Did you know that if you live in Victoria – even if you have recently arrived in Australia – there are several free or low-cost medical services that you and your family are entitled to access, at any time?
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 links below.
1. 13-SICK
13 SICK provides no-cost (bulk billed) visits from a doctor or telehealth appointments, outside of business hours. This includes weekends, public holidays, and between 6pm-8am on weeknights. 13 SICK doctors can help with non life-threatening sickness, pain or injuries, prescriptions and referrals to other medical services for all members of your family. They can also help you with medical, health or care worries about elderly people.
What you need to do: Call 13 7425 (13 SICK) or visit their website here
2. Nurse on Call
Nurse on Call is a free service offering 24 hour advice from a registered nurse, for anybody living in Victoria. They can advise you on what to do next if you are feeling sick, are caring for another person who is unwell, or if you cannot access a medical centre or medication due to your location or the time.
What you need to do: Call 1300 60 60 24 or visit their website here
3. Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is a free service that provides appointments with Emergency doctors and nurses via a video call. The VVED can provide medical help, referrals and advice for emergencies that are non life-threatening, like asthma, bronchitis, Covid-19, vomiting, UTI, seizure, chronic illness, falls or early pregnancy problems. Anybody in Victoria can use VVED.
What you need to do: Visit vved.org.au/ to register and join a virtual waiting room for a consultation.
4. Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent Care Clinics are free clinics across Victoria that provide medical help from doctors and nurses, for conditions that are urgent but not life-threatening emergencies. They can help you see a doctor faster than waiting in a hospital’s Emergency department and will save you time. At an Urgent Care clinic, you can be seen and treated for fevers, infections, headaches, stomach pains, cuts, burns, and bone fractures or sprains.
In Melbourne’s north and west, there are Urgent Care Clinics in Craigieburn, Epping, Sunshine, Heidelberg, Sunbury, Melton and Werribee.
What you need to do: Find your nearest Urgent Care Clinic and their contact details here
5. DoctorDoctor
DoctorDoctor are bulk billed (low cost) after hours doctors appointments for people living in Melbourne who have a Medicare card. They can provide medical care at your home or in the doctor’s clinic, to help with problems like fevers, headaches, migraines, coughs and colds, rashes, UTI’s and stomach problems.
What you need to do: Call 13 26 60 or visit their website here to book an appointment
Even if you are new in Australia, remember – there are many services that are here to help you.
From all of us at Spectrum – stay safe and healthy this Winter!
Kelsey Dattoli, Communications Coordinator
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
