Number of Australians putting off GP visits doubles amid high appointment costs

As Australia's universal healthcare scheme, Medicare, celebrates its 40th anniversary, new data reveals patients are increasingly avoiding visits to the doctor due to high appointment costs.

Minister for Health Mark Butler arrives at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, January 29, 2024. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas / AAP

Key Points

• Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme that allows all Australians, and some overseas visitors, access to a range of health and hospital services at low or no cost.
• A Productivity Commission report has revealed the number of people delaying or not attending appointments due to price has doubled - rising from 3.5 to seven per cent in 12 months.
• In November last year, the government tripled the bulk-billing incentive for doctors to encourage more G-P clinics to offer bulk-billing services.