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Teen Health Info

Your guide to the Australian health system

  • Too many long medical words? Check out our 'Words you hear in the health system' fact sheet.

    At a glance

    • Health care isn't just for when you are sick or injured; it also includes tests and advice to help you stay healthy.
    • Australia has public and private health care.
    • The Medicare program makes medical care free or lower-cost.
    • It's a good idea to have a local doctor who knows you and your health history.
    • You have a right to health care privacy as a teen.

    Read the parent fact sheet

    Health care in Australia

    You might not think about health care until you are sick or hurt yourself. But the health system is always working in the background of your life, from the vaccines you get as a baby to any medicines you take.

    Australia has one of the best health systems in the world. It provides safe care to people of all ages and incomes.

    There are two main health care pathways in Australia: public and private.

    Public

    • Paid for and run by the government, using taxes.
    • Offers free or lower-cost health care to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
    • Usually the best option for serious medical conditions.
    • Can be slower to get medical care unless it's an emergency.

    Private

    • Owned and run by private companies, licensed and monitored by the government.
    • Offers health care to anyone who can pay for it, but some serious conditions move to the public system for treatment.
    • Can be faster to get medical care.

    About Medicare

    Australia has a program called Medicare, which makes health care free or lower-cost for:

    • Australian citizens
    • Australian permanent residents
    • New Zealand citizens
    • People from countries with a ‘Reciprocal Health Care Agreement‘ (where Australians can get free health care in the other country when they visit).

    You might have seen the green Medicare card before.

    How do I get Medicare?

    If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you might already be registered with Medicare under your family’s account. Ask a parent or guardian if you are not sure, or call Services Australia.

    You will need your Medicare card number and ‘Individual Reference Number’ (the number next to your name on the card) to use Medicare.

    When you turn 15, you can usually get your own Medicare card.

    What does Medicare pay for?

    The government pays for Medicare using taxes. It covers all or some of the costs of:

    • doctor's appointments
    • scans like x-rays
    • tests like eye tests
    • being in a public hospital, including tests, treatment and even food
    • some mental health support, like psychology.

    Medicare doesn’t usually pay for the dentist, ambulance services, cosmetic surgery or glasses (and things like hearing aids).

    If you have a Medicare card number, you can also get cheaper medicines through something called the 'Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme' (PBS).

    Your health care pathways

    When to see a doctor or health worker

    • Your local doctor (general practitioner, or ‘GP’) should usually be the first person you see when you need medical care unless it's an emergency.
    • There are lots of reasons to visit your GP, such as if you:
      • have aches or pains that don't go away
      • want to talk about changes to your body
      • are struggling with your mental health
      • need preventative health care, like vaccines, contraception, medicines for travel, or a check-up.
    • Your GP might suggest you see a specialist doctor if you need ongoing care for a health problem. For example, if you have acne, they might want you to see a specialist skin doctor (dermatologist).
      • Specialists can be public (free but longer wait time) or private (usually costs money but shorter wait time).
    • Sometimes, it might be better to see a different health worker. For example, if you have a sore shoulder, you might need treatment from a physiotherapist. You can ask your GP for advice if you are not sure what sort of help you need.

    When to go to the hospital

    • You might need to go to the hospital if you have a serious injury or illness.
    • The emergency department is the part of a hospital where you can get urgent medical care.
    • Some reasons you might need to go to the emergency department are:
      • Broken bones or dislocated body parts causing lots of pain
      • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
      • Deep cuts that need stitches
      • Head injuries at high speeds or from heights (for example, falling off an e-scooter)
      • New intense pain, like stomach or chest pain, or a sudden severe headache.
    • You should only go to a hospital emergency department if your injury or illness needs quick treatment and you can’t wait to see your GP.
    • Sometimes, you might go to a hospital when it's not an emergency – for example, to have surgery or see a specialist doctor.

    When to call an ambulance

    • In a medical emergency, call an ambulance by dialling 000.
    • An ambulance is a special vehicle that takes people to the hospital.
    • Paramedics are trained health workers who go to emergencies in an ambulance to give people medical care.
    • You should only call an ambulance in a medical emergency. This is a health problem or serious injury that needs help straight away, like:
      • Severe burns
      • Chest pain
      • Trouble breathing
      • Bleeding that won’t stop
      • Seizures.

    What is private health insurance?

    Private health insurance is where you pay for extra health care options, on top of what you get through Medicare.

