Medicare Blood Test Guide: Free Tests, Rebates & Referrals
Most blood tests in Australia are completely free when ordered by your GP under Medicare. Here's exactly how Medicare covers pathology, what isn't covered, MBS item numbers, and how to maximise your bulk-billed testing.
How Medicare Covers Blood Tests
The process is straightforward: your GP writes a pathology request form with a clinical indication (the medical reason for the test). You take this form to any pathology collection centre. The pathology provider draws your blood, runs the tests, and bulk bills Medicare directly — you pay nothing.
The clinical indication is important. Medicare doesn't pay for tests ordered without a medical reason. But in practice, the threshold is low — fatigue, family history of diabetes, "routine health check for a 50-year-old male," or "pre-conception screening" are all valid reasons that cover a wide range of tests.
Pathology is almost always bulk billed. According to the Department of Health, approximately 99% of pathology services in Australia are bulk billed. Unlike GP consultations (where bulk billing rates vary), pathology providers bulk bill nearly everything because the MBS rebate covers their costs.
You can go to any pathology centre. Your GP referral is not locked to a specific provider. Laverty, Sullivan Nicolaides, QML, Australian Clinical Labs, Dorevitch, Western Diagnostic Pathology — all will accept any GP pathology request.
Common Blood Tests & MBS Item Numbers
Every pathology test has an MBS item number that determines the Medicare rebate. Your GP selects the items; you don't need to know these — but it helps to understand what's covered and why.
| Test | MBS Item | What It Covers | Clinical Indication | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Blood Count (FBC) | 65070 | Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin, haematocrit | Fatigue, infection, anaemia screening, pre-operative | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| Iron Studies | 66596 | Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation | Suspected iron deficiency, fatigue, heavy periods, vegetarian diet | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| Thyroid Function (TSH) | 66719 | TSH (initial screen); fT4/fT3 added if TSH abnormal | Fatigue, weight changes, mood changes, family history | No specific limit, but fT3/fT4 restricted if TSH normal |
| Lipid Panel (Cholesterol) | 66500 | Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides | Cardiovascular risk assessment, diabetes, family history | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| HbA1c (Diabetes) | 66551 | Glycated haemoglobin (3-month blood sugar average) | Diabetes diagnosis, diabetes monitoring, pre-diabetes | Typically 3–6 monthly for known diabetics |
| Liver Function Tests | 66512 | ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, total protein | Medication monitoring, alcohol use, abdominal pain, jaundice | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| Kidney Function (UEC) | 66512 | Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea, creatinine, eGFR | Hypertension, diabetes, medication monitoring, age >50 | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| Vitamin D | 66608 | 25-hydroxyvitamin D level | Suspected deficiency, osteoporosis risk, dark skin, malabsorption, limited sun exposure | Restricted — clinical indication required (not routine screening) |
| Vitamin B12 / Folate | 66602 | Serum B12 and/or folate levels | Macrocytic anaemia, vegetarian/vegan diet, neurological symptoms | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| Fasting Glucose | 66500 | Blood glucose after 10–12 hour fast | Diabetes screening, pre-diabetes monitoring | No specific limit — as clinically indicated |
| Testosterone | 66695 | Total testosterone (initial); free testosterone if indicated | Suspected hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, infertility | Restricted — clinical indication required |
| PSA (Prostate) | 66659 | Prostate-specific antigen | Prostate cancer screening (informed consent required), symptoms | Usually annual for men >50 (or >40 with family history) |
MBS item numbers are indicative. Pathology labs may use different or combined item numbers depending on the test combination ordered. All tests listed are bulk billed ($0 to patient) when ordered by a GP with a clinical indication.
Free Health Assessment Programs
Medicare funds several comprehensive health assessment programs that include blood testing as part of a broader health review. These are among the most thorough (and underused) free health services available in Australia.
| Program | MBS Item | Who Qualifies | Frequency | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45–49 Year Old Health Check | 701 | All Australians aged 45–49 at higher risk of chronic disease | Once only (one-off benefit) | Comprehensive health assessment including blood tests (FBC, lipids, glucose, HbA1c, kidney function), blood pressure, BMI, diabetes risk assessment (AUSDRISK), mental health screening, and lifestyle advice. |
| 75+ Health Assessment | 705 | All Australians aged 75 and over | Annually | Comprehensive annual health assessment including blood work (FBC, kidney, liver, thyroid, vitamin D, B12, glucose, lipids), falls risk assessment, cognitive screening, medication review, and immunisation check. |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check | 715 | All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (no age restriction) | Annually | Most comprehensive assessment: blood tests, STI screening, chronic disease risk factors, social and emotional wellbeing, hearing/vision screening. Available from birth with age-appropriate content. |
| Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan | 721 | Anyone with a chronic condition (diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, mental health conditions) | Ongoing (reviewed annually) | Regular blood test monitoring as part of your CDM plan. Includes 5 allied health visits per year (e.g., dietitian, physiotherapist, psychologist) and ongoing pathology relevant to your condition. |
| Heart Health Check | 699 | Australians aged 45–74 (or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) | Once every 12 months | Cardiovascular risk assessment including lipids, HbA1c or fasting glucose, kidney function (eGFR), blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, and absolute cardiovascular risk calculation. |
What Medicare Does NOT Cover
Self-requested tests (no GP referral)
Examples: Any test ordered through a private/DTC provider without a GP
Medicare only pays for pathology ordered by a registered medical practitioner with a clinical indication. Self-requested tests through providers like iMedical or Medichecks are entirely out-of-pocket.
