Health Care Cards and Type1 Diabetes

Written By Ange Mccaughley

Health care cards are available in Australia for those living with Type 1 Diabetes, but there are limitations based on age and income.

What is a Health Care Card?

A Health Care Card helps reduce the cost of things like:

  • Type1 diabetes-related supplies (test strips, insulin pump consumables, cgm)

  • Some medicines on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) including insulin

  • Medical appointments

  • Public transport (in some states)

There are a few different types of Health Care Cards, but the main one for people with type 1 diabetes is the Carer Allowance Child Health Care Card, the Ex-Carer Allowance Child Health Care Card, and the Low Income Health Care Card.

Under 16

When you're under age 16 and have type 1 diabetes, you usually qualify for the Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card through your parent or guardian. This automatically gives you a Health Care Card as part of that.

16-18

At 16, the Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card stops.

At this point, you would have to apply for your own Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card as a young person with Type 1 diabetes.

Here’s how:

  1. Create a MyGov account (if you don’t already have one).

  2. Link it to Centrelink.

  3. Log in and apply for the Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card.

  4. You’ll need to provide:

    • Proof of your Type 1 Diabetes (e.g. from your doctor or endocrinologist)

    • Your Medicare details

    • Identification documents

This card usually lasts until you turn 19, as long as you still meet the criteria.

19+

When you turn 18, nothing automatically changes with your Ex-Carer Allowance Health Care Card – it usually still stays valid until you’re 19. However, this is a good time to think ahead. If you're studying, working part-time, or receiving any government payments, you might qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card or another support payment like Youth Allowance, which comes with its own Health Care Card too.

  • Check when your current card expires.

  • Look into other cards or payments you may be eligible for based on your income or study situation.

Speak to your Diabetes Educator or GP for more help with allowances.

Ange Mccaughley
Next

Getting Your Drivers Licence with T1D