In Australia, if you are 15 or over you have the right to see a doctor without a parent present. Seeing a doctor on your own, without a parent can be important if you need professional help but don't want to talk to your parents about it.

Seeing a doctor can be expensive—about $60–$70 a visit. However, some doctors can see you for free, as long as you have your own Medicare card—this is called "bulk-billing". It is important to check that your doctor can offer bulk-billing before you make an appointment.

To get your own Medicare card, follow these steps:

1. 1. Ring Medicare on 13 20 11 to find your closest Medicare branch.
2. 2. Write down your family Medicare number from your parent's card—that's the number written at the top of the card.
3. 3. You will also need some photo ID that has your current address and also proves that you are at least 15 years old—this can be a learner's permit or passport, or if you don't have either of those, a student card and a birth certificate.
4. 4. Take the Medicare number, photo ID and proof of your current address to your local Medicare branch.
5. 5. When you get there, ask for your own Medicare card and number and fill out the application form (Application to copy or transfer from one Medicare card to another [PDF 60KB]).
6. 6. Medicare will send you your card in the mail.
7. 7. For more info on getting and using a Medicare card, check out the Medicare website.




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