In rural and remote Australia, the way you access health care may look different to how you access it in a city. Knowing how to access health care and subsidies can help you get the health care you need.
Summary
- Telehealth may be available when you can’t access health care locally.
- You may be eligible for a state or territory government patient travel scheme. What is covered will depend on your state and current health condition.
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the difficulties of rural and remote access. It has different funding limits for those in rural and remote areas compared to metropolitan areas.
- Discuss emergency care with your General Practitioner (GP) or specialist and work with them to establish a plan for emergencies.
- Angel Flight or the Royal Flying Doctor Service may be able to assist with non-urgent travel to medical specialists.
Telehealth
When specialists are not locally available, you may be able to access telehealth. Telehealth can reduce the need to travel for care. Family members and caregivers can join the appointment. Social and health care providers can also attend.
- The Australian government's Digital health page offers more information on telehealth and how it works in Australia.
- Emerging Minds has a series of information sheets for parents. It's designed to help you get the most out of your child’s telehealth appointments.
Building a care team
In rural and remote Australia, accessing good health care can sometimes be tough. But finding a care team that really understands what you need can make all the difference. Explore our Building a care team in rural and remote Australia resource for more information.
Government support
Accommodation for health care visits
Hospitals
Many hospitals offer subsidised or low-cost accommodation for outpatients and their families. You can ask whether accommodation is available when you book your appointments. You can also explore the hospital’s website for accommodation information. This is normally located in visitor’s information sections.
MediStays
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Accessing clinical studies
Clinical studies can be a way to access specialised health care. We support people impacted by mito to participate in clinical studies. Find out more about participating in a clinical study.
Join the Mito Registry to stay informed about opportunities to take part in clinical studies relevant to you.
It can be particularly challenging to access clinical studies in rural and remote Australia. The Australia Teletrial Program aims to improve access. Find out more about the Australia Teletrial Program and how to access clinical studies.
Dealing with health emergencies
Familiarity with mito is not always guaranteed in rural and remote hospitals. In an emergency, there might not be enough time to explain the complexities of mito. There are steps you can take before a hospital visit. This will help avoid unsuitable treatments and improve health care for people impacted by mito.
To help prepare for a health care emergency, contact your local GP. Talk with them about potential future admission to the hospital. Discuss what emergency services are available in your area. This might include aeromedical health services. Develop an emergency care plan with your GP and specialist for emergencies. The plan should cover the treatments and symptom management you need and what to avoid.
Aeromedical health services
Angel Flight
Angel Flight runs non-emergency flights to specialist health care. It provides access to treatment and care to those living in rural and remote areas.
To fly, you must be in stable condition, able to enter and exit a small aircraft, and able to sit up for extended periods. Flights need to be requested by a health professional registered with Angel Flight. They can register online and then request a flight.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Healthdirect offers information about Patient Assistance Travel Schemes based on states and territories.
Services Australia has information and guidance for claiming telehealth services through Medicare.
Friendly Faces Helping Hands Foundation assists rural families with finding resources, support, and connections to city hospitals. They also offer a hotline.
​​Disclaimer: Resources provided by the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Limited (Mito Foundation), offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. It is essential to assess the suitability of the content for your individual circumstances and make decisions based on your medical condition. The information's accuracy is subject to change, and we do not guarantee ongoing currency or availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, Mito Foundation is not obligated to provide updated information. The copyright for this document and its content belongs to, or is licensed to, Mito Foundation, and reproduction without prior written consent is prohibited.​
Acknowledgement: Mito Foundation acknowledges the valuable contributions of our reviewers, we thank Rachael Mackinnon, a Clinical Nurse Consultant at NeuRa for her review. As well as Michelle, Kim, Alice and Diane, members of the mito community resource review panel.
Author: Mito Foundation
Version: 1
Date published: ​6 February 2025
