Heading away this spring or summer? Know your care options.

Spring and summer are great times to get away, explore Victoria, and making memories with family and friends.

But if you or your family get sick, injured or need medical help while you're away, it can be hard to know where to go. Before you travel, take a few minutes to learn about your healthcare options. Knowing where to get help can save you time, stress, and uncertainty if something unexpected happens.

Be prepared before you go. Know your care options.

Where should I go for care?

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Download 'Where should I go for care?'

If you or someone with you is seriously unwell, or you think it is a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Life-threatening emergencies include:
- chest pain or chest tightness
- sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
- large burns
- serious accidents
- severe bleeding
- difficulty breathing
- extreme pain
- unconsciousness
When you call Triple Zero (000), the call-taker will assess the situation and help determine the right response. Learn more about calling an ambulance.(opens in a new window)
When you or someone with you needs care quickly, but it is not a life-threatening emergency, there are many options available to you.
Virtual Emergency Department
Best for: “I need urgent clinical care, but I may not need to leave home.”
The Virtual Emergency Department provides free video consultations with an emergency doctor or nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's available to anyone. You do not need a general practitioner (GP) referral, appointment or Medicare card.
Before you travel, take a few minutes to pre-register (opens in a new window)and learn how to access the Virtual Emergency Department.(opens in a new window)
Urgent Care Clinics
Best for: “I need to see a health professional today, but it isn’t an emergency.”
Victoria’s Urgent Care Clinics provide walk-in treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening health conditions such:
- infections
- fever
- minor burns
- cuts
- fractures
- sprains.
They are open seven days a week, and you do not need an appointment, GP referral or Medicare card.
In metropolitan areas, you will find Urgent Care Clinics which are free and GP-led. In rural and regional areas, you will find Urgent Care Centres, which are nurse-led and may charge fees for some services.
Before you travel, find your nearest Urgent Care Clinic(opens in a new window) at your destination.
Nurse-on-Call
Best for: “I’m not sure how serious this is or what I should do.”
If you're unsure what to do, you can call 1300 60 60 24 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nurse can:
- give you health advice
- help you decide what to do next
- transfer your call to Triple Zero (000) if it is a life-threatening emergency.
Save the Nurse-on-Call number (1300 60 60 24) in your phone and learn more about the service on the Health Direct website.(opens in a new window)
If your health concern is minor, non-urgent, ongoing, you can see a:
- general practitioner
- pharmacist
- after-hours doctor
- community health service.
Pharmacists can assist with medicines, health advice and some minor health concerns. If your regular general practitioner is unavailable, an after-hours doctor may be able to help.
Before you set off on your trip, look up the nearest general practitioner clinic and pharmacy(opens in a new window) at your destination.

Translated resources

Resources are available in multiple languages to help everyone understand important health information.

Find out more about our translated resources

Updated 12 November 2026