Millions Skip GP Visits Due to Rising Healthcare Costs
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Is the Cost of Living Forcing Australians to Delay Essential Healthcare?
Australia’s Medicare-funded health system is built on the promise that people can access essential care when they need it. Yet for many Australians, that promise is increasingly colliding with a more difficult reality: gap fees, fewer bulk-billing appointments, rising prescription costs, dental bills, and household budgets already stretched by rent, mortgages, food, energy and transport.
The latest national data show that 7.7% of Australians who needed to see a GP delayed or did not attend because of cost in 2024–25. That is an improvement from 8.8% in 2023–24, but it remains more than double the 3.4% recorded in 2018–19.
So, is affordability becoming a barrier to essential healthcare in Australia? Yes. Rising cost-of-living pressure is causing many Australians to postpone or skip GP visits, prescriptions, dental care, mental healthcare, tests and specialist services. Recent bulk-billing measures appear to have helped slightly, but the gap between current access and pre-pandemic levels shows this is still a structural healthcare affordability problem, not a temporary setback.
How Australia’s Healthcare Affordability Problem Developed
Australia’s primary-care system relies heavily on Medicare rebates. When a patient sees a GP, Medicare may cover part or all of the consultation cost. If the doctor bulk bills, they accept the Medicare benefit as full payment, meaning the patient pays no direct fee.
But a Medicare rebate does not automatically mean a visit is free. If a clinic charges more than the rebate, the patient pays the difference — known as the gap fee or out-of-pocket cost. As clinic costs have risen and fewer practices have been able or willing to bulk bill every patient, these gap fees have become a bigger barrier.
Before the pandemic, the share of Australians delaying GP care due to cost was relatively low. In 2018–19, 3.4% of people who needed GP care delayed or missed it because of cost. The rate later rose sharply, reaching 7.0% in 2022–23, 8.8% in 2023–24, and 7.7% in 2024–25.
Visual: GP Care Delayed Because of Cost
| Year | Australians who needed GP care and delayed/did not attend due to cost |
|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 3.4% |
| 2022–23 | 7.0% |
| 2023–24 | 8.8% |
| 2024–25 | 7.7% |
What this shows: The latest figure is moving in the right direction, but delayed GP care remains much higher than before the pandemic.
The reason is simple: when household budgets tighten, healthcare can appear “deferrable”, especially if symptoms seem mild. A person may decide to wait a few weeks before booking a GP appointment, delay a dental check-up, stretch medication, or avoid a test because rent, groceries or utilities feel more urgent. The danger is that delayed care can allow manageable conditions to worsen, leading to more complex and expensive treatment later.
What the Latest Data Reveal
The headline national figure is important, but it does not capture the full scale of healthcare affordability pressure. The 7.7% statistic applies specifically to people who needed GP care and delayed or missed it because of cost in 2024–25. It should not be read as meaning exactly 7.7% of the whole population skipped a GP visit.
However, when GP visits, prescriptions, dental treatment, mental-health appointments, medical tests and specialist care are considered together, the practical impact reaches a much wider group.
A 2024 ABC/YouGov poll found that 46% of Australians had postponed medical or dental treatment because of cost-of-living concerns, while 76% reported difficulty finding bulk-billing doctors. HealthEngine’s 2024 Australian Healthcare Index reported that 75% of respondents said cost-of-living increases influenced healthcare decisions, with 60% delaying GP or doctor visits and 53% delaying dental treatment.
These survey results are not directly interchangeable with official national statistics because they measure different populations and behaviours. But together, they point to the same trend: healthcare costs are influencing decisions that should ideally be based on clinical need.
Official Data vs Consumer Surveys
| Evidence type | What it measures | Key finding |
|---|---|---|
| Official national data | People who needed GP care and delayed or missed it due to cost | 7.7% in 2024–25. |
| ABC/YouGov poll | Broader medical and dental postponement due to cost-of-living pressure | 46% postponed treatment; 76% struggled to find bulk-billing doctors. |
| HealthEngine Index | Consumer-reported impact of cost of living on healthcare choices | 75% said costs affected healthcare decisions. |
| Cleanbill pricing data | Clinic-level out-of-pocket GP costs | Average standard GP out-of-pocket cost: $49.23. |
Why a $50 Gap Fee Can Be a Serious Barrier
Recent Cleanbill data reported by the ABC found the average out-of-pocket cost for a standard GP consultation was $49.23, with non-bulk-billed metropolitan patients paying about $48.89 per visit.
For some households, that fee may be manageable. For others, especially families, people with chronic illness, or patients needing repeated appointments, it can quickly become prohibitive. A single GP visit may be followed by medication costs, pathology, imaging, a specialist referral, transport expenses or time away from work.
