healthdirect
For free instant health advice, call healthdirect
If you or someone you care about needs health advice, treatment or care, call healthdirect for free. When you call healthdirect, a registered nurse will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service, connect you to a doctor online or call you an ambulance if your situation is life-threatening.
Healthdirect is a free service, available 24/7
✓ Clinical advice
✓ e-scripts sent to your phone or direct to your pharmacy
✓ Medical or carers certificates
Call 1800 022 222 (24/7)
or visit www.healthdirect.gov.au
healthdirect provides general advice and care navigation based on clinical triage.
If symptoms are severe, worsening or life-threatening, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Coming soon: healthdirect will transition to 1800 Medicare.
You may see both names during the changeover. The service remains the same.
How healthdirect works
Examples of people just like you using healthdirect
Sarah, 34, has a severe migraine on a Sunday
Unsure if it’s an emergency, she calls healthdirect.
A nurse assesses red flags (none present) and recommends GP care within 24 hours.
Using Service Finder, the nurse locates a Monday morning GP appointment nearby and a late-night pharmacy open now for over-the-counter relief.
Sarah follows the plan at home, attends the GP the next day, and gets tailored management.
Outcome: Sarah is reassured that her condition is not life-threatening, and is relieved to have a GP appointment booked.
Maria’s two-year-old wakes with a barking cough and clammy skin
Unsure if it’s an emergency, she calls healthdirect.
A nurse triages and advises it likely does not require an emergency department visit but needs a GP.
As her usual GP is unavailable, Maria is referred to a healthdirect GP, who calls back within 30 minutes, reviews the nurse notes, and confirms likely croup without distress.
The GP texts an e-script for steroids, emails a carer’s certificate, and shares a summary with Maria’s regular GP and My Health Record (with consent).
Outcome: Maria avoids a long overnight ED wait and feels confident about next steps.
Rob, 68, develops chest tightness and nausea while mowing
Unsure if it’s an emergency, he calls healthdirect.
The nurse triage identifies red flags and transfers him to 000 immediately.
Rob is seen promptly in the ED.
Outcome: Rob’s grateful he called – the system is designed to escalate fast when it matters most.
Why call healthdirect?
Free and
always open
Advice any time of day or night – no Medicare card needed to call the nurse helpline.
Real
clinicians
Speak to an Australian registered nurse; when needed you can be referred to an Australian GP for a phone or video consult.
Right care,
first time
61% of people who planned to go to emergency were safely guided to more appropriate care.
Fast
reassurance
26% of callers are safely supported to manage symptoms at home.
High
satisfaction
93% of people rate their experience positively.
Built for
after hours
62% of calls happen when regular clinics are closed.
Frequently asked questions
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healthdirect is Australia’s free, government-owned 24/7 health advice and navigation service. We help you work out what to do next and connect you to the right care at the right time. Learn more at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au
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Any time you’re unsure what to do about a symptom, especially after hours or when your GP is unavailable.
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Australian-based registered nurses. If you need a doctor and local care isn’t accessible, the nurse can refer you to a healthdirect GP for a phone or video consult.
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Yes. Calling the nurse helpline is free, and you don’t need a Medicare card to speak to a nurse. Some referred services (like a GP consult) may ask for Medicare details.
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Yes — via a referred virtual GP consult when clinically appropriate. GPs can issue e-scripts and medical or carer’s certificates.
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With your consent, a summary of your virtual GP consult is securely sent to your regular GP and can be uploaded to My Health Record, supporting continuity of care.
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Yes. Ask for an interpreter and they’ll connect one to your call.
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No, healthdirect supports your GP care. When your clinic is closed or you can’t get in, they help you bridge the gap safely and keep your GP in the loop.
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Only if it’s needed. In fact, 61% of people who intended to go to ED were safely guided to more appropriate care. If it’s serious, they escalate to 000 straight away.
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Yes. They’ll triage your concerns and connect you to the right level of support. In an emergency, call 000.
For immediate counselling support, you can also contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
