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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Buying medicines online

There can be advantages to buying medicines online, but there are some risks too. Find out more about buying medicines online safely.

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Managing stress through the festive season

Christmas can lead to stress, family conflict and financial woes for many people. Check out these tips for keeping your cool during the festive season.

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Defibrillators

A defibrillator can save someone's life if they have a cardiac arrest. Learn more about defibrillators and how to find and use one.

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Laxatives

Laxatives are medicines that help if you have constipation, which is when you have trouble passing stools (poo). Learn about types of laxatives.

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TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

TENS provides pain relief without medicine by delivering a small electrical current through electrodes on the skin. Learn more about TENS therapy.

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Bulk billing for medical services

Bulk billing in Australia is when your doctor bills Medicare directly as full payment for their services and you have no out-of-pocket expenses.

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Weight loss medicine

Weight loss medicines help people who are with overweight or obesity lose weight. Learn about types, uses and possible side effects.

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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a tablet you take daily to reduce your risk of infection if you are exposed to HIV. Learn more about PrEP here.

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Eye tests

Regular eye tests can pick up problems before you have any symptoms. You don't need a referral to see an optometrist. Learn more about eye tests here.

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Urgent Care Clinics

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide bulk billed care when you don’t need an emergency department. Read about when to visit a Medicare UCC.

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Drugs in sport

Using drugs to boost performance can harm your health. Learn about drug types and how agencies work to keep sport fair and safe for everyone.

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Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides many prescription medicines for a reduced price. Learn how to get the most from the PBS.

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Malnutrition

Malnutrition is when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients needed to maintain healthy body function. Learn the risks and treatment.

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without needing a prescription. OT medicines can cause side effects and drug interactions.

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Vaping

Vaping can cause harm to your health. There are laws in place about buying vapes and where you can use them. Learn more.

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Paying for diagnostic testing

Diagnostic tests, such as pathology tests and imaging scans, can be expensive. Learn more here about the costs and what Medicare covers.

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Prolonged erection

Prolonged erection, also known as priapism, occurs when blood is trapped in your penis. Read about the causes, treatment and possible complications.

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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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Gigantism

Gigantism is a rare condition that causes children to grow abnormally fast and tall. It can be treated successfully, but there may still be symptoms.

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Diabetes medicines

Read about diabetes medicines including insulin and other medicines to control your blood sugar levels, how to take them and their side effects.

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Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence) is difficulty getting or keeping an erection for intercourse. Learn about its causes and treatment options.

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Home medicines review

It’s important to manage your medicines correctly. A free home medicines review (HMR) by a pharmacist can help make sure that your medicines are safe.

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Food allergies

Some people are allergic to different types of food such as milk, eggs and wheat. Read here to find out more about living with food allergies.

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Screening tests for STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) won't always cause symptoms. If you're sexually active, your doctor might recommend regular STI screening tests.

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The role of a GP

Your GP (general practitioner) is usually the first person to go to if you’re sick. GPs coordinate your healthcare - watch this video to learn more.

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Foods high in iodine

Foods high in iodine include seafood, dairy food and packaged bread. Learn more about iodine and how to get enough iodine in your diet.

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Antifungal medicines

There are many types of antifungal medicines including creams and tablets. Which one to use depends on where your fungal infection is.

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Cost of dental care

Dental care can be expensive and you may need to pay for it yourself. Find out the different ways you can cover the cost of dental care.

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Cervical screening test

A cervical screening test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening helps to protect you from getting cervical cancer.

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