Do you know where to find free urgent medical care?

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.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

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.

When should I visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?

Urgent care is defined as any health issue that:

• requires medical attention
• does not require a visit to the emergency department
• cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.

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:

• Minor infections
• Minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Minor cuts
• Insect bites and rashes
• Minor eye and ear problems
• Respiratory illness
• Gastroenteritis
• Mild burns.

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.

When should I see a GP instead?

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:

• Diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and illnesses
• General screening and health checks
• Vaccinations and prescriptions
• Mental health advice
• Family planning advice
• Referrals for tests, scans or specialist care.

When should I go straight to the emergency department?

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):

• Chest pain or tightness
• Breathing difficulties
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Severe burns
• Poisoning
• Numbness or paralysis
• Unconsciousness
• Unresponsiveness
• Seizures
• Ongoing fever in infants.

Free urgent medical attention could be just a short drive away

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.