GP (general practitioner)
Colds, fevers, skin, mental health, referrals and medical certificates: most things start with a GP, who refers you to a specialist if needed.
SEE A DOCTOR
Seeing a doctor
Where to go when you're unwell in Australia, how to find a clinic that bills the insurer, and who to call in an emergency.
Life-threatening? Call 000
Serious injury, chest pain, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness: call 000 for an ambulance. For health advice, healthdirect is on 1800 022 222, free, 24 hours.
Where to go
Telehealth
Minor issues, prescriptions and medical certificates: use your insurer's online doctors, Bupa's Blua or Allianz Care's Doctors on Demand, 24/7 and covered.
Pharmacy
Ask the pharmacist about minor ailments; take prescriptions to a pharmacy and keep the receipt.
Emergency department
Public hospital emergency departments handle emergencies, triaged by severity, so waits can be long. If it's not urgent, see a GP first.
Find a clinic that bills the insurer
At the insurer's partner clinics, the clinic settles with the insurer and you don't pay upfront.
Not sure where to go?
Tell us your city and roughly what's wrong and we'll help you find somewhere.