01/11/2026
NEW: Medicare developmental checks for 3-year-olds are here
From 1 November 2026, eligible three-year-olds can access a new Medicare Healthy Kids Check, introduced as part of the Australian Government’s Thriving Kids initiative.
The aim is to help identify developmental concerns earlier and connect children and families with appropriate support.
What will the check look at?
A GP will assess a child's:
- Physical development, health and wellbeing
- Social and emotional development
- Behaviour, relationships and developmental milestones
- Whether further monitoring, referrals or additional support may be beneficial
The check is available to three-year-olds who are eligible for Medicare and have not already received this assessment.
Why is this important?
Children develop at different rates, and sometimes concerns about communication, behaviour, emotional regulation or everyday skills can become more noticeable around this age.
An early conversation with a GP can help families understand their child's development and explore the next steps if additional support is needed.
However, identifying a developmental concern is only the beginning.
Families also need access to appropriate assessments, allied health services and practical support without unnecessary delays. A referral is only helpful if the services a child needs are actually accessible.
The new Medicare check sits alongside the broader Thriving Kids rollout, which aims to provide more information, guidance and support for children with developmental delay and/or autism and their families.
If you have concerns about your child's development, consider speaking with your GP or Maternal and Child Health nurse.
Early identification matters. Early support matters just as much.
Read the official Australian Government information here:
For Victorian families, you can also read about the state's Thriving Kids supports here:
https://www.vic.gov.au/thriving-kids
This page provides information on the introduction of the Medicare Healthy Kids Check.
