Medical Emergency?

Call 000

For emergencies, call 000 for ambulance. Go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department. You do NOT need Medicare for emergency treatment.

Doctors near you

What is Bulk Billing?

Bulk Billed (Free)

The doctor bills Medicare directly. You pay nothing. Just show your Medicare card.

Cost: $0

Private Billing (Gap Fee)

The doctor charges more than the Medicare rebate. You pay the difference ("gap") out of pocket.

Cost: $30-$90+ gap fee

Mixed Billing

The clinic bulk bills some patients (concession card holders, children under 16) but charges a gap for others.

Cost: $0 or $30-$60

No Medicare

Without Medicare, you pay the full fee. A standard GP visit costs $60-$120. You may be able to claim on private health insurance.

Cost: $60-$120+
How to See a Bulk Billing Doctor
  1. Make sure you have a Medicare card. If you're eligible but haven't enrolled, visit a Medicare Service Centre with your passport and visa. Enrol in Medicare here.
  2. Find a bulk billing clinic. Use the search links above, or call the clinic and ask: "Do you bulk bill?" Many clinics bulk bill children under 16 and concession card holders even if they don't bulk bill adults.
  3. Book an appointment or walk in. Most medical centres accept walk-ins. Wait times are typically 15-60 minutes. You can also book online through HotDoc or HealthEngine.
  4. Bring your Medicare card (or number). The clinic will swipe your card at reception. If you only have your Medicare number (from the app or letter), that works too.
  5. See the doctor — pay nothing. The doctor will bulk bill Medicare directly. You walk out without paying. If a prescription is needed, you'll pay for medication at the pharmacy (PBS-subsidised, usually $7.70-$31.60).
Medicare Eligibility by Visa Type
Australian Citizen — Full Medicare
Permanent Resident — Full Medicare
820/309 Partner — Full Medicare
491/494 Regional — Full Medicare
485 Graduate — Full Medicare
NZ Citizen (444) — Full Medicare
Humanitarian (200-204) — Full Medicare
482 TSS — RHCA countries only
417/462 WHM — RHCA countries only
500 Student — Not eligible (need OSHC)
600 Visitor — Not eligible
Bridging Visa — Depends on application
RHCA countries (Reciprocal Health Care Agreement): UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden. If you're from one of these countries on a temp visa, you can enrol in Medicare for essential treatment. Check RHCA eligibility.
Useful Health Numbers
Emergency000
Health Direct (24/7 nurse advice)1800 022 222
Poisons Information13 11 26
Mental Health Crisis (Lifeline)13 11 14
Medicare enquiries132 011
Translating & Interpreting Service (free)131 450
Free interpreters: You can call the Translating & Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and they will connect a phone interpreter for free when you're at a doctor or hospital. You can also ask the clinic to book an interpreter before your appointment.

Check your Medicare eligibility

Our tool shows your exact Medicare status, card type, and how to enrol based on your visa.

Medicare Eligibility Check