NSW Health and government health services
Your health matters every day. If you are worried about your health, need advice, or are putting off care because of cost, time or travel, there may be support available.
NSW Health and government health services can help you:
- get free health advice
- understand lower-cost options
- access medicines and treatment more quickly and affordably
- find care closer to home
- get help early before things get worse
- access mental health support
- check symptoms or find services online
Start with free health advice
Health costs can add up. Find free, lower-cost and more convenient ways to get health advice, medicines, care and support.
Free, instant health advice and access to care with healthdirect
If you are unwell, injured or not sure what care you need, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also use healthdirect online to check symptoms and find health services. [link www.healthdirect.gov.au]
Worried about your health? Select a symptom, answer a few questions and get free, government-approved health information and advice.
Use the Healthdirect service finder to locate a GP, pharmacist or other health service near you. Then use the ‘filter’ button and select ‘bulk billing only (no fees)’ to sort the results.
Find care closer to home
Getting care closer to home may help reduce travel, parking, time off work and other hidden costs. Depending on your needs, there may be options that help you get advice or care without going to an emergency department.
Urgent care
For urgent but not life-threatening illnesses or injuries, you may be able to access urgent care. Some services offer extended hours, no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients, or booking options.
If you are not sure where to go, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for health advice and to be connected to a service or clinic near you.
You can also visit your nearest Medicare Urgent Care clinic in Australia for bulk billed urgent care.
Pharmacy care
For some common conditions, eligible pharmacists may be able to provide treatment or advice that would typically require a doctor’s appointment.
These services may include urinary tract infection treatment, oral contraceptive pill resupply, and skin disorder treatment. Ask your pharmacist what services are available and what costs may apply.
To find a pharmacist who can assist you, visit the healthdirect Service Finder.
Care by phone or video
Some services can connect you to care by phone or video. This may help you get care from home, reduce travel and save time.
Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme
If you need to travel a long way for specialist medical treatment, IPTAAS may help with travel and accommodation costs.
ADHD care
Patients may be able to receive their ADHD treatment and care from a GP, instead of waiting to see a specialist. Use the healthdirect services directory to search for practices who offer ADHD medication continuation near you.
Save money on medicines
Medicines can be a major household cost. These options may help you reduce what you pay for prescription medicines.
Ask about generic medicines
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and are often more affordable. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic option is right for you.
Ask about combination medicines
Some medicines can be combined into one tablet or product. This may reduce the number of co-payments you make. Ask your GP or specialist if this is suitable for you.
Ask about 60-day prescriptions
Some people can get 60 days’ supply of eligible medicines for the cost of one prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicine is eligible.
Be careful buying medicines online
Some online pharmacies and medicine ads may not be safe. Use trusted pharmacies and be cautious of scams, fake pharmacy ads or medicines that seem much cheaper than usual.
Lower your out of pocket health costs
There are government schemes and services that may help lower the cost of health care, medicines, travel and support. These can be especially helpful if you have ongoing health needs, care for someone else, or need to travel for treatment.
Health care costs for families
Families may be eligible for health care concessions and support, including child dental benefits and other assistance.
Medical costs for chronic illness
If you have a chronic illness, there may be support to help with medication, medical equipment and other costs.
Use this Australian Government tool to find and understand typical costs for some specialist medical services.
Medicare helps with the cost of many health services for Australians and some visitors. Learn what Medicare covers and how to access it.
Medicare Safety Nets may help lower your out-of-pocket costs for some non-hospital health services. If you are part of a family or couple, you may be able to register together.
The PBS Safety Net can help reduce the cost of PBS medicines once you or your family reach the yearly threshold.
You can check Medicare and Safety Net information through a myGov account linked to Medicare.
Concession and health care cards
Concession and health care cards can help lower the cost of some health services and medicines.
Get support to stay well
Looking after your health early can help prevent bigger health issues later. These services may help you or your family stay well, manage health needs and access support.
All children under 18 who are NSW residents are eligible for public dental services in NSW. Some adults may also be eligible depending on their circumstances.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Eligible children may be able to access basic dental services through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
An annual flu vaccine gives you the best protection against influenza. Some people are eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
Find the latest advice on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, including what to do if you do not have a Medicare card.
The Get Healthy Service is a free NSW Health coaching service for people aged 16 and over. It can help you eat well, get active, cut down on alcohol and work towards health goals. Aboriginal health coaching and interpreter services are available.
Get Healthy in Pregnancy offers free support from qualified health coaches during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Vaccines are a free and safe way to protect your child from serious diseases, such as whooping cough, measles and more.
Go4Fun Online helps families with primary school-aged children build healthier habits through free online learning, coaching, tools and support.
Get the most out of your doctor's appointment
Find a list of key questions you may want to ask your doctor.
Review your private health insurance
Private health insurance can help with some health costs, but it can also be expensive. If money is tight, it may be worth checking whether your policy still suits your needs and budget.
You may be able to:
- compare policies
- change your level of cover
- increase your excess to lower premiums
- review whether extras cover is worth the cost
- ask your insurer about hardship options
- check what Medicare covers before paying for private services
Before changing or cancelling your policy, check how it may affect your cover, waiting periods and tax.
If money is tight, Choice can help you decide if paying for private health insurance is the best idea for you.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman’s website explains how private health insurance works and lets you compare policies.
Find out whether the Medicare levy surcharge applies to you and how private hospital cover may affect what you pay at tax time.
Mental health support
Financial stress can affect your mental health. If you are struggling, support is available.
If you need mental health support, you can access free help, including crisis lines, counselling services and trained health professionals who can help you work out what support you need. If someone’s life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Mental health services and support contact list
Find NSW mental health support services, including crisis lines, counselling and services that can help any time of the day or night.
Whether you are looking for mental health support for yourself, someone you care about, or just trying to improve your wellbeing - Medicare Mental Health is a good place to start.
Safe Haven – Suicide Prevention
If you are experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, Safe Haven is a place you can go for calm and culturally sensitive support. It is free and you don’t need an appointment. Find the Safe Haven that is nearest to you.
Crisis support
A crisis can be sudden and life changing, but you do not need to go through it alone. There are support services available if you need help when times get tough.
Learn more about where to get help at Crisis support page.