1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) is a free, national 24/7 health advice service that allows people in Australia to speak with a registered nurse about any health concern.

The nurse asks about the person’s symptoms and circumstances, then guides them to the most appropriate next step. This may include self-care at home, a GP, pharmacy, Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, local health service or emergency department.

Where clinically appropriate and available, eligible patients may also be offered an after-hours GP telehealth consultation by phone or video.

1800Medicare

Rural and remote relevance

For rural and remote communities, 1800MEDICARE can provide an additional access point when local services are limited, unavailable after-hours, or difficult to reach because of distance, transport or workforce constraints.

It does not replace the patient’s regular GP, but can support safer navigation to the right care and encourage follow-up with usual care providers.

How patients can access 1800MEDICARE

  • Phone: 1800 633 422
    (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Website: 1800medicare.gov.au
  • App: 1800MEDICARE app
    (available through the Apple App Store and Google Play)

Access notes

  • Patients do not need a Medicare card to speak with a 1800MEDICARE registered nurse.
  • Some recommended services may involve a cost.
  • To receive an electronic prescription from a 1800MEDICARE GP, patients need a current Medicare card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, or Individual Healthcare Identifier.
  • Interpreter support is available through TIS National on 131 450.
  • Patients who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech or communication difficulty can access the service through the National Relay Service.

"If you are unsure what care you need, you can call 1800MEDICARE on 1800 633 422 at any time to speak with a registered nurse. They can provide health advice and help guide you to the right care. This is not an emergency service - call 000 if you have a life-threatening illness or injury."

Further Resources

1800MEDICARE website:
https://www.1800medicare.gov.au/

1800MEDICARE app information and FAQs:
https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/1800MEDICAREapp

Online learning - 1800MEDICARE app education modules available here:
https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/online-learning-sessions

Downloadable 1800MEDICARE app factsheet for consumers:
https://www.1800medicare.gov.au/resources/fact-sheets