    Some reasons people get private health insurance are:

    • More choice – you can usually pick the hospital or clinic you want to go to and the private health worker you want to see
    • No need to wait on a public waitlist for health care
    • Save money on taxes
    • Get money back for things that Medicare doesn't cover, like glasses.
    • Pay less for health care if you come from a country that Medicare does not cover.

    If your parents have private health insurance and you still live at home, their policy might cover you. This will depend on the insurance company and its rules. Ask your parents if you are not sure. Your parents might be able to see if you make claims on a family policy.

    What is telehealth?

    Telehealth is an online system where you can speak with a doctor or other health worker via a  secure video call instead of meeting them in person.

    There are lots of reasons to use telehealth. It’s:

    • easier to access
    • more flexible – you can join from anywhere with internet
    • better for people who don't feel comfortable in health care settings, like hospitals
    • usually paid for in part or in full by Medicare.

    Sometimes, it's better to see a health worker in person. For example, your GP might need to measure things like your blood pressure.

    If you see a health worker often, you might be able to have some telehealth appointments. But you will probably still need to go in person sometimes.

    You can tell your GP or other health worker if you don't want to use telehealth.

    Your right to privacy

    As a teen, you have a right to medical privacy. This includes seeing a doctor on your own for part or all of your appointments, and having a say in your care. You don't have to tell your parents about your health issues, but it's usually safer for them to know what you are dealing with so they can help you.

    Sometimes, doctors might need to talk with your parent or another trusted adult if they are worried about your safety. Doctors should always speak with you before sharing your information with anyone else.

    Things you might be wondering

    How do I find my health records?

    Your health records include lots of information – from your vaccine history to your GP's notes. You can read some records online, but you might need to ask your GP or fill out a special form to get others.

    The government's digital health system is called 'My Health Record.' It has blood tests, imaging results, medicine information and notes from any time you have spent in hospital.

    Your official health record is what a doctor or hospital writes in the notes whenever you get medical care. To get a copy of your official health record, you must apply through 'Freedom of Information.' Depending on how old you are, you might need your parents’ permission.

    Why do taxes pay for public health care?

    Unfortunately, health care is very expensive, and someone has to pay for it. The Australian government ensures everyone can get the medical care they need, even if they don't have much money, by collecting special taxes to fund Medicare. The private health system encourages people to pay for health care if they can afford it, so those who don’t have the money can rely on the public system.

    Does Medicare cover an ambulance?

    Medicare doesn't cover the cost of ambulance services in Australia. The price of ambulance services varies between states, but it's generally quite expensive. It’s a good idea to check with your parents about whether you have ambulance cover, either through private health insurance or membership with your state ambulance branch.

    I don’t have any health problems. Do I need a GP?

    Even if you are healthy, it’s a good idea to have a GP or doctor’s clinic you trust. This way, your entire medical history will be on file when you do need care.

    Your GP can help you look after your health before problems start, such as by suggesting vaccines. You might want to see the same doctor your family sees or someone else at the same clinic. That way, they will have your health records. If you go to a new clinic, you can transfer your records over.

    Does Medicare pay for mental health support?

    For Medicare to pay some or all costs of seeing a mental health worker, you will need a ‘Mental Health Treatment Plan.’ Speak to your GP to learn more about this program.

    Can I ask for a second opinion from another health worker?

    You always have the right to ask for a second opinion about your health. Your care should never be affected by this.

    What is a specialist doctor?

    A specialist doctor is a medical doctor who has done extra training in a specific type of medicine. For example, a cardiologist is a doctor who specialises in the heart. You usually need a letter from your GP (referral) or another doctor to see a specialist.

    How do I get my own Medicare card?

    If you are 15 years or older, you can usually get your own Medicare card. To set up your own card, go to the Services Australia website. You can either request a new card and number through myGov if you have an account linked to Medicare, or fill in a form called an ‘MS011.’

    Helpful links


    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital; medical review by the Adolescent Medicine department. Created with advice from the RCH Health Literacy Youth Advisory Committee.

    Reviewed August 2025

    Speak with a doctor for up-to-date and personalised medical advice.


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    Disclaimer

    This information is designed to help you have conversations with your doctor or health care professionals. It is not intended to replace personal medical advice. The authors of these fact sheets have worked hard to make sure the information is accurate, up-to-date and easy to understand. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne does not accept responsibility for any content inaccuracies, information seen as misleading, or the success of any treatments explained in these fact sheets. Information in these fact sheets is updated regularly. If you download or print the fact sheet, the responsibility is on you, the user, to make sure you are reading the most up-to-date version.

    Updated July 2025

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