Australia’s health care system provides a wide range of services including general practice, community health, emergency services and allied health services.
If you suffer emergency injuries or acute illnesses, you might need to go to a hospital. Emergency services are available to everyone in Australia at the accident and emergency unit of any public hospital, 24 hours a day. Learn more about South Australia’s public hospitals and health services.
If you need to see doctor (also known as a GP), you can find a list here. You should register with a local doctor when you arrive, so you have somewhere to go if you are sick.
A consultation with a doctor usually costs around AU$50 or more, depending on your doctor and your OSHC benefits. Some doctors might ask you to pay in full and claim your insurance benefit back later. Ask about payment when you make your appointment, and always keep your receipts.
There are medical practices available on-campus at:
healthdirect is a free 24-hour health advice line. If you have a health concern, but you’re not sure what to do next, call healthdirect to speak to a registered nurse. You’ll get health advice and directions to your nearest health services.
For free health advice, call: 1800 022 222
You can buy medicines and drugs from a pharmacy, also known as a chemist. You can buy some medications over the counter; others need a prescription from a doctor.
More Information
If you need to see a specialist, you can search for local providers in the Yellow Pages or contact your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider to understand what is covered.
Costs for these services can vary, and some treatments can be expensive, so be sure to compare quotes before booking your appointment.
Sun burn: Australia’s sun can be harsh, so it’s essential to use sunscreen, wear a hat and cover up with clothing that covers your arms, legs, back and neck. Particularly in the middle of the day. More Information here.
Dry skin: South Australia’s dry climate can lead to dry skin. Protect yourself by using moisturisers and lip balm, and by drinking water to stay hydrated.
Colds and flu (influenza): These are relatively common in Australia and usually occur during seasonal changes. If you have symptoms of a sore throat, runny nose, headaches or fever, you should see your doctor. For a Flu vaccine, speak to your doctor or local council.
The Migrant Health Service is a multilingual access centre where you can get health care and referral services. They offer health assessment, counselling, health education and language services.
Call: 1800 635 566
If you are feeling anxious, depressed or not quite yourself, know that you are not alone, it happens to a lot of us at some point in our lives, and help is available to you 24-hours a day.
Lifeline, 24-hour counselling service
Call: 13 11 14
Youth Beyond Blue, 24-hour counselling service
Call: 1300 224 636
ReachOut, online mental health resources
Headspace, online and face to face services
You can also visit our Wellbeing page.
SA Health has put together a fact sheet to help give you a better understanding about sexual health topics, and the healthcare system in SA. View the fact sheet here.
If you have a sexual health question, you can talk confidentially to a nurse by calling the FREE Shine SA Sexual Healthline.
Shine SA
Call: 1300 883 793
There are a range of services available in South Australia for people who experience problems with alcohol and other drugs, which means there are many options for people with different needs and treatment preferences.
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