RACGP reporting has previously estimated that 1.2 million Australians skipped GP visits in 2022–23 due to cost concerns. The concern from general practice groups is that affordability remains a major barrier, while clinics themselves face rising operating costs, including wages, rent, technology, insurance and administration.
This creates a difficult tension: patients expect essential primary care to remain affordable, while many practices argue Medicare rebates do not adequately cover the real cost of delivering care.
State and Regional Differences: The NSW Example
Healthcare affordability is not evenly distributed across Australia. In NSW, reporting found the share of people postponing GP visits because of cost rose from 2.8% in 2020 to 9.5% in 2024, described as a 246% increase over four years. Among lower-income NSW residents, postponement or avoidance reportedly increased by 301% over the same period.
Regional and remote patients may face added barriers. When there are fewer clinics nearby, less competition, limited bulk-billing availability and longer travel distances, patients cannot simply “shop around” for a cheaper appointment. Telehealth can help in some cases, but it is not suitable for every symptom, examination or ongoing condition.
This is where affordability becomes postcode inequality. A patient in one suburb may have multiple bulk-billing options, while another in a regional town may face long waits, travel costs, or a private gap fee as the only practical choice.
Who Is Most Affected?
Lower-income households are most exposed because they have less room to absorb unexpected costs. The Consumers Health Forum reported that one in ten people in the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas delayed or went without prescription medicine when needed because of cost. Skipping medication can be especially risky for conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure or mental illness, where missed doses can destabilise health.
People with chronic illness also face repeated costs. A single gap fee is one thing; regular GP reviews, pathology tests, medication adjustments, allied-health visits and specialist appointments can create an ongoing financial burden. Evidence indicates that people with chronic illness report higher levels of unmet health need.
Recent ABC reporting also found people from non-English-speaking backgrounds and LGBTQI Australians were more likely to report unmet healthcare needs. Cost can interact with other barriers, including difficulty navigating the system, limited culturally safe or affirming services, transport challenges and communication issues. Experiences vary widely within these groups, but the pattern highlights how affordability can compound existing access problems.
Importantly, the issue is no longer limited to people on the lowest incomes. Guardian reporting has suggested that some middle- and higher-income Australians are also delaying GP visits as mortgage, rent, childcare, grocery and energy costs put pressure on household budgets. That does not erase the disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities, but it does show healthcare affordability is now both an equity issue and a broader cost-of-living issue.
What Delayed Care Looks Like in Practice
A 2026 ABC report described a consumer survey in which nearly half of Australians said they had avoided a doctor, dentist, test or prescription in the previous year because of cost. This kind of survey complements official data by showing how people experience healthcare affordability in daily life.
A typical pattern might look like this: symptoms appear manageable, the patient checks the likely consultation fee, then delays booking because rent, food or utility bills take priority. If symptoms worsen, they may eventually seek urgent care, require more tests, or need treatment that could have been simpler earlier.
This does not mean every delayed GP visit leads to a serious outcome. But at a system level, delayed primary care increases the risk of worsening illness, preventable complications and additional pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
Policy Response: Has Bulk Billing Improved?
The federal government expanded bulk-billing incentives in 2025–26, and the national delayed-care rate improved from 8.8% in 2023–24 to 7.7% in 2024–25. That suggests policy may be helping, although the data do not prove that incentives alone caused the improvement.
The improvement is meaningful, but it is not enough to declare the problem solved. The rate remains well above the 3.4% pre-pandemic level. Many clinics still charge significant gap fees, and access varies widely by location and practice.
There is also a difference between bulk billing existing somewhere in the system and a patient being able to find a suitable, timely, bulk-billed appointment nearby. The ABC/YouGov finding that 76% of respondents struggled to find bulk-billing doctors helps explain why headline bulk-billing availability may not reflect real-world access.
Comparing Common Care Options
| Care option | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk-billed GP appointment | No direct patient fee; especially valuable for families, concession-card holders and frequent users. | Availability varies by postcode, clinic policy and appointment type. Waiting times may be longer. |
| Private GP appointment with Medicare rebate | May offer faster access and more choice of appointment times or doctors. | Gap fees can approach or exceed $48 per visit, and repeated visits can become expensive. |
| Telehealth or phone consultation | Can reduce travel time and may suit repeat prescriptions or selected follow-ups. | Not suitable for all symptoms; fees, rebates and availability vary. |
The right option depends on urgency, clinical need, location, continuity of care and cost. Price matters, but it should not be the only factor when symptoms require examination or ongoing monitoring.
How to Reduce the Risk of Delaying Necessary Care
Individuals cannot solve a systemic affordability problem on their own, but clearer cost information can help reduce uncertainty and avoid unsafe delays.
Before booking, ask the clinic whether the appointment will be bulk billed, what the full fee is, what Medicare rebate applies, and whether extra charges could apply for procedures, forms or tests. If possible, request the information in writing or check the clinic’s current website, but confirm directly because billing policies can change.
For non-urgent care, compare nearby practices, telehealth options and available appointment times. Look at the total gap fee, not just the advertised consultation price. If you have an ongoing condition, ask whether some follow-ups can be safely handled by telehealth, a nurse, pharmacist or chronic-care program.
For dental, specialist or test-related expenses, ask for a written estimate, staged treatment plan, payment options, or public and community-service alternatives. If you are considering delaying a test, prescription or referral, ask the clinician what risk the delay creates.
Most importantly, cost should not determine timing when symptoms are severe, sudden or rapidly worsening. Emergency services should be used for emergencies, and health advice lines or clinicians can help with triage when you are unsure.
Questions to Ask a GP Clinic Before Booking
- Will this appointment be bulk billed?
- If not, what is the full fee and expected Medicare rebate?
- What will my out-of-pocket gap be?
- Are concession-card holders, children or chronic-care patients billed differently?
- Are there extra fees for longer appointments, procedures, forms or tests?
- Is telehealth appropriate and available for this issue?
Challenges and Potential Solutions
The biggest challenge is that gap fees can be high and unpredictable. Patients may not know the final cost until after the appointment, making it harder to plan. Clearer upfront fee disclosure, better local pricing information, expanded bulk-billing incentives and improved Medicare rebate design could help.
Another challenge is uneven access by postcode. Regional, remote and disadvantaged communities may have fewer affordable providers, making targeted workforce programs and location-specific incentives essential.
Affordability policy also needs to extend beyond GP consultations. Australians are delaying prescriptions, dental care, mental healthcare and tests. If policy focuses too narrowly on GP billing, patients may still miss essential parts of their care.
Finally, governments need better ways to measure real access. Billing data alone may not capture waiting times, travel burdens, local appointment availability or whether patients can find culturally safe and clinically appropriate care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medicare rebate mean the appointment is affordable?
No. A Medicare rebate reduces the patient’s cost but may still leave a substantial gap fee. Recent Cleanbill data put the average out-of-pocket cost for a standard GP consultation at $49.23. Affordability also depends on how often you need care and whether medicines, tests or referrals are involved.
Can a GP refuse to bulk bill a concession-card holder?
Clinic billing policies vary depending on the practice, appointment type, patient category and government rules. A concession card may improve access to lower-cost care, but it does not always guarantee a free appointment. Patients should confirm the fee and rebate before attending.
Why is it still hard to find a bulk-billing doctor?
A clinic may bulk bill only certain patients, appointment types or times. It may also have long waits or limited capacity. This helps explain why 76% of respondents in one 2024 poll reported difficulty finding bulk-billing doctors.
What if I cannot afford a prescribed medicine?
Speak to the prescriber or pharmacist before skipping doses. Ask whether a lower-cost generic, concession arrangement, safety-net support or alternative medication is suitable. Do not stop essential medication without professional advice, especially for chronic conditions.
Are telehealth appointments always cheaper?
No. Telehealth can reduce travel and time costs, but the consultation may still involve a fee, and follow-up prescriptions, tests or referrals may add costs. Telehealth is most useful when the issue can be safely managed without a physical examination.
Does delaying a GP visit always lead to worse health?
Not always. But delay can allow some conditions to worsen, especially rapidly changing symptoms, chronic disease, mental-health deterioration or medication interruptions. If cost is a concern, ask a clinician how long it is safe to wait.
Why are regional and remote patients sometimes paying more?
They may have fewer providers, less competition, higher clinic operating costs and longer travel distances. When local practices do not bulk bill, patients may have little practical ability to find a cheaper option.
Key Takeaways
- 7.7% of Australians who needed GP care delayed or missed it because of cost in 2024–25.
- This is down from 8.8% in 2023–24, but still far above 3.4% in 2018–19.
- Cost pressures also affect prescriptions, dental care, mental healthcare, tests and specialist services.
- Lower-income households, people with chronic illness, regional communities and some culturally diverse and LGBTQI Australians face higher risks.
- Expanded bulk-billing incentives appear to have helped, but gap fees, workforce shortages and postcode inequality remain major barriers.
Conclusion: A Modest Improvement, Not the End of the Crisis
The answer to the headline question is clear: yes, cost-of-living pressure is forcing many Australians to delay essential healthcare. The latest national data show some improvement, with delayed GP care falling from 8.8% to 7.7%, but the rate remains well above pre-pandemic levels.
Australia’s healthcare affordability problem is not only about individual budgeting. It reflects the interaction of household financial stress, Medicare rebate settings, clinic operating costs, workforce shortages, regional access gaps and rising demand for care.
Affordable primary care is more than a household convenience. It is a public-health safeguard. A healthcare system should be judged not only by whether services exist, but by whether people can access them when they need them.
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