The public and private hospital systems
Choosing between a private and a public hospital can be confusing. Find out how your choices for treatment and care can differ.
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Hospital emergency departments
Emergency departments provide you with urgent medical care. For less urgent concerns, your doctor, pharmacist or healthdirect can help.
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What to expect in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU)
The intensive care unit (ICU) provides 24-hour care from a highly-trained team of specialists. Learn more about what to expect from the ICU.
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Hospital discharge planning
Hospital discharge planning aims to make sure that once you leave hospital you continue to get the right healthcare from the right people. Read more.
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Private health insurance
Private health insurance can cover ambulance transport, hospital stays and extras, such as optical and dental. Find out here what is available.
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Coma
In a coma, a person is alive but totally unresponsive to the world around them. Someone in a coma will need intensive care in hospital. Find out more here.
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Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction can cause serious health problems. If you have a bowel obstruction, you will usually need immediate treatment in hospital.
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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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Your baby and the first few weeks
The first few weeks at home with your newborn can be an exciting but daunting time, particularly if you are new parents. Find out what care and support are available to you after you leave hospital.
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Private health insurance – what’s changing on April 1?
Australians with private health insurance will see their premiums rise on April 1, as well as some big reforms to the health insurance system. Here's what you need to know.
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What is a referral?
A referral is a written request from your doctor or health professional to get expert help with diagnosis or treatment of your health problem.
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Maternity care in Australia
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, find out what care, support and services may be available to you in Australia.
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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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Australia’s healthcare system
The Australian healthcare system can sometimes seem confusing. Learn more about the types of services available, and how you can access them.
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What do paediatricians do?
Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers; including illnesses and physical, mental and behavioural development.
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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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The role of a geriatrician
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who cares for people aged 65 and over. Most are experts at helping people who have multiple conditions.
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The role of an oncologist
Oncologists identify, diagnose and treat people with cancer or suspected cancer. 3 main types include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists.
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The role of a neurologist
A neurologist is a specialist physician who treats diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle.
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Northern Territory rural and remote health services
Much of the NT is very remote, so health services and support are not always available. Learn how to plan ahead and prepare for when you need help.
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The role of a ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are eye doctors or surgeons who specialise in assessment diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Learn what an ophthalmologist does.
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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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The role of a urologist
Urologists are surgeons who specialise in treating problems of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and adrenal glands in men, women and children.
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The role of a haematologist
A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats conditions that affect the blood, such as leukaemia or haemophilia, or the organs that make blood.
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The role of a neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons (brain surgeons) specialise in the surgical treatment and management of conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system.
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Western Australia rural and remote health services
Western Australia's rural and remote health services help you access health care, if you live outside the metro area. Learn where to find them here.
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Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. It is a safe procedure and is performed under general anaesthetic.
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Managing COVID-19 at home
People with a mild case of COVID-19 can treat their symptoms in a similar way to how they treat a seasonal flu. Here's how to relieve symptoms at home.
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Australian mental health services
It can be difficult to understand how the complex mental health system in Australia operates. Learn how you can access the care you need.
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Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare illness causing fever and inflammation of blood vessels, mostly in children. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment.
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