Living in Melbourne? Five free/low-cost medical services (that you may not know about)

As Winter gets truly underway, many of us and our families are battling coughs and colds, driving on icy roads, supporting elderly relatives and more, that all take their toll on our health.

Did you know that if you live in Victoria (whether you’ve been here five days or fifty years!), there are several free or low-cost medical services that you and your family are entitled to access, at any time? You don’t need a regular GP, or a Medicare card.

Of course, in an emergency (a life-threatening situation, such as one where a person loses consciousness, has trouble breathing or moving parts of their body, is in extreme pain or experiences a serious injury), or even a suspected emergency, you should always call 000 (Triple Zero). It’s a free call, and the call-taker will be able to help you with what to do next.

But for everything else, here are five medical services that can help you, and your family, manage urgent but not life-threatening illnesses, injuries, pain, or caring duties, referrals to other medical services or even prescriptions – saving you long waits in an Emergency Department. For more information, click the heading links below.

Stay safe, warm and healthy this Winter!

1. 13-SICK

2. NURSE-ON-CALL

3. Supercare Pharmacies

4. Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)

5. Priority Primary Care Centres