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

You can use the service if: 

• you or someone you care for is unwell or injured 
• you are not sure if you need medical help 
• you need health advice but it is not an emergency 
• you want help finding health services in your area.

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

You can use the service even if: 

• you do not have a Medicare card 
• you are visiting Australia 
• you are an international student.

1800MEDICARE is a free service however you may still have to pay for other services you are referred to, such as a GP visit.

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 for 1800MEDICARE or 1800 633 422.

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. Depending on your symptoms and situation, the nurse will recommend the right healthcare option for you. They may suggest: 

• caring for yourself at home 
• seeing a GP 
• visiting a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic 
• going to a pharmacy or local health service 
• going to an emergency department. 

If you call in the after-hours period, and the nurse recommends seeing a GP, they may arrange for a 1800MEDICARE GP telehealth consultation. This service is available between 6pm and 8am Monday to Friday, and all weekend. 

If you call 1800MEDICARE during the after-hours period and the nurse recommends seeing a GP, they may arrange for you to speak with a 1800MEDICARE GP by phone or video call. This service is available across Australia between 6pm and 8am Monday to Friday, and all weekend. The GP can provide additional advice to support your health concern and where appropriate, prescribe medicines or issue a medical certificate. With your consent, a summary of the consultation can be shared with your regular GP to support your ongoing care.

No. 1800MEDICARE works with existing health services and supports local care. The service encourages people to follow up with their regular GP where possible.

1800MEDICARE supports continuity of care by enabling information from a 1800MEDICARE virtual GP consultation to be shared to your My Health Record and, with consent, to your regular GP via secure message.

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).

No. If you or someone you care for has a life-threatening illness or injury, call Triple Zero (000). For example, you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, sudden collapse or are seriously injured.

To apply for a Medicare card, replace a lost card, or make a Medicare claim, visit the Services Australia website or call 132 011 Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm or Saturday and Sunday 7am to 7pm. 

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

You don’t need a Medicare card to speak to a 1800MEDICARE registered nurse.

 However, to receive an e-script from a 1800MEDICARE GP, you will need a current Medicare Card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Card, or an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI).

More information is available at  www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-get-individual-healthcare-identifier(Opens in a new tab/window).

You can share feedback about 1800MEDICARE online at Feedback, complaints and compliments(Opens in a new tab/window).