Rural and remote health
Key facts
- Living in rural and remote areas can make it harder to access to health services.
- Be familiar with health services in your area so you can get help when you need it.
- Virtual care lets you talk to your doctors and other health practitioners over video and phone calls.
- If you need to travel for your medical appointments, you may be eligible for travel and accommodation support.
- Check local state and territory websites to find services near you.
Rural and remote Australia
The term 'rural and remote' covers all areas outside Australia's major cities. Nearly 1 in every 3 people in Australia live in rural and remote areas.
Living in rural and remote areas can sometimes mean that health services may be harder to access. Knowing which health services are available in your area will help you prepare for when you need them.
You may want to consider private health insurance.
What types of health services are available?
Use the healthdirect Service Finder to find your nearest health services. It includes:
- GPs
- hospitals
- dentists
- opticians
- pharmacies
- psychologists
You can often find out about health services at your community centre or by talking to local people.
In some remote regions, fly-in health clinics are available. This includes the Royal Flying Doctor Service, specialists and other health practitioners.
Mental health and wellbeing
If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
There are often fewer 'in-person' mental health services in rural and remote areas. You can get help through:
- helplines and online chat services
- online communities
- apps and online programs
Online therapy (eTherapy) offers psychological support and counselling through your computer or phone.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service also offers a range of mental health services.
Learn more about rural and remote mental health.
Dental care
If you live in a rural or remote area, it can be harder to see a dental practitioner.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has set up dental care in some remote and rural areas. These can be:
- fly-in fly-out services
- mobile units
- outreach programs
Learn more about dental health.
Emergency assistance
In a medical emergency, immediately call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
In Australia, the air ambulance services are managed by the state and territory ambulance services. They also partner with groups like CareFlight and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. States and territories may also have their own air ambulances.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has 24-hour emergency medical flights in many regions.
CareFlight operates a 24-hour emergency flight service.
In some parts of rural and remote Australia, you might be close to a nursing post.
Find other emergency contacts on the need help now page.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Online and telephone services and support
You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse. This is a free 24-hour health advice service for non-urgent help.
Virtual care or telehealth
Some health services offer virtual health or telehealth. Telehealth lets you talk to your health care practitioners by phone or video call.
Depending on your doctor, telehealth may cost a fee or be bulk-billed via Medicare.
My Health Record
My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information. You and your healthcare practitioners can add details to your record.
This record improves communication between the people looking after you.
You can do this online learning module to help you understand your My Health Record.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' health
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health services are available in all states and territories.
Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.
Read about support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander carers.
Learn more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' health.
Farming communities
Working in rural areas, like on farms, can be risky. The National Centre for Farmer Health website has information on health and wellbeing.
You can also read more on children living on rural properties.
Staying healthy
It's important to take care of both your mental and physical health. Learn more about how to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Travelling to health services
Making a plan can help if you need to travel to your healthcare appointment. Try reaching out to one or more of these services below.
Patient Assisted Travel Schemes can help with costs of travel and accommodation.
Travel
In Australia the air ambulance services are managed by the state and territory ambulance services. They also partner with groups like CareFlight and RFDS. States and territories may also have their own air ambulances.
You might be eligible for help through the Royal Flying Doctor Service's patient transfers.
CareFlight also offers a patient transfer service.
Angel Flight can help with some non-emergency flights.
Accommodation
When traveling to city hospitals with a child, Ronald McDonald House might help with accommodation.
In some regional and capital cities, the Country Women's Association has affordable accommodation.
To find the best option for you, ask your local health centre or check with the hospital pre-admission staff.
Resources and support
To find out more about rural and remote health services in your state or territory, visit the following pages:
Read about aged care support in rural and remote areas.
Learn about family and child health services for rural families.
The NDIS has information about disability services.
Information for carers is available through Carer Gateway and CareHelp.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: June 2025
