Common Mistakes When Using the Australian Health System
The Australian health system is good — but only when you use it correctly. Many newcomers make mistakes that could be avoided with a little foresight. These are the most common ones, recorded so you don’t have to learn them the way others did.
Going straight to hospital for everything
The mistake: Treating the Emergency Department (ED) as a general clinic — going there for colds, mild aches, or just to get a quick result.
The reality: The ED prioritises by urgency, not by order of arrival. If your condition is not serious, you can wait many hours, while a regular GP appointment gives a faster result and better quality of care.
What to do: Book a GP appointment for any non-urgent problem. Go to the ED only when you really need to — see the related guide on when to go to emergency.
Not asking about bulk billing
The mistake: Booking a GP appointment without asking whether the clinic bulk bills, then being surprised by the bill.
The reality: Not every clinic bulk bills, and the rate varies by area. Not asking in advance = not knowing the expected cost.
What to do: When you call to book, ask: “Do you bulk bill?” If not, follow up with: “How much will the consultation cost?” Know in advance so you are not caught out.
Skipping the pharmacist
The mistake: Collecting medicine at the pharmacy and leaving straight away without asking the pharmacist about how to use it, side effects, or drug interactions.
The reality: Pharmacists in Australia are health professionals — not just someone who hands over medicine. They can detect dangerous drug interactions that a doctor might miss, and explain in detail how to use a medicine.
What to do: Spend a few minutes talking to the pharmacist when you collect a new medicine. This is especially important when you are taking several medicines at once.
Not declaring the medicines you take
The mistake: Going to an appointment without bringing (or remembering) a list of the medicines you take — including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.
The reality: Many medicines interact with each other. The doctor needs the full picture to avoid prescribing something harmful. Medicines that seem “harmless,” like some supplements or herbal remedies, can affect how prescription medicines work.
What to do: Photograph all the medicines you take (front and back of the box) and keep them on your phone. Bring them to your appointment.
Using antibiotics brought from overseas
The mistake: When you are unwell, taking antibiotics you brought from overseas without asking a doctor.
The reality: In Australia, antibiotics are prescription-only. Taking antibiotics that are not correctly indicated may not only be ineffective against the bacteria causing the illness — it also contributes to antibiotic resistance. Doctors in Australia do not prescribe antibiotics for a common cold or flu because these are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
What to do: See a GP when you need antibiotics. If the doctor does not prescribe them, ask why — there is usually a sound explanation.
Not checking your own Medicare eligibility
The mistake: Assuming everyone in Australia has Medicare — then being surprised to get a full bill.
The reality: Medicare eligibility depends on the type of visa and sometimes on a bilateral agreement between Australia and the country you come from. People on many temporary visas are not eligible for Medicare.
What to do: Check at servicesaustralia.gov.au as soon as you arrive in Australia. If you are not eligible for Medicare, look into health insurance for overseas visitors (OSHC or OVHC) that suits your visa.
Forgetting to account for ambulance costs
The mistake: Not knowing that ambulances in Australia are not covered by Medicare — until you call one and get the bill.
The reality: The cost of calling an ambulance in Australia can be considerable and is not covered by Medicare. Many people are surprised, thinking emergency services must be free.
What to do: As soon as you arrive in the state where you live, check whether you have ambulance cover and how much extra it costs to buy. Queensland and Tasmania have programs that cover residents — check the eligibility with the state health authority.
Asking children to interpret in medical settings
The mistake: Asking children or relatives without medical training to interpret at the clinic.
The reality: Untrained interpreting can leave information missing or wrong. Children are put in an inappropriately stressful situation. Sensitive information (mental health, reproductive health) is hard to convey fully.
What to do: Use TIS National (call 13 14 50) — professional interpreting for free. Some clinics can also arrange one if you ask before you book. See also the related guide on medical English and communicating effectively with your doctor.
Not registering with a regular GP
The mistake: Going to a different clinic each time, at random.
The reality: Not having a regular GP means you have to explain everything from scratch every time. A doctor who does not know your medical history can miss important related points, and you do not get continuity of care.
What to do: Find a GP clinic near home and register as a regular patient. For chronic conditions, this is especially important.
Ignoring mental health
The mistake: Treating anxiety, depression, or prolonged stress as “normal” when you are newly settled, and not seeking help.
The reality: Mental health is part of overall health. Australia has many support services — from free to reduced cost through Medicare — and seeking help early is usually much more effective than letting the problem drag on.
What to do: If you feel unwell for a prolonged time, tell your GP. This is the starting point for all mental health support in Australia. See also the related guide on mental health support when you first settle.