What care do I need?
There are many types of healthcare services and information available in Australia. Learn here how to find the right service at the right time.
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After-hours health services
Medical needs after hours don’t always require a visit to the emergency department. After hours GPs, pharmacists, dentists or counsellors can help.
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Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
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About ambulances in Australia
An ambulance provides emergency transport for sick or injured people. Learn more about when to call an ambulance, and what it will cost.
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How do I pay for healthcare?
The Australian Government helps to keep down the cost of healthcare for most people who live here. This article covers the most common questions about how to pay for your healthcare.
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How to get the most out of your doctor's appointment
To get the most out of your medical appointments, and to avoid 'bill shock', use these handy tips. Because you're the boss when it comes to your health.
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healthdirect Symptom Checker
Not feeling well? Use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms and get advice on when to seek medical attention.
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My Aged Care – the first step to accessing aged care services
My Aged Care can help you find the information you need about aged care, including the different types of aged care services that are available in your area.
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healthdirect app
Make informed decisions about your health with healthdirect's free app. Check your symptoms, find a health service near you and get trusted health information.
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GP Urgent Care clinics in WA
Not all urgencies are emergencies. If you are in Western Australia and your injury or illness is urgent (required on the day) but non-life threatening, you can visit a GP urgent care clinic. Find clinics here.
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Rural health services
There are many lifestyle benefits to living in rural and remote Australia, but it can be challenging as some services aren’t as readily available as in the city. Being familiar with health services in your area and other online support will help you prepare for when they are needed.
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Mental health services — infographic
There are several organisations that provide much of the support and education for people with mental illness and their families and carers throughout Australia.
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Quick read: Support for people with COVID
There are many support services which can deliver medicines and groceries to your home. You can also access mental health support. Find out what's available to you.
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Anxiety and worry - online program
Anxiety and Worry Online program from Mental Health Online is designed to help adults over 18 to understand the nature of anxiety and worry and to learn the skills and strategies that help manage anxiety and improve overall mental health and wellbeing.
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Healthy holiday tips — infographic
It’s important to think about your health as you prepare for a trip. Save and print this infographic for useful advice and what to consider.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
There are some medicines you don't need a prescription for. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
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Beyond Now - suicide safety planning app
Lifeline's free Beyond Now app helps you prepare a safety plan to help get you through the tough times. It's at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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Allied health
Allied health practitioners are trained professionals who are not doctors, dentists or nurses. Learn more about what these professionals do here.
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New South Wales rural and remote health services
Health services in rural and remote NSW might be harder to access than in urban areas, but an online search can show services in your area.
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Opioid medicines and pain
Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.
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The role of a nurse
Nurses work with people to help prevent disease, maintain health and treat any existing health problems. Find out more about what nurses do here.
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Melancholia (melancholic depression)
Melancholia is a type of depression, sometimes referred to as melancholic depression. Read more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.
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How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets provide information about the medicine you are taking. Find out where to get a CMI and how to use them.
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Angelman syndrome
A rare syndrome causing physical and intellectual disability. It can’t be cured, but some therapies can improve the quality of life of those affected.
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Apert syndrome
Apert syndrome is a rare condition that causes an abnormally shaped skull and fused fingers and toes. Other body parts and organs are also affected. Surgery and other treatments can, however, help development.
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Generic vs. brand-name medicines
Every medicine has a brand name and a generic name. Learn about the differences and what to consider when deciding which is best for you.
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Scheduling of medicines and poisons
The scheduling of medicines is a national classification system that controls how medicines and poisons are made availiable to the public.
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Rehabilitation after illness or injury
Rehabilitation after illness or injury aims to help you recover. Learn more about how the specialised health professionals involved can help you.
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Mental health where to get help
Learn how to navigate the Australian mental health system and its helpful services – and find out about any potential costs.
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Farmer health is about growing awareness
Farmers’ health challenges include accessing services, respiratory disease and avoiding injury from farm machinery. Learn more this National Farm Safety Week.
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