Adding a Newborn to Medicare

Congratulations on your new arrival! One of the first administrative steps for new parents is enrolling their baby in Medicare. The good news is the process is straightforward, and your baby is entitled to Medicare benefits from birth.

To add a newborn to an existing Medicare card, you'll need:

  • Your current Medicare card
  • The child's birth certificate or a letter from the hospital confirming the birth
  • The child's full name as it will appear on the card

You can add your newborn:

  1. Online via your myGov account linked to Medicare
  2. Using the Express Plus Medicare app
  3. In person at a Services Australia service centre
  4. By post using the relevant enrolment form

Your updated Medicare card will arrive by post, but you can access a digital version immediately through myGov or the Medicare app.

Medicare Coverage for Children

Children enrolled in Medicare are entitled to the same core benefits as adult cardholders, including:

  • GP consultations (many GPs bulk bill children)
  • Specialist referrals
  • Pathology and diagnostic imaging
  • Mental health services through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
  • Public hospital treatment as a public patient

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

General dental care is not covered by Medicare for most Australians, but children may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This program provides access to a capped benefit amount for basic dental services over a 2-year period.

Eligible services under the CDBS include:

  • Examinations and X-rays
  • Cleaning and fluoride treatments
  • Fillings
  • Root canal treatment
  • Extractions

Eligibility criteria for CDBS:

  • The child must be aged 2–17 years during at least part of the calendar year
  • The child (or a family member) must have received an eligible government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, Youth Allowance, or a similar benefit

Cosmetic dental work is not covered under the CDBS.

Immunisation and the Australian Immunisation Register

Medicare works alongside the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), which records all vaccinations given to individuals across Australia. Keeping your child's immunisations up to date not only protects their health but also affects eligibility for some government payments, including the Family Tax Benefit end-of-year supplement and the Child Care Subsidy.

Most childhood vaccinations on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule are provided free of charge through GPs and community health centres.

Mental Health Support for Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers experiencing mental health challenges can access subsidised psychology or counselling services through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. A GP will assess your child's needs and refer them to an appropriate mental health professional. Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year are available at a Medicare rebate rate.

Tips for Families

  • Check your CDBS balance and eligibility through myGov before booking dental appointments
  • Ask your GP whether they bulk bill children — many do to reduce cost barriers
  • Keep your child's immunisation records up to date on the AIR to protect family payment eligibility
  • If your family holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, additional subsidies may apply

For further assistance, contact Services Australia on 132 011 or visit the Services Australia website for family-specific Medicare resources.