Australia’s healthcare system is becoming gradually digital, streamlined, and secure. One of the key elements driving this transformation is the IHI Number, also known as the Individual Healthcare Identifier. Whether you are an Australian resident, a temporary visitor, an international student, or someone working in healthcare, understanding the IHI Number is essential for safe and accurate healthcare delivery.
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What Is an IHI Number?
An IHI Number is a unique 16-digit identifier allocated to every individual who receives healthcare in Australia. It is used by healthcare providers and digital health systems to make sure that your medical information is matched to the correct person.
Unlike your Medicare number, which relates to healthcare payments and entitlements, the IHI Number is purely an identity reference. Its purpose is to ensure that your health information is linked correctly every time you visit a doctor, use telehealth, fill a prescription, get a test, or go to the hospital.
The IHI system is operated by Services Australia and plays a vital role in improving the accuracy, safety, and competence of healthcare across the country.
Why the IHI Number Is Important?
The IHI Number is essential for maintaining the integrity of medical data. Here’s why it matters:
1. Accurate Identification
It confirms that your records, test results, prescriptions, scans, immunisation history, and clinical notes, are connected to the right individual. This decreases errors and protects patient safety.
2. Smooth, Connected Healthcare
Your IHI is recognized across all states and territories, making your health information consistent no matter where in Australia you receive care.
3. Enables Digital Health Services
Modern healthcare relies heavily on digital systems. Your IHI links:
Electronic prescriptions
My Health Record
Pathology and imaging results
Hospital and specialist systems
Telehealth platforms
4. Better Communication Between Providers
Because your care providers can access accurate, up to date records, your healthcare becomes more coordinated and efficient.
5. Protects Against Medical Mix Ups
Correct identification is the first step in preventing mistakes due to shared names, incorrect records, or duplicate entries.
Who Automatically Has an IHI Number?
You already have an IHI if you:
Have a Medicare card, or
Hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card
In these cases, your IHI number is created for you automatically.
Who Needs to Apply for an IHI?
You will need to apply for an IHI Number if you are receiving healthcare in Australia but are not eligible for Medicare. This includes:
International students
Foreign visitors
Temporary visa holders
People without Medicare but receiving treatment in Australia
Private patients ineligible for Medicare or DVA Applying for an IHI ensures you can be correctly identified in all healthcare systems
How to Apply for an IHI Number?
If you don’t already have one, you can apply in two ways:
1. Apply Online Through MyGov (Fast and Easy)
To apply using MyGov:
Sign in to your MyGov account
Select “Link and View Services”
Choose “Individual Healthcare Identifiers (IHI)”
Click “Link”
Follow the steps to apply and verify your identity
Accepted ID Documents (Online):
Australian driver’s licence
Australian or foreign passport with a valid Australian visa
2. Apply Using a Paper Form
If you cannot apply online:
Download the “Request an Individual Healthcare Identifier” form
Provide certified copies of your identification Submit the form to Services Australia by mail
How to Find Your IHI Number?
If you already have an IHI but don’t know the number, there are three simple ways to find it:
1. Through MyGov
Log in to MyGov, select the Individual Healthcare Identifiers Service, and your IHI will appear under “My Details.”
2. Through Your Medicare Online Account
If your Medicare is linked to MyGov, you can find your IHI under your personal details.
3. Contact Services Australia
Call the Healthcare Identifiers Service at 1300 361 457.
How to Link the IHI Service to Your MyGov Account?
1. Log in to MyGovhttps://assistinfoau.com/disability-support-pension-2025/
2. Click “Link and View Services”
3. Choose Individual Healthcare Identifiers
4. Select “Link”
5. Enter your personal information
6. Confirm your identity
How Your IHI Number Works with My Health Record?
My Health Record is Australia’s national digital health platform, and your IHI Number is the key that connects your information to it.
The IHI ensures your My Health Record includes:
Electronic prescriptions
Pathology and imaging results
Immunization records
Hospital discharge summaries
GP and specialist documents
The IHI does not:
Store medical information
Replace your Medicare card
Give agencies access to clinical details
What Information Is Stored in Your IHI Profile?
Your IHI profile contains identity information only, including your:
Name
Date of birth
Gender
Medicare or DVA details
Address
Known aliases
Who Can Access Your IHI Number?
Only authorised healthcare professionals and organisations may access your IHI, and only for approved purposes such as treatment, healthcare management, public safety, or approved research.
How to Update or Correct Your IHI Information
You can update your personal information through:
MyGov IHI service
Services Australia
Medicare online account
This includes updates to your name, address, gender, Indigenous status, or veteran information.
How to Keep Your IHI Number Safe?
Your IHI is protected under the Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010. If you believe your IHI has been misused:
1. Contact the provider involved
2. Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
What is an IHI number?
An IHI number is a unique 16-digit Individual Healthcare Identifier used to ensure your health information is matched to the correct person in Australia’s healthcare system.
How is an IHI number different from a Medicare number?
A Medicare number relates to payments and entitlements, while an IHI number is solely for identity matching within digital health systems.
Who automatically receives an IHI number?
Anyone with a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card automatically has an IHI created for them.
Who needs to apply for an IHI number?
International students, visitors, temporary visa holders, and anyone receiving healthcare in Australia without Medicare eligibility must apply for one.
How can I apply for an IHI number?
You can apply online through MyGov or by submitting a paper form with certified ID documents to Services Australia.
What documents do I need to apply?
Accepted ID includes an Australian driver’s licence or an Australian/foreign passport with a valid visa when applying online.
How do I find my IHI number?
You can find it via MyGov, your Medicare online account, or by calling the Healthcare Identifiers Service at 1300 361 457.
How does my IHI work with My Health Record?
The IHI links your identity to all information in My Health Record, including prescriptions, test results, immunisation history, and hospital summaries.
Who can access my IHI number?
Only authorised healthcare providers and organisations can access it, and only for approved clinical or safety purposes.
How can I keep my IHI number secure?
Keep your details private and contact the provider or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you suspect misuse.