How to get an IHI number through myGov as an overseas visitor

Visiting or living in Australia without a Medicare card? Here's how to get your Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) in about 10 minutes, online and for free.

What is an IHI, and why do you need one?

An IHI is a unique 16-digit number that identifies you in the Australian healthcare system. If you have a Medicare or DVA card, you already have one. Most overseas visitors, international students and temporary visa holders don't, so you need to request one.

You don't need an IHI to see a doctor in Australia. But without one you may find that:

• You can't receive an eScript. Prescriptions sent straight to your phone or email need an IHI. Without one, your doctor has to give you a paper script or fax it to your pharmacy, which can slow things down.
• You can't easily get proof of vaccination or an immunisation history statement through myGov.
• You can't set up a My Health Record if you're not eligible for Medicare.

The IHI is free, and getting one before you're sick makes life much easier when you need care.

Watch: step-by-step video

Prefer to follow along on screen? Watch our walkthrough here:

Watch the video: how to get your IHI through myGov

What you'll need

• A passport with a valid Australian visa, or an Australian driver licence. Services Australia uses these to verify your identity.
• A myGov account (you'll create one below if you don't have one yet).
• An email address and a mobile phone number to set up and secure your account.
• To be physically in Australia when you apply. Services Australia needs to verify your identity, so you can't complete this from overseas.

Step 1: Create a myGov account

1. Go to my.gov.au and select Create account.
2. Enter your email address and mobile number, and follow the prompts to verify them.
3. Set up your sign-in method and security questions.

Already have a myGov account? Skip straight to Step 2.

Step 2: Link the IHI service

1. Sign in to myGov.
2. Select Services (or Link your first service if this is a new account).
3. Choose Individual Healthcare Identifiers (IHI) from the list.
4. Follow the prompts and enter your passport and visa details (or driver licence details) when asked.

Once your identity is verified, your IHI is issued and linked to your myGov account.

Step 3: Find your IHI number

After linking, you can see your IHI any time:

1. Sign in to myGov.
2. Select Linked services.
3. Open Individual Healthcare Identifiers.

Save the 16-digit number somewhere handy. Your doctor or pharmacist may ask for it when issuing an eScript, recording vaccinations or updating your health record.

What if you can't complete it online?

If you don't have an accepted ID document or the online process doesn't work for you, you can apply on paper using the Request an Individual Healthcare Identifier form (MS003) from the Services Australia website. Translated versions are available. You'll need to provide certified copies of your identity documents, and it takes longer than applying online.

Troubleshooting tips

• Passport details won't verify? Check that your visa is current and that you've typed the passport number and visa details exactly as shown on your documents.
• Can't find the IHI service in myGov? Select Services and look for it in the list of services you can add. If you've already linked Medicare, it may appear under Linked services.
• Still stuck? Contact Services Australia directly, or use the paper form above.

Need to see a doctor while you're in Australia?

Docto offers telehealth consultations with Australian-registered doctors, so you can get care wherever you are. Having your IHI ready helps your doctor issue eScripts and keep your records accurate.

Book a consultation with Docto

This post is general information only and isn't medical or legal advice. Requirements can change, so always check the Services Australia website for the latest details.

Sources

• Services Australia: How to get an IHI
• Australian Digital Health Agency: Get My Health Record if you're not eligible for Medicare
• myGov: How to get proof of vaccinations