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Help paying for health care

Find ways to reduce health care costs.

Paying for medicines and health care

Medicare can help with the cost of seeing a doctor or specialist, getting medicines and going to hospital. You may get some services for free or at a lower cost through bulk billing. You can find a GP who bulk bills on the healthdirect website.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps you get medicines at a lower cost. You may also get twice the medication for the cost of a single prescription with 60 day dispensing. Find out who is eligible for cheaper medicines on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Find out about Medicare, Medicare Safety Nets and PBS.

  • Medicare

    Find out what Medicare is, what health care it can help you pay for and how to claim your benefit.

  • Medicare Safety Nets

    When you reach the Medicare Safety Nets threshold, Medicare will pay more of your health care costs.

  • PBS and PBS Safety Net

    The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and PBS Safety Net can help you with the cost of medicines.

Paying for mental health treatment

There are free and confidential ways to get immediate help when you need it. Find out about getting mental health support.

Some workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to employees and their families. EAPs provide free access to independent mental health professionals and mental health resources. Talk to your HR department or manager about how to access your employer’s EAP.

You can also talk to your GP about a mental health treatment plan if you need ongoing support. With a plan, you can claim a Medicare benefit for 10 sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year. You may also be eligible for payments if you have a mental illness.

Find out more about a mental health treatment plan and payments you may get.

Getting a Low Income Health Care Card

You may be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card if you’re on a low income. This can help you get cheaper health care and other discounts.

If you get a Centrelink payment, you may already have a concession card. Find out more about the Low Income Health Care Card.

Comparing private health insurance

Private health insurance can help you pay for medical costs that aren’t covered by Medicare.

Private health insurance can be expensive. Think about what type of cover you or your family needs and consider comparing policies. You may be paying for cover or extras that you don’t need. You can compare policies on the PrivateHealth website.

Find out more about private health insurance.
Page last updated: 14 August 2024