There are online services available for non-life threatening emergencies, as well as telephone helplines available for non-urgent medical advice and mental health crisis support.
Should I go to Emergency?
If you're not sure whether your situation is an emergency:
- Use Healthdirect's online symptom checker for advice on the best place to receive care for your symptoms
- Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 to speak to a nurse directly
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is a free public health service for treating non-life-threatening emergencies.
Access emergency care from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not require a Medicare card to use this service.
After-hours doctor services
National Home Doctor provides after-hours, bulk-billed home visits from a doctor. Call 13 SICK.
DoctorDoctor is a bulk-billed Medicare after-hours medical service providing telehealth and home visits.
Access online doctors’ appointments, prescriptions and other services via Medmate.
Contact Nurse on Call
NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 606 024) is a Victorian phone service providing immediate, expert advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This service is best where:
- You or someone you care for is feeling unwell
- You are not sure if you should seek medical help
- You are physically a long way away from medical help
- You need advice about health services in your local area
Call a telephone helpline
There are many telephone helplines available for non-urgent medical advice or mental health crisis support. These are generally free or provided at the cost of a local call (some charges may apply to mobile users).
Health lines
Victorian Poisons Information Centre
In the case of a poisoning incident, the Victorian Poisons Information Centre can advise you what first aid is required, whether it is necessary to call an ambulance, to go to the doctor or whether nothing needs to be done. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mental health lines
For adult survivors of trauma and abuse.
9am to 5pm, 7 days
For those with eating disorders and body image issues.
8am to midnight, 7 days
Free general mental health guidance and advice
8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Support and training for those with a mental illness
10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday
24/7 telephone counselling and referral to services for people affected by addiction.
Free, 24/7 support for people impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence.
To support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people of all ages.
3pm to midnight, 7 days
For those suffering from perinatal anxiety and depression.
9:00am to 7:30pm, Monday to Friday
9am to 4pm on Saturdays and public holidays