card.
Do not reply to suspicious messages or follow their links. If you gave a scammer your bank card details, contact your bank straight away. Report Services Australia or myGov scams to reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Common questions
Does everyone on a shared card need to request a replacement?
No. Only one person needs to request the replacement for a card with more than one person listed.
What do I need to access the card in the myGov app?
Your existing myGov account must have Medicare linked. Use Wallet to add the digital card.
Is a replacement request the same as enrolling in Medicare?
No. These steps replace a card for an existing Medicare record. They do not assess eligibility or enrol someone for the first time.
Official information
- Services Australia: replace your Medicare card or get an extra card
Replacement and renewal options, shared cards, digital access and phone assistance. Sources checked 9 October 2026.
- Services Australia: Medicare online account replacement steps
Ordering online, checking the address and confirmation, and the physical-card dispatch timeframe. Sources checked 9 October 2026.
- Services Australia: access your digital Medicare card
Adding your digital Medicare card to the myGov app wallet and using it alongside the physical card. Sources checked 9 October 2026.
- Services Australia: update your personal details for Medicare
Changing a postal address and what that change means for people on a shared card. Sources checked 9 October 2026.
- Services Australia: replacement Medicare card scams
Spotting replacement-card and postage scams, protecting bank details and reporting suspicious messages. Sources checked 9 October 2026.