Free health advice from a registered nurse, available 24/7

If you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech or communication difficulty you can contact the National Relay Service(Opens in a new tab/window) on 1800 555 677 and ask to be connected to 1800MEDICARE.

If English is not your main language and you need an interpreter, call TIS National(Opens in a new tab/window) on 131 450 and ask to be transferred to 1800MEDICARE.

Anyone in Australia can call 1800MEDICARE — whether you’re calling for yourself, a child, an elderly relative, or someone you care for.

You will speak with a registered nurse. They will ask questions about your symptoms and situation, then give you advice on what to do next. They may offer you a phone or video call with a doctor at a later time.

Depending on your symptoms, the nurse can:

• provide self-care advice to follow at home
• tell you if you should see a doctor, pharmacist, or another health professional
• arrange a phone or video call with a doctor
• advise if you should go to the emergency department of a hospital

Yes. You can call the 1800MEDICARE even if you do not have a Medicare card.

1800MEDICARE is free and available to everyone in Australia, including visitors, international students, and people who do not have Medicare. You may have to pay for the service the nurse recommends, such as a visit to the doctor.

You can’t get a Medicare card or make a Medicare claim through 1800MEDICARE.

To apply for a Medicare card, replace a lost card, or make a Medicare claim, visit the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare(Opens in a new tab/window) or call Medicare on 132 011.

The 1800MEDICARE app(Opens in a new tab/window) is a secure and convenient way to view key health information that you, your healthcare providers or representatives have uploaded to My Health Record. It also gives you access to electronic prescriptions and your Active Script List and has other great features like find and book a health service, and much more.

It’s fast, easy, and secure - and you can access and share it all from the palm of your hand. Available for mobile and tablet. For more information go to digitalhealth.gov.au/1800MEDICAREapp(Opens in a new tab/window). If you need help with the 1800MEDICARE app call 1800 723 471 (select option 1).