Medical Forum
Doctor registration fees increase above Medicare indexation
Annual registration fees for doctors have increased by 4% - here’s what you’ll be paying.
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Medical Forum
Medical Board of Australia registration fees for GPs and specialists have increased from $1058 to $1102 in time for registration renewals at the end of September.
The 4.1% increase on last year’s registration fee sits above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and this year’s Medicare Indexation Rate of 2.6% – the increase applied to patient rebates for most general Medicare services from July 1, 2026.
Current CPI for health sits around 3.7% and has remained relatively unchanged in the last 12 months.
Application fees for general registration and specialist registration are now $1661. Payment of an application and registration fee is required when a practitioner applies to be registered with the Board.
A spokesperson for the Medical Board said registration fees fund the Board’s regulatory work.
“The increase reflects the risk and complexity of the medical profession, as well as the resources needed to address them.
“The Board works closely with Ahpra to keep fees as low as possible while continuing to meet regulatory obligations and the expectations of the public and practitioners.”
According to the Medical Board's website the fees fund the management of applications for registration, including complex applications from internationally qualified practitioners.
They also fund the development of professional standards, accreditation programs, and investigating concerns about registered health practitioners.
Last year a 30% rebate on annual renewal fees was introduced for practitioners who have recently taken an extended period of parental leave, or certain other forms of leave such as disability and carers leave.
At the time Ahpra said it was part of a range of measures to make fee arrangements fairer and more flexible.
The rebate is is still available for eligible practitioners.
Last year registration fees rose 3% from from $1027 to $1058 covering the period from October 2025 to the end of September 2026.
The National Scheme is self-funded with each Board responsible for meeting the full costs of regulating their profession.