Millions of dollars are left unclaimed in refunds from Medicare. In fact, the average amount per person comes in around a whopping $265. Should the bank details not be updated, your rebate may never reach you.
Here is a guide that takes you through how to check mygov for your medicare account details and update your info, then pen down any owed payments sometimes as fast as in 48 hours.
Indeed, do not be left off an allowance that is already yours. Just spend a few minutes today to reclaim your refund.
If you have seen a doctor or specialist using a Medicare card, chances are that money is owed by the government. Not pennies but millions; average is around $265, but some people have found as much as $10,000 of unclaimed Medicare funds.
Indeed. In 2024, almost a million Aussies will miss out on a repayment because they have not updated their bank details with Medicare.
Don’t worry, this guide will teach you the process, step by step, on how to check your status and make a claim if you are due refunds.
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Unclaimed Funds | Over $260 million in Medicare refunds |
People Affected | Nearly 960,000 Australians |
Average Refund | $265 |
Some Refunds Worth | More than $10,000 |
Why It Happens | Outdated or missing bank account details |
How to Claim | Via myGov or Express Plus Medicare app |
Refund Time | Typically within 3 business days |
Official Site | Services Australia |
It gets surprisingly easy and just about a few minutes do it. Nearly One Million Australians are Potentially Eligible for $265 Medicare Boost-check their computers if they are owed money. Each year, hundreds of these Australians unknowingly let their Medicare refunds go by—not because they were ineligible, but because their bank account details are “outdated”. This situation is not a mere bureaucratic hitches; it is your money, so getting it back should only take a few clicks in myGov. I mean, don’t let the money just lie there if you are a busy parent, freshly out of school, in retirement, or just someone who has not signed in for some time. A refund like this could go toward groceries, medicine, or, at least, take a bit off your next power bill.
Today, a couple of minutes could make a huge difference regarding your cash flow. While you’re at it, help someone else to do the same—especially older family members who may not be so comfortable in an online environment. The money is already yours. Just go and claim it.
So what is this all about in terms of a boost from Medicare?
If you go to the doctor and he partly reimburses the price to you through Medicare, normally that money should go straight into your bank account. But if you changed banks, closed an account, or just never added those details to begin with—the refund gets “stuck.”
And it doesn’t disappear; it just waits for you to claim it. According to Services Australia, there are more than $260 million of these “stuck” refunds lying around unclaimed.

Real-Life Examples: You Aren’t Alone
Emma, a nurse from Perth, changed banks two years ago. “I thought everything updated automatically,” she says. “When I finally looked, there was $643 just sitting there.”
Paul, a retiree from Brisbane, found that more than $1,200 had been missed—cash he used to prop up his bills and medications. So whether you’re age 18 or 80, it pays off to check.
How to Identify Whether You Are Owed Money (Step by Step)
- Log into myGov. How to Identify Whether You’re Owed Money (Step-by-Step) Go to the official myGov site.
- Log into it or create an account if you haven’t already. Have Medicare Linked (If Not Already). From the dashboard, click ‘Link a service.’ Choose Medicare.
- Check Your Bank Account Details ‘My Details’ > ‘Bank Account’ Check that you have updated and saved information on your bank account number and BSB.
- Refund money will be credited to your account within a few business days.
- Some even reported seeing a refund in around 48 hours! Prefer mobile? You can also do this through the Express Plus Medicare app.
Did You Know? Quick Facts About Medicare
- More than 400 million claims have been processed most years through Medicare.
- Unclaimed refunds currently number $260 million.
- Refund dates go back in history for many people.
Who’s the Most Likely to Miss Out?
In fact, anyone can check whether they’re getting a refund or not, but these groups are especially at risk:
- Parents managing their children’s Medicare account;
- Older Australians who changed banks or moved into aged care;
- New accounts opened by university students or young workers;
- Frequent movers who have switched banks or addresses.

Avoid Medicare Scams:
Here is what to lookout for. Scammers love to pretend they are from the government. So remember:
- The Services Australia will NEVER email or text you asking for bank details.
- Do not click any random links in messages.
- Always use the official website and app:
Quick Checklist
Here is a quick checklist for you (or a relative) to follow:
- Log in to your myGov account.
- Link in Medicare service.
- Check your bank details.
- You can update it if needed.
- Wait for your refund!
- Spread the word (especially with the elderly family)!
Let Us Put Things Into Perspective
Government Refund Type | Where to Claim | Refund Size | Deadline? |
---|---|---|---|
Medicare Refund | myGov / App | ~$265 avg. | No expiry |
Tax Refund | ATO / myTax | $2,000+ avg. | Oct 31 each year |
Unclaimed Super | myGov > ATO | Varies | No expiry |
Medicare refunds are one of the easiest wins—just check once, and you’re done.
FAQs:
How do I know if I owe money from Medicare?
There is no alert or notification; you have to check for yourself. Log into your myGov account, navigate to Medicare, and confirm that your banking details are correct. If any reparative payments are owing, these will be issued upon your details being updated.
Is there a time limit to claim Medicare refunds?
There is no expiration date for unclaimed Medicare rebates at this time. But it is best that you have your details updated as soon as possible so that any outstanding funds can be released quickly.
Can I inquire on behalf of my parent or child?
Yes, but you must be nominated or authorized on their Medicare account. If you are a carer, guardian, or family member assisting someone who cannot access myGov, please call Services Australia for support.
Can I still get a refund if I changed banks a long time ago?
Yes! As long as your Medicare claims were eligible and processed, any money that was not deposited due to incorrect bank details is still there, merely waiting for correct account information.
Will this refund affect my Centrelink, tax return, or pension?
Medicare refunds are considered non-taxable income because they do not affect Centrelink payments or pensions or ATO tax assessments. This is merely money owing to you for eligible health services.
Is the myGov site safe to update my bank details on?
Yes—myGov is a secure government-run platform. Just make sure to navigate to the official site: https://my.gov.au. Never click on suspicious links in text messages or e-mails claiming to be from Medicare or Services Australia.