Interim Medicare Card: Who Can Apply and How?

Many visa holders in Australia ask:

Am I eligible for Medicare before getting PR?

Here’s a quick guide to the Interim Medicare Card (commonly known as the blue card).

What is the Medicare Blue Card?

The Interim Medicare Card is a temporary Medicare card issued to people who are not yet permanent residents but meet certain eligibility criteria.

It generally applies to two groups:

1. People who have applied for Permanent Residency (PR)

If you have already lodged a PR visa application and are currently waiting for a decision, you may be eligible for Medicare.

2. Holders of specific temporary visas

Some temporary visa holders may also qualify if their visa falls under the Ministerial Order.

👉 Important: Not all temporary visa holders are eligible.

When Can You Apply?

PR Applicants

You can usually apply for Medicare once:

• Your PR application has been successfully lodged

• You are in Australia (or have arrived to live in Australia)

• You hold a valid visa (e.g. Bridging visa)

👉 In simple terms: Once your PR application is lodged, you can generally consider applying.

Common PR Visa Types That May Be Eligible

Examples include:

• Partner visas: 820/801, 309/100

• Skilled migration visas: 189, 190, 191

• Employer-sponsored visas: 186, 187

• Business & investment visas (selected subclasses)

• Protection visas (permanent)

Important Conditions

Lodging a PR application alone does not automatically guarantee eligibility.You may also need to meet additional criteria, such as:

• Holding a visa that allows you to work, or

• Having an immediate family member who is:

  • An Australian citizen

  • An Australian permanent resident

  • Or an eligible New Zealand citizen

Special Note: Parent Visas

Parent visa applicants are treated differently:

• In most cases, Medicare is only available after the visa is granted

• During processing, only limited applicants may qualify

Temporary Visa Holders (Non-PR)

You may also be eligible if you hold certain temporary visas, such as:

• 491 / 494 (regional provisional visas)

• Selected Contributory Parent visas (e.g. 173, 143, 884, 864)

• Some humanitarian visas (e.g. 785, 790)

• Bridging visas (in specific circumstances)

• Subclass 403 (PALM scheme – family accompaniment)

These are typically covered under the Ministerial Order.

How to Apply

The process is straightforward:

1. Check your eligibility

2. Prepare documents, such as:

   • Passport

   • Visa details (VEVO)

   • PR application evidence (if applicable)

   • Proof of address

3. Submit your application via:

   • myGov (Medicare online account)

   • Online form submission

   • Or at a Medicare service centre

4. Wait for assessment

Once approved, you will receive your Interim Medicare Card (or access a digital card first).

Key Takeaway

👉 The Medicare blue card is mainly for:

• PR applicants, and

• Certain temporary visa holders

👉 It is not automatic – you must apply

👉 Eligibility depends on your visa type and personal circumstances