Healthcare in Regional and Rural Australia

Approximately one-third of Australians live outside major cities, and accessing healthcare can present unique challenges for those in regional, rural, and remote areas. However, numerous programs and services exist to support rural Australians in receiving quality healthcare. This guide explores the options available and how to make the most of them.

Challenges of Rural Healthcare

People living in regional and remote areas often face several healthcare challenges:

• Greater distances to healthcare facilities
• Fewer healthcare providers, particularly specialists
• Limited after-hours and emergency services
• Higher out-of-pocket costs when travelling for care
• Workforce shortages leading to longer wait times

Despite these challenges, rural Australia has seen significant improvements in healthcare access through innovative programs and dedicated rural health professionals.

Local Healthcare Services

Most regional towns have access to basic healthcare services, though the range of services varies by location:

Rural General Practice

Rural GPs are often the backbone of healthcare in regional communities. Many rural doctors have broader skills than their urban counterparts, including procedural skills such as minor surgery, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. Use our GP directory to find doctors in your region.

Multipurpose Health Services

Multipurpose Health Services (MPS) combine acute hospital care, residential aged care, and community health services in a single flexible model. These services are common in smaller communities where separate facilities would not be viable.

Bush Nursing Centres

Some small communities are served by bush nursing centres, staffed by nurses who can provide primary care, health advice, and emergency first aid. These centres often have telehealth links to doctors for consultations.

Telehealth Services

Telehealth has transformed healthcare access for rural Australians. Through video consultations, you can access:

• GP consultations
• Specialist appointments
• Mental health services
• Allied health consultations
• Chronic disease management

Medicare provides rebates for telehealth consultations with eligible providers, making this a cost-effective way to access care without travelling. Many healthcare providers now offer telehealth as a standard option alongside in-person appointments.

Patient Travel Assistance Schemes

Each state and territory operates a Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS) or similar program that helps with the costs of travelling for medical treatment not available locally. These schemes typically provide:

• Partial reimbursement for travel costs
• Accommodation subsidies when overnight stays are required
• Support for an escort if medically necessary

Eligibility criteria and benefit levels vary by state. You usually need to be referred by a doctor to a specialist or service not available within a certain distance of your home. Contact your state health department or local hospital for information about your entitlements.

Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides essential healthcare to people living in remote areas across Australia. Services include:

• Emergency medical evacuations
• Primary healthcare clinics in remote communities
• Dental and mental health services
• 24-hour medical consultation by phone or radio

If you live in a remote area, the RFDS may be your closest emergency service. Keep the RFDS emergency number (1800 625 800) accessible.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) provide culturally appropriate primary healthcare services to Indigenous Australians, particularly in rural and remote areas. These services offer holistic care that addresses physical, social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing.

Find Aboriginal health services near you using our Aboriginal health directory.

Outreach and Visiting Services

Many regional hospitals and health services organise outreach programs where specialists visit smaller communities on a regular basis. These might include:

• Visiting specialist clinics (cardiologists, endocrinologists, etc.)
• Allied health outreach (physiotherapy, dietetics)
• Mental health teams
• Child development services

Ask your GP about visiting specialist services in your area, as this can save significant travel.

Pharmacy Services

Rural pharmacies often provide expanded services to support their communities. Many offer:

• Medication delivery to remote properties
• Continued dispensing in emergencies when a prescription cannot be renewed immediately
• Pharmacist vaccinations
• Health screening services

Find pharmacies in your area using our pharmacy directory.

Emergency Preparedness

Living in a rural area means being prepared for health emergencies. Consider:

• Knowing your nearest hospital and its capabilities
• Having a well-stocked first aid kit
• Learning basic first aid and CPR
• Ensuring you have reliable communication (mobile, satellite phone, or radio)
• Keeping essential medications stocked
• Having an emergency plan for getting to medical care

Rural Health Incentives

To encourage healthcare workers to practice in rural areas, the government offers various incentives that benefit both providers and patients. These include programs to attract doctors to rural practice and incentives for bulk billing in rural areas, which can help keep healthcare costs down for rural patients.

Finding Care in Your Area

Use our healthcare directory to find GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health services in your region. Filter by state and search by your suburb or postcode to discover what is available locally.