16 June 2026
The 1800MEDICARE service provides free, nationwide health advice and navigation, helping people connect to the right care at the right time while reducing pressure on emergency departments and supporting existing primary and urgent care services.
On this page:
What health care professionals need to know
1800MEDICARE offers 24/7 access to health advice from registered nurses via phone, website or app. The service is intended to complement general practice by guiding people to appropriate care, including GPs, pharmacies, local health services or emergency care when required.
People can access the service by:
- Calling 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422)
- Visiting medicare.gov.au/1800 website
- Using the 1800MEDICARE app
The website and app include easy‑to‑use tools such as a symptom checker, medicines information, electronic prescriptions, and Active Script List access.
How the service supports your patients
1800MEDICARE is designed to help when someone:
- Is unsure whether they need medical care
- Needs advice for a non‑emergency health concern
- Requires help finding local services
Registered nurses assess symptoms and provide advice, including self‑care guidance or referral to the most appropriate service. No Medicare card is required.
This national entry point is particularly valuable for:
- People without a regular GP
- Those living in rural or remote areas
- Patients needing support outside usual practice hours
Health professionals can also use the service to support patient care and reinforce safe pathways between episodes of care.
New resources for primary care and patients
A suite of updated materials is now available to help primary care providers promote and integrate 1800MEDICARE within local service pathways. These resources offer clear, consistent messaging for patients and communities.
Available resources include:
Additional resources (such as easy‑read, translated, and First Nations‑specific materials) will be released in the coming weeks to support inclusive communication and engagement.
