What is an IHI number?

An IHI number is a unique 16-digit number used to share your information with healthcare providers in Australia. Basically, your IHI number helps health professionals match you to your health records, so your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.  

Your IHI number holds important information like your full name, date of birth, gender, aliases, and address. It doesn’t hold any medical information, but it does keep a record of who has accessed them. The only people who can access your IHI information are yourself, authorised medical staff, and healthcare providers. 

You don’t need an IHI number to access the healthcare system, but you’ll need an IHI number to receive eScripts (when prescriptions for medication is sent straight to your mobile or email). You can still get a prescription without an IHI number, but it will be a paper script that’s either faxed to your pharmacist, or physically given to you.

When do I need an IHI number?

There are situations where a doctor needs to verify your information, for example: 

  • when you need an online prescription (eScript); or
  • when you need a record of your vaccination history.  

For these situations, you’ll need to provide your doctor with your IHI number.  

As a Bupa international member, you get 24/7 access to Blua doctors with 100% of the costs covered.^ This includes general consults, medical certificates, and prescriptions. 

While you don’t need an IHI number to book a Blua appointment, you will need one if you want to have eScripts sent straight to your phone or email. This is important if you need urgent access to your medications. 

If you don’t have an IHI number, your scripts will need to be faxed to your nominated pharmacy.

Learn more about Blua

How do I get an IHI number?

You’re eligible for an IHI if you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a visitor to Australia. There are two ways you can request an IHI number – online or via a downloadable form.

You’ll need either your passport with a valid Australian visa or an Australian driver’s licence handy.

  1. Sign in to myGov. If you don’t have a myGov account, it’s a good idea to create one.
  2. Select ‘Linked services’ in the navigation menu.
  3. Select ‘Individual Healthcare Identifiers service’ from the list.
  4. Follow the prompts to apply.
You can download the ‘Request an Individual Healthcare Identifier form (MS003)’ from the Services Australia website, with various translated version available. You’ll need certified copies of your identity documents handy.  

Frequently asked questions

If you already have an IHI number, follow these steps to find it in myGov: 

  1. Sign into your myGov account. If you’re not already registered, you can create an account.
  2. Once you’re signed in, select ‘Linked services’ in the navigation menu.
  3. If you have already linked your Medicare account, ‘Individual Health Identifiers service’ will be available in your list of linked services. Select ‘Go to service’ and you’ll be redirected to your Medicare homepage. If it isn’t already linked, follow the prompts to ‘Link a service’.
  4. Select ‘My details – View and edit my details’ in the Medicare navigation menu. If you have an IHI number, it will be listed in your personal details.

All Australian citizens, permanent residents, and visitors to Australia are eligible for an IHI number. If you have a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card then you have an IHI number.  

If you don’t have one of these cards, you can request an IHI number through myGov, or by downloading and returning the ‘Request an Individual Healthcare Identifier form (MS003)’ from the Services Australia website. 
If you can’t complete your request online through myGov, you can download a ‘Request an Individual Healthcare Identifier form (MS003)’ from the Services Australia website. You’ll need certified copies of your identity documents handy.
^ Fund, policy and program rules apply. 100% of the cost will only be covered for Blua consults. Yearly limits apply to Essential Lite cover. Members will only be able to book general consultations via Blua. Consultations with specialists cannot be booked via Blua. Members who are under 18 years old may need to attend the consultation with a parent or guardian. Members’ preferred language may not be available 24/7.