In Australia, if you are feeling unwell you can see a doctor, also known as a general practitioner or GP, at a medical centre in your local area.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to treat your condition, which you can purchase at a pharmacy using the prescription from your doctor. To understand why you are feeling unwell, your doctor may send you for blood tests, X-rays or ultrasounds. For serious concerns, your doctor will refer you to an expert in your specific illness. These are called specialists. A specialist will create a treatment plan with you and report back to your doctor.
GPs and specialists charge different fees depending on which one you visit and what services they provide. Similarly, what’s covered by Allianz Care Australia also varies based on who you see, which services they provide and which policy you hold. Learn more about what OSHC covers and what OVHC covers. Note: Budget Workers and Budget Visitors OVHC policies do not cover GPs or specialists.
If you can’t get to a doctor, don’t worry – Allianz Care Australia has a telehealth service which allows you to speak to a doctor by phone or video anytime. Access to this service is available for OSHC and OVHC members (excluding Budget Working cover and Budget Visitors cover). Find out more about our telehealth service.
Hospitals are only for emergencies. An emergency is a serious illness or injury that poses an immediate risk to your life or long-term wellbeing. If you are you in a medical emergency, call 000 immediately for an ambulance, or go directly to your nearest hospital. Read more about identifying medical emergencies and getting medical help.