Routine wellness screening (no symptoms)
Examples: Annual blood panel for a healthy person "just to check"
Your GP needs a clinical reason to order tests. However, in practice, most GPs will order a reasonable panel if you express concern about fatigue, family history, or general wellbeing. The threshold is not high.
Cosmetic or lifestyle-only tests
Examples: Hormone panels for bodybuilding, anti-ageing markers, food intolerance panels
Tests ordered purely for cosmetic, fitness, or lifestyle purposes without a medical indication are not Medicare-rebatable. Testosterone for gym purposes, growth hormone levels, and food intolerance tests (IgG panels) are common examples.
Vitamin D (without indication)
Examples: Routine vitamin D screening in a healthy young person
Since 2014, Medicare has restricted vitamin D testing. You need a documented clinical indication: osteoporosis, malabsorption, dark skin, limited sun exposure, chronic kidney disease, or medication that affects vitamin D metabolism. Routine screening is not covered.
Genetic testing (most)
Examples: MTHFR, BRCA (without strong family history), nutrigenomics
Most genetic tests are not covered by Medicare. Exceptions include BRCA1/2 testing with strong family history (referred by a specialist), pharmacogenomic testing in specific clinical scenarios, and some prenatal genetic tests.
Repeat tests too soon
Examples: Re-checking a normal thyroid 2 weeks later
While there are few formal frequency limits, pathology labs may reject or not bulk-bill repeat tests that are clinically inappropriate (e.g., normal TSH rechecked after 2 weeks). Your GP and the lab use clinical judgement.
Frequency Limits and Repeat Testing
Most blood tests have no formal frequency limit under Medicare — they can be ordered as often as clinically indicated. However, some tests have specific restrictions:
Vitamin D
Restricted since 2014. Requires a documented clinical indication (not routine screening). Once treated, a repeat test after 3 months is generally accepted. Routine annual screening of healthy people is not bulk billed.
Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG)
Generally only rebated once for initial diagnosis. Repeat thyroid antibody testing in known autoimmune thyroid disease is usually not bulk billed (antibody levels don’t change management).
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
No formal Medicare frequency limit, but clinical guidelines recommend against PSA screening without informed consent. Most GPs will discuss the benefits and limitations before ordering.
Testosterone
Initial testing is covered when clinically indicated. Repeat monitoring during testosterone replacement therapy is covered. Random screening without symptoms may not be accepted.
HbA1c
For diagnosed diabetics, testing every 3–6 months is standard and always covered. For diabetes screening, testing is covered when risk factors are present. Annual screening in low-risk individuals is not covered.
Tips for Getting Tests Bulk Billed
Choose a bulk-billing GP
The GP consultation itself costs $0 at a bulk-billing clinic. If the GP charges a gap fee ($20–60), you still get the pathology bulk billed — only the GP visit has a gap. In 2026, approximately 78% of GP consultations in Australia are bulk billed.
Use a bulk-billing pathology provider
Most major pathology providers (Laverty, Sullivan Nicolaides, QML, Australian Clinical Labs, Dorevitch) bulk bill the vast majority of tests when they receive a GP referral with a clinical indication. Check with your local centre if unsure.
Mention symptoms and concerns
Your GP needs a clinical indication to order tests under Medicare. If you say "I’m tired and want to check my iron," that’s a clinical indication. If you say "I just want everything tested for no reason," your GP may struggle to justify the tests to Medicare.
Ask about Health Assessment eligibility
If you are 45–49, 75+, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or have a chronic condition, you may qualify for a free comprehensive health assessment that includes extensive blood work. Ask your GP.
Use telehealth as a budget option
If your regular GP is not bulk billing, consider a telehealth consultation ($20–40) to generate a pathology request. The blood tests themselves will be bulk billed at any pathology centre. Services like InstantScripts and HotDoc telehealth offer quick consultations.
Combine tests on one referral
A single pathology request can include multiple tests. Ask your GP to add everything you need to one form — there is no benefit to splitting tests across multiple visits. Most GPs will order a comprehensive panel if you have a reasonable list of concerns.
Related Reading
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Information sourced from Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), Services Australia, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). MBS item numbers and policies are subject to change. SmarterBlood provides health information and AI-powered blood test analysis. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.