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Seeing a doctor
To find a doctor in your area, you can use the find a health service tool on the healthdirect website.
You can search for the kind of doctor you need and find out if they bulk bill.
It’s best to bring your Medicare card or number with you when you see your doctor.
Telehealth appointments
You may be able to make a video or phone appointment if you can’t go to the doctors office.
This includes appointments with the following types of health professionals:
- GP
- specialist
- allied health professional
- nurse practitioner
- obstetrician
- registered midwife.
They may choose to bulk bill your appointment. Contact their office to check if they’ll bulk bill before you make an appointment.
Going to hospital
You may need to go to a hospital emergency department if you’re badly hurt or sick. Hospital emergency departments are open 24 hours a day.
To find a hospital near you, you can use the find a health service tool on the healthdirect website.
It’s best to take your Medicare card or number with you when you go to hospital.
We cover your costs if you’re a public patient in a public hospital.
Ambulances
We don’t cover the cost of emergency transport or ambulance services to hospital.
Ambulance costs are different in each state and territory. This also applies if you’re on holiday. These links will take you away from our website.
| State or territory | Resources |
|---|---|
| ACT | Fees and charges for ACT Emergency Services Agency |
| NSW | NSW ambulance accounts and fees |
| NT | NT ambulance services |
| Qld | Queensland ambulance treatment and transport |
| SA | SA Ambulance Service fees |
| Tas | Tasmanian Department of Health ambulance costs |
| Vic | Health.vic ambulance fees |
| WA | Concessions category, health and disability, ambulance fees. |
Private health insurance can help you with ambulance costs.
Read more about ambulance cover on the PrivateHealth.gov.au website.