What do green blue and yellow Medicare cards represent?

Medicare is Australia's public health care system and covers many health care costs. Residents can choose whether to have Medicare cover only, or a combination of Medicare and private health insurance.

There are 3 types of Medicare cards that come in the following colours:

green, for standard Medicare cards

blue, for interim Medicare cards

yellow, for Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Medicare cards.

When you’re enrolled in Medicare, you will receive one of these cards. The type of card you receive will depend on your personal situation.

Standard Medicare card

Standard green cards are valid for 5 years. You don’t have to do anything to get one unless your address has changed. If it has, contact Medicare to update your detailsso they can send your card to the right address.

Interim Medicare card

Interim blue cards are valid until the expiry date on the card. If you’re an applicant for permanent residency and your visa conditions haven’t changed, you will receive a new card before your old one expires. If you don’t get a new card, you’ll need to contact Medicare. You don’t have to do anything unless your address has changed. If it has, update your details so the card gets to you.

If you’re temporary resident covered by a Ministerial Order, your Medicare card is valid until the expiry date. To continue to access Medicare, you’ll need to meet certain criteria and re-enrol in Medicare.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Medicare card

You’ll get a yellow Medicare card if you’re visiting Australia from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). Yellow cards are valid until the expiry date on the card. To continue to access Medicare, you’ll need to meet the RHCA criteria for your country and re-enrol in Medicare.

You can enrol in Medicare if you live in Australia and you’re any of these: