The health system can be confusing.  If you or someone you care for are sick or injured, it can be difficult to know which health service to use, when you can use it, and how much it will cost.

ACT Health has produced a guide to help people who have moved to the ACT, newly arrived migrants and refugees, and anyone who wants to find out more about health services in the ACT.  You can use this book to help you make the right decision about which health service to use and find out how you can access the service. You can find the Using Health Services in the ACT book here.

If you are an asylum seeker and you are not eligible for a Medicare card, you can still use health services in ACT public hospitals for free, and ACT public dental and community health services for free or at a reduced cost.  The guide explains how you can get access to these services.  You are entitled to ask how much an appointment, test, or treatment will cost before you choose whether to go ahead with it.

You can use an interpreter to help you make a health service appointment or to help you talk to the doctor in the appointment. Phone 13 14 50 for a free interpreter.

ACT Health also has a guide for patients who are going to hospital and need to stay in hospital overnight.  You can find the Guide to the Canberra Hospital and the University of Canberra Hospital – For people being cared for overnight on the ACT Health website.

ACT Health has also produced a guide for for cancer patients, carers and families in the ACT and surrounding region, the Guide to Patient Support and Regional Cancer Services.

The Health Direct website has information about how the Australian healthcare system, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits System work.