Australia Healthcare System Guide (GP, Specialist, Emergency)

"I caught a cold in Australia. Where should I go? Can I just buy medicine from the pharmacy?"

Australia's healthcare system is completely different from Korea. You can't just go to hospital when sick or buy medicine from pharmacy - you must go through a GP (General Practitioner) first.

This guide is based on Australian Department of Health official information and actual working holidaymaker experiences. Covers everything from GP appointments to emergency and ambulance.

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1. Basic Structure of Australian Healthcare System

1.1. 3-Tier System

Australia operates a tiered healthcare system:

Step 1: GP (General Practitioner)

• Starting point for all healthcare
• Common ailments: cold, headache, stomach ache
• Issue prescriptions
• Refer to specialist if needed

Step 2: Specialist

• Requires GP referral (mandatory)
• Dermatology, orthopedics, gynecology, etc.
• Appointment needed (1-4 weeks wait)

Step 3: Emergency Department

• Life-threatening cases only
• Open 24 hours
• Long wait times (2-8 hours)

1.2. Differences from Korea

Item	Korea	Australia
Pharmacy Medicine	Available (cold meds)	Prescription needed
Direct Hospital Visit	Available	GP first mandatory
Direct Specialist	Available	GP referral needed
Emergency Department	Freely accessible	Emergency only
Medical Fees	Affordable	Expensive ($70-150)

Key Point: In Australia, always start with GP.

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2. How to Use GP (General Practitioner)

2.1. Finding a GP

Method 1: Google Maps

• Search "GP near me"
• Check reviews
• Check distance (within 10-minute walk recommended)

Method 2: HealthDirect

• Website: healthdirect.gov.au
• Service Finder → "GP"
• Can search for Korean-speaking GPs

Method 3: Local Community

• Facebook groups
• Working holiday forums
• Search "recommended GP"

Selection Criteria:

• Bulk Billing available (free consultation)
• Distance (closer is better)
• Reviews (4.0★ or higher)
• Language (Korean-speaking GPs available)

2.2. Booking Appointment

Phone Booking:

"Hello, I'd like to book an appointment with a GP."

- When: "As soon as possible" or "Next Monday"
- What: "I have a cold/headache/stomach ache"
- Medicare: "Do you accept Medicare?"

Online Booking:

• HotDoc app
• Clinic website

Walk-in (No Appointment):

• Only some clinics accept
• Long wait times (1-3 hours)

2.3. GP Consultation Costs

Without Medicare (Working Holidaymakers):

• Standard GP: $70-100
• Urgent care: $100-150
• Weekend/after hours: $150-200

Bulk Billing:

• Some GPs offer free consultation
• Medicare card required
• Or certain conditions (low income, students)

Prescription Costs:

• Separate from consultation fee
• Pay at pharmacy when buying medicine ($10-50)

2.4. GP Consultation Process

Step 1: Reception

• Confirm name, date of birth
• Medicare card (if available)
• ID (passport, license)

Step 2: Waiting

• Wait in waiting room to be called
• Average 10-30 minutes

Step 3: Consultation

• Explain symptoms
• Examination (temperature, blood pressure, throat/ear check)
• Diagnosis

Step 4: Prescription

• Paper or electronic prescription
• Pharmacy recommendation

Step 5: Payment

• Pay at reception after consultation
• Card or cash

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3. Using Pharmacy/Chemist

3.1. Medicines Available Without Prescription

Over-the-Counter (OTC):

• Pain relief: Panadol (paracetamol)
• Cold medicine: Codral, Lemsip
• Digestive: Mylanta, Gastro-Stop
• Band-aids, bandages
• Vitamins, supplements

Prescription Required:

• Antibiotics
• Strong painkillers
• Some allergy medicines
• Contraceptives

3.2. Finding Pharmacy

Major Chains:

• Chemist Warehouse (cheapest)
• Priceline Pharmacy
• Terry White Chemmart

Opening Hours:

• Weekdays: 9am-6pm
• Weekends: 10am-4pm
• Some pharmacies: 24 hours (CBD)

3.3. Medicine Purchase Process

Step 1: Visit Pharmacy

• Submit prescription

Step 2: Pharmacist Consultation

• Explain dosage instructions
• Inform about side effects

Step 3: Payment

• $10-50 (depending on medicine type)

Step 4: Collect Medicine

• Check label (name, dosage instructions)

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4. Using Specialist

4.1. Referral System

To see a specialist, GP referral is mandatory.

