Health & Healthcare
Understanding Medicare, finding a doctor, and getting care when you need it.
What do I do now?
You need to see a doctor — here's what to do
- 1
Check your Medicare enrolment (or enrol at a Services Australia service centre with your visa and ID).
- 2
Search for a GP clinic near you, and ask one simple question when you call: "Do you bulk bill?"
- 3
Book an appointment, and ask the clinic to book a free interpreter through TIS National if that helps.
- 4
Bring your Medicare card and photo ID. Arrive 10 minutes early for your first visit.
Understand it first
1What a GP is
A GP (general practitioner) is a family doctor — the first person you see for almost any health problem: illness, injuries, repeat prescriptions, check-ups, or mental health. They also write referrals to specialists.
You can register with one clinic as a regular patient, so the same doctors get to know you and your history over time.
What this means: A GP is the front door to the Australian health system. Most problems start and end there.
2When to see a GP
See a GP when you feel unwell, have a health worry that keeps coming back, need a prescription, are pregnant, or want a general check-up.
Do not wait until it becomes an emergency — GPs exist for the everyday stuff, and it is normal to book just to ask a question.
3What happens at a GP appointment
A standard appointment is around 15 minutes — book a longer one for your first visit or complicated issues. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you if needed, and explain the plan.
Anything you say is confidential. If you prefer, you can ask for a female or male doctor, or a free interpreter (the clinic books this through TIS National at no cost).
What this means: Doctors in Australia expect questions. Ask them to explain words you do not understand — that is completely normal here.
4Medicare basics
Medicare is the government health scheme. Most permanent residents and many visa holders can enrol. It pays for all or part of your GP visits and part of many specialist visits and tests.
Enrol at a Services Australia service centre with your visa and identification. Your Medicare card arrives in the mail, but you can use a digital copy immediately once enrolled.
5Bulk billing explained
Some clinics "bulk bill" — they charge Medicare directly, so your appointment costs you nothing. Other clinics charge a fee, and Medicare pays back most of it, leaving a "gap" you pay.
What this means: When you call to book, just ask: "Do you bulk bill?" One question, and you know what it will cost before you walk in.
6Specialist referrals
To see a specialist (a doctor focused on one area — skin, heart, eyes, etc.), you normally need a GP to write a referral letter. With a referral, Medicare covers part of the specialist fee.
7Pharmacy basics
A pharmacy (also called a chemist) dispenses medicine and can advise on minor problems like coughs, colds, rashes or pain. Many medicines are over-the-counter; stronger ones need a GP prescription.
Pharmacists are a free, quick source of health advice — walk in and ask.
8Emergency department vs GP vs urgent care
Call 000 for emergencies: chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, or someone unconscious.
A hospital emergency department (ED) treats serious injuries and illnesses — expect to wait, because the most urgent cases go first. For everyday illness when your GP is closed, healthdirect (1800 022 222) nurses can advise you free, any hour.
What this means: Not sure how urgent it is? Call healthdirect first — a nurse will tell you whether to see a GP, go to hospital, or wait.
Quick start checklist
0/5 doneWalaal tools that can help
Common questions
Walaal gives general information only — it is not medical advice. For personal health questions see a doctor, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, call 000.