It's after hours and you need medical help. Here are your options in Australia, from most urgent to least.
📋 Source: Services Australia after-hours GP services. National Home Doctor Service (13SICK). Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.
🇦🇺 Australia only
What best describes your situation?
If it's an emergency, call 000 immediately. Emergencies include: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), severe allergic reaction, or serious injury.
🚑 000 — Emergency
Ambulance, fire, police — 24/7
When: Life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, collapse, suspected stroke, anaphylaxis, serious burns, major trauma.
🏥 Emergency Department
Open 24/7 at public hospitals
When: Urgent but you can safely get yourself there. Broken bones, deep cuts needing stitches, severe abdominal pain, high fever with serious symptoms, head injuries with vomiting or confusion. You can also drive to ED if ambulance isn't needed.
Cost: Free as a public patient at a public hospital. Triage is by urgency, not arrival time — you may wait hours for non-urgent issues.
📞 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
24/7 health advice from a registered nurse (QLD) — or Healthdirect 1800 022 222 (national)
When: You're not sure how serious it is. A registered nurse will assess your situation over the phone and advise whether you need ED, a doctor, or can safely manage at home. This is a great first call if you're unsure.
Cost: Free.
🏠 National Home Doctor Service (13 SICK / 13 74 25)
After-hours GP home visits — evenings, weekends, public holidays
When: You need a doctor but can't get to a clinic or ED. Common uses: children with high fevers, elderly patients who can't travel, vomiting/diarrhoea, ear infections, UTIs, wound checks, prescription renewals for urgent medications.
Cost: Bulk billed (free with Medicare card). Available in most metro areas and some regional areas.
🕐 After-Hours GP Clinics
Walk-in clinics open evenings and weekends
When: Semi-urgent issues that can't wait for your regular GP but aren't emergencies. UTIs, ear infections, rashes, sprains, medication issues, sick certificates.
Cost: Many bulk bill. Search "after hours GP near me" or check HotDoc or HealthEngine for clinics open now.
📱 Telehealth
Phone or video GP consultations
When: You need advice, a script renewal, or reassurance but don't need a physical examination. Some telehealth services operate extended hours. Your regular GP practice may also offer after-hours phone consultations.
Cost: Some services bulk bill. Check with your practice.
💊 Pharmacist
Some pharmacies open late and weekends
When: You need over-the-counter medication, first aid advice, or help managing mild symptoms. Pharmacists can also supply some prescription medications in an emergency (e.g. contraceptive pill, asthma inhalers, EpiPens) under the Continued Dispensing provisions.
Cost: Consultation is free. Pay for any medications purchased.
⏰ Wait for Your Regular GP
Book first thing in the morning
When: Mild symptoms that aren't getting worse. Cold and flu symptoms, minor aches, non-urgent rashes, ongoing issues that can wait one more night. If you're unsure, call 13 HEALTH for advice.