Your health records: Australia.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada.

Moraph for Good · Reach

Your health records: Australia

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/your-health-records

In many countries you have a right to see your own health records and get a copy. This sheet sets out the steps, with the rules for where you live in the box below.

Asking for your records

Check the patient portal first; some records may already be there.
Ask the provider how they take requests: a form, email, letter or in person.
Say what you want, for which dates, and how you want it: paper, electronic or to view.
Keep a copy of your request and note the date.

What to expect

You may be asked to prove who you are.
Ask about any cost before they start.
If they refuse any part, ask for the reason in writing.

Checking and correcting

Check medicines, allergies, conditions and contact details.
Ask in writing for a correction, with a copy of the page.
If they disagree, ask for your own statement to be added.

Keeping records safe

Store copies somewhere private and think before sharing them.
Use a strong, unique password for any online account with your records.
Sign out fully on a shared or public computer.

In Australia

Your right to access. Australian privacy law gives you a general right to request access to the health information a health service provider holds about you. State or territory laws cover information held by public hospitals.
How to ask and when. Contact the provider that holds your information. You may be asked to put the request in writing and include information that identifies you. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner generally considers 30 days a reasonable time to respond.
Cost and refusals. A provider may charge a fee for access, but it can’t be excessive or used to discourage you. If they refuse, they must tell you why in writing and how to complain.
My Health Record. My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information, run by the Australian Digital Health Agency. You access it through myGov, can see who has accessed it, can set access controls, and can ask a provider not to upload a document.
Complaints. If you are not happy with a provider’s response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, which also oversees the privacy side of My Health Record.

Official places to check:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/health-information/access-your-health-information
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/health-information/my-health-record
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/health-information/my-health-record/manage-your-my-health-record

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/your-health-records