Medicare Healthy Kids Check — the 3-Year-Old Health Check
From 1 November 2026, 3-year-olds with Medicare can have a Healthy Kids Check with a GP — a one-off visit to look at your child’s health, growth and development, and to connect your family with advice or support if it’s needed.
Subject to legislation. The government says this starts on 1 November 2026, subject to the passage of legislation. Check with your practice that they are offering it.
Is this check for my child?
What the check covers
The conversation
Your child’s health history — past illnesses, hospital visits, medicines, allergies and immunisations
Behaviour and wellbeing, and how your child is going with the skills expected at this age
Family life — relationships, routines, care arrangements, and childcare or kinder
Everyday habits — food, activity, screen time, sleep and toileting
The check-up
Eyesight, hearing and teeth and gums
Height and weight, compared with standard growth charts
After the check
Advice for you to support your child’s health and development
Any referrals or next steps your GP thinks are needed — including Thriving Kids supports where relevant
A written report offered to you, with recommendations
Who, how often, and cost
Who: children aged 3 who are eligible for Medicare. It is done by a GP or other medical practitioner.
How often: once per child, ever. Other Medicare appointments are still available if your child is under 3, over 4, or needs more than one assessment at age 3.
Cost: Medicare pays a rebate for the visit. Whether there is a gap depends on the practice — some bulk bill, others don’t. Ask when you book.
Family Tax Benefit: the government says the check will be recognised as an acceptable health check for the Healthy Start for School requirements for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can still have the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health check as well, where it’s relevant.
Get ready for the visit
What to bring
Your child’s Medicare card details and personal health record (“blue book” or similar)
Immunisation history — your GP can also check the Australian Immunisation Register
Any medicines, allergies, or reports from other health professionals
Glasses or hearing aids if your child uses them
Questions to ask when you book
Do you offer the Medicare Healthy Kids Check?
Do you bulk bill it, or is there a gap fee?
How long is the appointment?
Common questions
It is a one-off Medicare-supported health check for 3-year-olds, done by a GP or other medical practitioner. It looks at your child’s health, growth and development, and your family’s circumstances, and can lead to advice or referrals if needed.
From 1 November 2026, subject to the passage of legislation. Ask your practice whether they are offering it yet.
Medicare provides a rebate for the visit. Whether you pay anything depends on the practice – some bulk bill, others charge a gap. Ask when you book.
The check can be done once per child per lifetime. If your child is under 3, over 4, or needs more than one assessment at age 3, standard Medicare appointments are still available.
The Government has said the check will be recognised as an acceptable health check for the Healthy Start for School requirements for Family Tax Benefit Part A. Services Australia says it will notify customers who are subject to those requirements.
This is general information about a Medicare service, not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health or development, talk to your GP or child health nurse. Your doctor knows your child’s circumstances — always follow their personalised advice. Information current as at 1 October 2026; the start date is subject to legislation.