Luckily, there is a straightforward way for this money to return to your wallet sooner than anticipated.

The figures are impressive on a state-by-state level, with $81 million owed to people in NSW, $64 million for Victorians, $51 million for Queenslanders, $30 million in Western Australia, and $19 million in South Australia.

“You visit the doctor, present your card, and then might not ascertain what occurs next,” stated Services Australia community information officer Justin Bott.

Failing to follow-up is what could be costing patients refunds they’re entitled to.

“The average is about $265 or so … there are a few people that are over $10,000,” Bott said.

The oversight happens when you don’t make sure Medicare has your most up-to-date bank details, for instance when you’ve changed banks or closed an account.

Australians aged 18 to 25 are the biggest group missing out so it pays to check. 

“It’s definitely not something I would think about when I’m rushing around,” student Rosie Gallagher said.

All it takes is logging in to MyGov and heading to your Medicare account to check everything is correct.

Once you’ve changed your bank details, the update will register with Medicare automatically and if you’re owed money, the cash should show up in your account within three days.

“It might not be you, but maybe it’s your child, your grandchild that has that money owing, get them to check as well, because again, what a great present to find that money being paid to them,” Bott said.