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Getting Medical Help in Australia

Your time in Australia should be full of fun and adventure. But illness and injury can always happen, and it’s important to know what to do and where to go if you need help.

Accessing medical help in Australia may be different from your home country.

In Australia, you can:

The choice you make will depen on the severity of your condition. Read on to discover where to go when you need medical help in Australia.

When to go to hospital

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, go to your nearest public hospital emergency department or call an ambulance on 000 immediately for help.
Call 000 emergency number

Medical emergencies are conditions that are life-threatening or have the potential to be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. For example, you may need emergency medical help if you experience: 

  • Acute asthma attack
  • Allergic reactions
  • Chest pain, pressure and/or palpitations
  • Choking and aspiration
  • Coughing or vomiting blood
  • Diabetic emergencies
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Fainting
  • Hyperventilation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Major injuries, such as broken bones or lacerations
  • Poisoning
  • Sudden severe pain
  • Uncontrolled bleeding

All public hospitals in Australia have a 24-hour emergency department where you can see a doctor or healthcare professional at any time, including weekends and public holidays.

Emergency departments see patients based on a triage system, where those with the most serious conditions are seen first. This means you may need to be prepared to wait for some time.

If you have a valid OSHC or OVHC policy with us and you have been admitted to hospital, contact us immediately so we can help you with your payment to the hospital (waiting periods and exclusions may apply).

When to go to urgent care

Sometimes, you might need urgent medical help, even if your condition is not life-threatening. In these cases, it’s best to attend an Urgent Care clinic. 

For example, you might want to attend sn urgent care clinic to treat:

  • Minor infections
  • Minor fractures, sprains or sports injuries
  • Neck and back pain
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Minor cuts, burns, bites or rashes
  • Respiratory illness
  • Gastroenteritis

Allianz Care Australia OSHC and OVHC members have access to these clinics, you can find your closest clinic on our  Urgent Care page.

When to see a doctor

If you’re unwell or injured but don’t feel you need urgent or emergency care, the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see a doctor, also known as a general practitioner or GP.

GPs in Australia can help with:

  • Advice on treating simple conditions, like cold and flu
  • Simple diagnostic testing and prescribing general medicine
  • Sexual health advice
  • Mental health advice
  • Assessment and treatment of injuries
  • First aid services
  • Women’s and men’s health

Your general practitioner can also refer you on to specialists, such as gastroenterologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, if required.

If your doctor prescribes you medication, you’ll need to bring the prescription and some form of identification with you to a pharmacist to purchase your medication. 

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Find a direct billing doctor

Our network of direct-billing medical providers includes local doctors (GPs), pathology, radiology, mental health practitioners and other medical services who submit your claims for the MBS benefit amount to us directly. We organise payment to be made directly to them which means you do not have to fill out paperwork to have your claim processed. A gap fee may be charged by the provider at the time of consultation.

Note: OVHC Budget Working and Budget Visitor Cover do not include coverage for GPs

Find a Doctor
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Video and phone doctor service

We offer OSHC and OVHC members a service that allows you to speak to a qualified doctor 24/7 via phone or video call.

Note: OVHC Budget Working and Budget Visitor Cover do not include coverage for Video and phone doctors

Find out more

Mental health help

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling or feel like you need some help, support is available.

Your general practitioner is a great place to start. They may put you on a mental health plan and refer you on to specialist services, like psychologists or psychiatrists. If appropriate, they may also prescribe some medication.

Our network of medical professionals also includes mental health providers, and depending on your policy, you may be covered for these services too. If you have a referral, simply use the Find a Doctor tool to find an approved provider near you. 

Mental health emergencies

If you need immediate mental health support, Australia has many telephone and online helplines where you can speak to someone at any time of the day or night.

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Headspace - 1800 650 890