What is a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are helping to ease pressure on hospitals and giving Australian families more accessible options to see a healthcare professional when they need urgent, but not life-threatening, medical care.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics:
Accept walk-in patients – no appointment needed
Provide free (bulk billed) services
Are open for extended hours
Treat conditions that don’t require a hospital stay, such as sprains, minor fractures, small burns, wounds, infections, and illnesses
Are located in existing GP clinics and health centres.

Medicare UCCs do not provide chronic disease management plans or preventative health checks like cervical screening tests. Your regular GP should still be your first point of contact for routine and non-urgent healthcare.

Do I need to pay to visit a Medicare UCC?

No – Medicare UCCs are completely free for urgent care, such as minor injuries and illnesses, including closed fractures, simple eye injuries, small burns, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and ear infections.

If you have a Medicare card or number, bring it with you when you visit a Medicare UCC.

What are the opening hours for Medicare UCCs?

Medicare UCCs are open longer than standard GP clinics, including evenings and weekends.

To check specific opening hours, contact the clinic directly or visit their website.
A full list of open Medicare UCCs can be found here: health.gov.au/MedicareUCC

How do I know if my condition is urgent?

Urgent care is for medical issues that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. This includes injuries or illnesses that can’t wait for a regular GP appointment but don’t require a hospital emergency department.

If your condition is routine or non-urgent, the Medicare UCC may refer you to a GP or medical practice.

If you need emergency care, call triple zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.

This information is shared by Autism Advisory & Support Service on behalf of the Australian Government to help families access the right care when they need it.