Rural and remote health

5-minute read

Planning ahead

There are many lifestyle benefits to living in rural and remote Australia, but it can be challenging because some services are not as readily available as in the city. Being familiar with health services in your area and online support will help you prepare for when they are needed.

Living in a regional or remote area means you are probably more aware of planning for your future health needs, even if you are in good health now. You might consider reviewing your health insurance and ambulance cover so that you are confident they meet your current and future needs.

Health clinics and doctors

You might want to familiarise yourself with nearby doctors and health services, especially if you are new to the area. Getting a good family doctor is important.

In some remote regions, fly-in/fly-out health clinics are available, such as Royal Flying Doctor Service doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

It can help to make a contact list of emergency and health services and keep it handy for times of need.

Finding services and online support

Sometimes support over the phone and internet can be helpful. When searching on the internet for health services, it is important to use reputable sources, such as healthdirect’s service finder.

healthdirect also provides free 24-hour health advice for non-urgent assistance: call 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

eHealth and telehealth services also make it easier for people in rural and remote areas to contact health professionals.

eHealth uses technology to keep a secure online record of your health information. My Health Record helps improve communication with and between your doctor, health services, specialists and hospitals.

Telehealth involves remote consultations with health practitioners, often using video conferencing. Doctors and nurses can also use satellite and mobile phones, email and fax. Medicare rebates are available for telehealth consultations, which are also available for mental health consultations.

Attending hospital and health services in the city

Sometimes people in rural and remote locations need to travel to attend hospitals and to receive specialist services. This can be stressful but support is available.

You might be eligible for assistance through the Royal Flying Doctor Service's patient transfers. Angel Flight also provides some non-emergency flights.
Patient Assisted Travel Schemes offer support for people who meet eligibility requirements.
When traveling to city hospitals with a child, organisations such as Ronald McDonald House might help with accommodation.
In some regional and capital cities, the Country Women's Association provides affordable accommodation for country people.

To find the best options for you, ask your local health centre, hospital pre-admission staff or search online.

Mental health and wellbeing

There are often fewer in-person mental health services in rural and remote areas, but help is available through:

helplines and online chat services
online communities
apps and online programs

Online therapy (eTherapy) provides psychological support, information, therapy and other help online or on your mobile device. It can be great for some people, but does not suit others.

Farmer health

There are risks to working in rural areas, so you might want to familiarise yourself with safety information for farmers and for children living on rural properties.

Health and support services

There is a wealth of reputable and reliable information available online on specific areas of health and wellbeing, such as:

Other reliable websites have information on:

For services in your state

Emergency assistance

In a medical emergency, immediately dial triple zero (000).
The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides 24-hour emergency medical flights in many regions.
In some parts of rural and remote Australia, you might be closest to a nursing post.
Other contacts for emergency help and non-urgent assistance, can be found on the need help now page.