AI Medicare Guide

Medicare doesn't come with a manual.
Until now.

Ask anything about bulk billing, mental health care plans, chronic disease management, referrals, and more — answered in plain English.

GPmate AI
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GPmate AI
This tool explains how the Australian health system works in general terms. It is not medical advice. For health concerns, see your GP. For emergencies, call 000. For health advice, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Sourced from official Medicare guidelines
10,000+ questions answered
Answers in under 10 seconds

How It Works

No jargon. No hold music. Just clear answers about your Medicare entitlements.

1

Type Your Question

Pick a common Medicare topic or describe your situation in your own words.

2

AI Searches Medicare Database

GPmate cross-references official Medicare guidelines, MBS item numbers, and eligibility rules.

3

Get a Plain-English Answer

Receive a clear breakdown with steps, costs, and rebate amounts -- no medical jargon.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Medicare questions Australians ask most.

What is bulk billing and am I eligible?
Bulk billing means your GP bills Medicare directly and you pay nothing out of pocket. All Medicare card holders are eligible, though not all GPs offer it. Children under 16, pensioners, and Health Care Card holders are most likely to find bulk billing clinics.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Book a standard appointment with your GP and let them know you'd like a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your GP will do a short assessment and, if appropriate, create a plan that entitles you to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year.
Can I see a specialist without a GP referral?
You can see most specialists without a referral, but you won't receive a Medicare rebate. A valid GP referral is required for Medicare to cover part of the cost. Referrals to specialists are valid for 12 months; referrals to consulting physicians are valid for 3 months.
What is the Medicare Safety Net and how does it help me?
The Medicare Safety Net provides extra rebates once your out-of-pocket costs reach a certain threshold in a calendar year. In 2026, the Original Medicare Safety Net threshold is $560.40 (or $750.90 for the Extended Safety Net). After reaching the threshold, Medicare pays a higher percentage of your out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year.
Does Medicare cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy?
Medicare generally does not cover dental, optical (glasses/contacts), or standard physiotherapy. However, some exceptions exist: the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers children 2-17, and you may get Medicare-subsidised physio or allied health sessions through a GP Management Plan (Chronic Disease Management) if you have a qualifying condition.
Is GPmate a replacement for medical advice?
No. GPmate explains how the Medicare system works in general terms. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. For health concerns, always consult your GP. For emergencies, call 000. For health advice, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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