Sometimes it’s difficult to know if a health issue should be treated by a general practitioner (GP) or if it requires more urgent attention.
You might have an illness or injury that doesn’t qualify as a life-threatening emergency but still needs attention sooner than your next available GP appointment.
Thankfully, there’s a free and easy option in these situations — and for many Australians, it’s just a short drive away.
The highly trained GPs and nurses in Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide free walk-in health care for illnesses and injuries that can’t wait. The growing network of clinics across Australia are open extended hours, 7 days a week – no appointment or referral needed. All you need is your Medicare card to receive urgent medical care at zero cost.
Around 70 per cent of Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Knowing where your closest clinic is gives you and your loved ones another option if you need urgent care in future. Click here to learn which clinic is closest to you.
It is important to note that Medicare Urgent Care Clinics cannot treat illnesses or injuries that require general care or emergency care. Learn more about this important difference here, or read on below for examples of health issues that require urgent care but are not life-threatening.
Urgent care is defined as any health issue that:
In essence, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics can provide acute episodic care and treatment for illnesses and injuries that do not require a hospital admission. Examples include:
All you need is your Medicare card to access free walk-in urgent care without an appointment or a referral. Find your local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic here.
It is important to note that Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will not see patients seeking non-emergency, routine and preventative health care. If you require the following, a GP should be your first point of contact:
If you experience an emergency or life-threatening health issue, do not attend a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
Illnesses and injuries in this category include (but are not limited to):
By familiarising yourself today with when you qualify for urgent care, and learning ahead of time where to find your nearest clinic, you’ll be able to act quickly if an urgent medical issue arises.
Click here to learn more about the free urgent care available to you.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
This content is in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care.
The Australian Government is strengthening Medicare to make sure Australians have better access to affordable healthcare, urgent care and mental health services. Find out how Medicare can help you.
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