Health care when you live far from town

Education only. This page gives general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor. If you are worried about a symptom, see your general practitioner or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, call 000.

The challenge

Women on stations, farms and in small towns can live hours from the nearest doctor or hospital. Phone and internet can be patchy. Midlife symptoms are easy to put off when a visit means a day away from home.

Ways to get care closer to home

Royal Flying Doctor Service clinics, which visit many remote communities and stations
Telehealth appointments with a general practitioner, by phone or video
Your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Mobile BreastScreen vans, which visit country towns on a set schedule
Bowel screening kits, which come by post and are done at home
Cervical screening by self collection, which is quick and private

Plan ahead

Book the Medicare menopause health assessment for a day you are already in town
Use our symptom checklist so nothing is forgotten in a short appointment
Ask for longer prescriptions and keep a spare supply of regular medicines
Keep a list of your medicines, allergies and conditions in your phone and in the car
Know where your nearest emergency service is, and how long it takes to get there

In an emergency

Call 000. If your own mobile network has no coverage, try 112. It can connect through another carrier's network if one is in range. The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides 24 hour emergency care in many parts of Australia.

Talk to us

Our free workshops cover this and more, in plain language, with time for questions. See our programmes or get support.