Australia · identifier format check
Australian Medicare card number checker.
Enter the 10 digits from a Medicare card to test the first digit, check digit and issue number. This is a format test that runs only in your browser.
Check a card number
Result
Enter the 10 digits and press Check number.
How a Medicare card number is structured
An Australian Medicare card number has 10 digits. The first digit is 2 to 6. Digits 1 to 8 are multiplied by 1, 3, 7, 9, 1, 3, 7 and 9, the products are added, and the sum modulo 10 must equal the 9th digit. The 10th digit is the issue number, which counts replacement cards for the same person.
Worked example, 2123 45670 1: 2×1 + 1×3 + 2×7 + 3×9 + 4×1 + 5×3 + 6×7 + 7×9 = 170, and 170 mod 10 = 0, which matches the 9th digit.
Source: the Australian Government Department of Health and Services Australia describe the Medicare number as 10 digits with a check digit and issue number; the weighting scheme above is the one used by healthcare software. Checked October 4, 2026. The number printed beside each family member is an individual reference number, not part of this calculation.
Frequently asked questions
What do the numbers on a Medicare card mean?
The first 9 digits identify the card, the 10th is the issue number, and the number beside each name is the individual reference number for that family member.
Does a passing number mean the card is valid?
No. It shows only that the digits are consistent. Services Australia holds the register of real cards.
Is the number sent anywhere?
No. The check runs in your browser and the page loads no advertising or analytics scripts.
A format check, not verification
This tool cannot confirm a card exists, is current or belongs to a person. Healthcare providers verify cards through Services Australia.