1800MEDICARE app frequently asked questions

Why is the my health app rebranding?

1800MEDICARE is a government initiative aimed at improving access to primary healthcare for all Australians. The service provides a free, nationwide health advice line and after-hours GP telehealth support, available around the clock.

As part of these changes, the my health app will be renamed the 1800MEDICARE app from 1 January 2026. You will still be able to access key health information, seek trusted advice and connect with care when and where you need it, all from the palm of your hand. Over time, new features, including in-app notifications for preventative screening and reports on your tests and scans, will be added.

Do I need to do anything to get the 1800MEDICARE app update?

To make sure you don’t miss the update, turn on notifications in your my health app settings and also enable automatic updates in your app store from your device settings, before 31 December.

How do I turn on automatic downloads for apps on my device?

For IOS users:

  1. On your phone, go to ‘Settings
  2. Scroll to the bottom and click ‘Apps
  3. Find and select ‘App Store’ on the list
  4. Under the ‘Automatic Downloads’ section, enable the ‘App Updates’ toggle.
1800MEDICARE app FAQs screenshot

For Android users:

  1. Go to 'Play Store'
  2. Click your icon profile
  3. Select 'Settings'
  4. Select 'Network Preferences'
  5. Select 'Auto-update apps'
  6. User can select which network connection:
    1. Over Wi-Fi
    2. Over Mobile Data
    3. Both
1800MEDICARE app FAQs screenshot

How can I turn on in-app notifications, so I don’t miss the update?

  1. Login to my health app on your phone
  2. In the top right corner click on the ‘Settings cog
1800MEDICARE app FAQs screenshot
  1. Select ‘Push notifications
1800MEDICARE app FAQs screenshot
  1. Select ‘Send me notifications'
1800MEDICARE app FAQs screenshot

What happens if I don’t update the app?

If you haven’t set your app to update automatically and you don’t manually update your my health app after the rebrand goes live, you’ll still see the my health branding on your device. The app will continue to work but you may miss future updates and functionality.

Will my health information still be in the app?

Yes, all of your key health information that has been uploaded to My Health Record will continue to be available in the app.

Is the functionality of the app changing?

The 1800MEDICARE app will enable access to Medicare enrolment and claiming services through new links in the ‘Medicare Services’ section in the app. Over time, new features will be added, including in-app notifications for preventative screening and test and scan reports.

Will I be able to claim Medicare rebates within the app?

The app will not allow direct claims to Medicare rebates however will have new links to Medicare enrolment and claiming along with access to Medicare services information such as claims, organ donor registration and immunisation history.

Is my information private and secure in the app?

The app is a safe and secure system that you are in control of. You can manage your information and control who has access to it, any changes you make will also be reflected in My Health Record.