How to claim

Complete these steps to make a claim under the COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme.

Before you start a claim, check who can get it to see if you’re eligible to make a claim under the scheme. You may wish to talk to your doctor about whether you’re eligible.

Claim for someone else

If you’re acting on behalf of someone else for Medicare, you need to submit the claim using all of the following forms:

You need to send us your forms and proof by:

Step 1 - get ready to claim

Before you claim, make sure you have all of the following ready:

  • proof you were admitted to hospital
  • how you calculated the amount you’re claiming
  • proof to support the amount you’re claiming.

If you weren’t admitted to hospital, find out what documents you need.

You can also give us a brief outline of what happened from your perspective to help us assess your claim.

Step 2 - get your COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme medical report

Your doctor needs to complete a COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme medical report so you can submit it with your claim. Remember to take your documents when you see your doctor.

Step 3 - submit your claim

If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov you can submit your claim online.

To do this:

  1. Sign in to myGov.
  2. Select Make a claim, then Make a COVID-19 vaccine claim.
  3. Follow the prompts.

Sign in to myGov

You can also submit your claim using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.

If you can’t go online or aren’t eligible for Medicare, you can complete the COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme application.

You need to send us your forms and supporting documents by:

Step 4 - wait to hear from us

Once we receive your claim and all supporting evidence, we’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible. The assessment process can be complex and takes time. We often need additional information when we assess your claim.

We may consult the following independent third parties:

  • a medical expert
  • a legal expert.

If you’re claiming more than $20,000, we’ll consult both an independent medical expert and a legal expert.

You don’t need to contact us during this time. We’ll contact you if we need more information.

If you lodged a claim through your Medicare online account and you get myGov notifications, we’ll let you know when your claim status changes.

Step 5 - we let you know the outcome

If we approve your claim, we’ll send you a deed to accept. You’ll receive this as a letter in the mail. You’ll have 6 months to decide if you’re going to accept, decline or request a review of an offer of compensation.

Once you accept, we can pay you the amount we’ve agreed on.

If your claim isn’t approved, we’ll write to you to let you know. You can ask us for a review of the decision. Your letter will explain how to do this.

If you need help, call the Australian Immunisation Register.

Page last updated: 8 May 2023.
QC 55964