Hospital emergency departments
Emergency departments provide you with urgent medical care. For less urgent concerns, your doctor, pharmacist or healthdirect can help.
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What to expect in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU)
The intensive care unit (ICU) provides 24-hour care from a highly-trained team of specialists. Learn more about what to expect from the ICU.
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Public and private hospitals – an overview
Discover the differences between public and private hospitals in Australia, including costs, services, and how to decide which option is best for you.
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Going home from hospital (discharge planning)
When you go home from hospital, it’s important that you know what to do so that you continue to get the right healthcare from the right people.
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Botulism
Botulism is a rare, potentially fatal illness causing paralysis, vision, swallowing and breathing problems. Botulism needs urgent hospital treatment.
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Private health insurance
Private health insurance can cover ambulance transport, hospital stays and extras, such as optical and dental. Find out here what is available.
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Coma
In a coma, a person is alive but totally unresponsive to the world around them. Someone in a coma will need intensive care in hospital. Find out more here.
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Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction can cause serious health problems. If you have a bowel obstruction, you will usually need immediate treatment in hospital.
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Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
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Virtual care clinics
Virtual care clinics provide urgent care for non life-threatening situations from home or work so you don’t have to go to hospital emergency department.
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Private health insurance – what’s changing on April 1?
Australians with private health insurance will see their premiums rise on April 1, as well as some big reforms to the health insurance system. Here's what you need to know.
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What is a referral?
A referral is a written request from your doctor or health professional to get expert help with diagnosis or treatment of your health problem.
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Maternity care in Australia
Explore pregnancy care options in Australia. Learn about antenatal care, birth settings, and costs to make the best choices for you and your baby.
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Australia’s healthcare system
The Australian healthcare system can sometimes seem confusing. Learn more about the types of services available, and how you can access them.
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What do paediatricians do?
Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers; including illnesses and physical, mental and behavioural development.
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How do I pay for healthcare?
The Australian Government helps to keep down the cost of healthcare for most people who live here. This article covers the most common questions about how to pay for your healthcare.
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About ambulances in Australia
An ambulance provides emergency transport for sick or injured people. Learn more about when to call an ambulance, and what it will cost.
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Northern Territory rural and remote health services
Much of the NT is very remote, so health services and support are not always available. Learn how to plan ahead and prepare for when you need help.
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The role of a neurologist
A neurologist is a specialist physician who treats diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle.
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The role of a geriatrician
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who cares for people aged 65 and over. Most are experts at helping people who have multiple conditions.
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The role of an oncologist
Oncologists identify, diagnose and treat people with cancer or suspected cancer. 3 main types include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists.
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The role of a ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are eye doctors or surgeons who specialise in assessment diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Learn what an ophthalmologist does.
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Australian mental health services
It can be difficult to understand how the complex mental health system in Australia operates. Learn how you can access the care you need.
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Mental health crisis support
A mental health crisis is when stress, emotions, or trauma may lead to harmful thoughts or actions. Learn how to find support and resources.
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Rehabilitation after illness or injury
Rehabilitation after illness or injury aims to help you recover. Learn more about how the specialised health professionals involved can help you.
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Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove the tonsils and is performed under general anaesthetic. Learn about recovery, risks and post-operative care.
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Western Australia rural and remote health services
Western Australia's rural and remote health services help you access health care, if you live outside the metro area. Learn where to find them here.
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The role of a neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons (brain surgeons) specialise in the surgical treatment and management of conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system.
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The role of a urologist
Urologists are surgeons who specialise in treating problems of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and adrenal glands in men, women and children.
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The role of a haematologist
A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats conditions that affect the blood, such as leukaemia or haemophilia, or the organs that make blood.
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