Process:

1. Visit GP → Explain symptoms
2. GP writes referral letter to specialist
3. Book specialist appointment (yourself or GP helps)
4. Specialist consultation

Referral Validity:

• Standard: 12 months
• Specific conditions: Unlimited

4.2. Specialist Costs

Without Medicare:

• Dermatology: $150-300
• Orthopedics: $200-400
• Gynecology: $200-350

Wait Times:

• 1-4 weeks (depending on specialist)
• Urgent cases: Within 1 week

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5. Using Emergency Department

5.1. When Should You Go to Emergency?

Life-Threatening Cases:

• ✅ Heart attack (chest pain)
• ✅ Stroke (slurred speech, paralysis)
• ✅ Severe bleeding
• ✅ Unconsciousness
• ✅ Breathing difficulty
• ✅ Severe burns
• ✅ Fracture (broken bone)

Should Go to GP Instead:

• ❌ Cold, flu
• ❌ Mild headache
• ❌ Stomach ache
• ❌ Minor cuts

5.2. Finding Emergency Department

Major Hospitals:

• Sydney: Royal Prince Alfred, St Vincent's
• Melbourne: Royal Melbourne, Alfred Hospital
• Brisbane: Royal Brisbane, Princess Alexandra

Open 24 hours

5.3. Emergency Department Process

Step 1: Triage (Classification)

• Nurse checks symptoms
• Classify priority (1-5 categories)
• Category 1 (immediate) → Category 5 (non-emergency)

Step 2: Waiting

• Wait according to priority
• Non-emergency: May wait 2-8 hours

Step 3: Consultation

• Doctor consultation
• Tests (X-ray, blood test)
• Treatment

Step 4: Payment

• With Medicare: Free
• Without Medicare: $300-1,000+

5.4. Calling 000 (Emergency)

When to Call:

• Life-threatening
• Cannot move
• Crime scene

How to Call:

000 (free)

"Ambulance, please"

- Address: [Your address]
- Situation: "My friend is unconscious"

Ambulance Costs:

• $600-1,200 (varies by state)
• You pay if not covered by insurance

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6. Using Community Health Centre

6.1. What is Community Health Centre?

Free Medical Services for Low Income:

• GP consultation
• Nurse counseling
• Mental health counseling
• Vaccinations

Eligibility:

• Temporary residents without Medicare
• Low income
• Homeless

6.2. How to Find

Website:

• healthdirect.gov.au
• Search "Community Health Centre"

Sydney:

• Sydney Local Health District Community Health
• Redfern Community Health Centre

Melbourne:

• North Richmond Community Health
• Collingwood Community Health Centre

Cost:

• Free or $20-30 (based on ability to pay)

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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I buy cold medicine at the pharmacy?

A. Common cold medicines (Panadol, Codral) are available without prescription. However, antibiotics require a prescription.

Q2. How do I go to the dentist?

A. Dentists can be booked directly without GP referral. However, they are very expensive ($200-500).

Q3. What about working holidaymakers without Medicare?

A. Get travel insurance (OVHC) or use Community Health Centre. Without insurance, medical fees are very expensive.

Q4. Will I be seen immediately at emergency?

A. No, priority is determined by Triage (classification) system. Non-emergency cases may wait 2-8 hours.

Q5. Is ambulance free?

A. No, in Australia you'll be charged $600-1,200. You pay if not covered by insurance.

Q6. Are there Korean-speaking GPs?

A. Yes, many Korean-speaking GPs in Koreatowns (Sydney Strathfield, Melbourne Box Hill). Google search "Korean GP near me".

Q7. How long is a prescription valid?

A. Generally 12 months. However, antibiotics should be used immediately.

Q8. Do I need GP referral for mental health counseling?

A. Through GP, you can get a Mental Health Care Plan for discounted counseling. Or call Lifeline (13 11 14) for free counseling.

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8. Final: Healthcare Usage Checklist

Before Getting Sick:

• Find nearby GP (within 10-minute walk)
• Get travel insurance
• Save emergency contact (000)
• Check Community Health Centre

When Sick:

• Non-emergency: GP appointment → Consultation → Prescription → Pharmacy
• Emergency: Call 000 → Ambulance → Emergency Department

Buying Medicine:

• Common medicine: Buy directly from pharmacy
• Antibiotics: GP prescription required

Australia's healthcare system is different from Korea, but once you understand it, it's not difficult. Prepare before getting sick!

Related Articles:

• Australia Working Holiday Insurance Guide
• Australia TFN Application Guide
• Australia Medicare Application Guide

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About the Author The WHRESUME team is in their 3rd year living in Melbourne and genuinely supports Australian working holiday makers. This guide is based on feedback from the working holiday community and analysis of official Australian sources.

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