- After the Refugee Household Arrives in Australia
- At a glance
- Arrange early healthcare
- Understanding Australia's healthcare system
- Why GP appointments should usually be booked in advance.
- How to confirm whether a clinic offers bulk billing before attending.
- How to request a professional interpreter when needed.
- When to call an ambulance.
- Where the nearest major hospital is located.
- That GPs are the first point of contact for most non-urgent physical and mental health concerns.
- That seeking mental healthcare is common, appropriate and encouraged in Australia.
- Supporting healthcare providers
- Specialist refugee health support
- What's next?
After the Refugee Household Arrives in Australia #
Early engagement with healthcare services helps newcomers address immediate health needs while building the confidence to manage their healthcare independently.
At a glance #
- Arrange an initial Refugee Health or GP appointment within the first month.
- Encourage newcomers to understand and manage healthcare appointments independently.
- Help newcomers become familiar with Australia’s healthcare system, including when to seek emergency care.
Arrange early healthcare #
Refugee Health Assessment:
https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/refugee-health-assessment/
A Refugee Health Assessment includes a detailed medical history, mental health screening and a review of vaccination, medication and other healthcare needs. It may require more than one extended appointment.
Understanding Australia’s healthcare system #
Help newcomers understand:
Supporting healthcare providers #
Some GPs may not be aware that they can access free interpreters through the Telephone and Interpreting Service (TIS) National Doctors Priority Line.
TIS National Doctors Priority Line: 1300 131 450
Where local healthcare providers have limited experience working with refugee patients, CSGs can refer them to the Refugee Health Guide for practical clinical information.
Refugee Health Guide:
https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/
Specialist refugee health support #
If questions arise about a Refugee Household’s healthcare needs, CSGs and newcomers can seek advice from the Refugee Health Network of Australia or their state’s specialist Refugee Health Nurse Service. These services provide secondary consultation and can often support regional communities remotely.
Refugee Health Network of Australia:
http://www.refugeehealthaustralia.org/#contactus
Refugee Health Nurse Service:
http://refugeenursesaustralia.org/
“Helping newcomers understand Australia’s healthcare system builds confidence, supports independence and encourages timely access to care.”
