The NSW Government is reminding families to take advantage of free routine health services already available in NSW including free urgent and virtual care; more bulk-billing GPs; and free flu nasal spray vaccines.
Families are encouraged to use these fee free health services ahead of an expected busy winter season. A family of four with two children under 5 could save almost $1,200 this year by using these health services.
Save on GP visits
Families can potentially save on GP costs by accessing a doctor for free through one of NSW’s urgent or virtual care services. The Minns Labor Government recently expanded virtual care so that it is available statewide and all NSW residents can access it.
The Minns Labor Government’s rollout of the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative has also seen more GPs continue to keep bulk-billing meaning NSW residents have more bulk-billing options.
The average out-of-pocket GP cost is $44.00. Australians need to see a GP on average six times a year. These reforms mean an individual could save up to $264.00 a year or family of four could save up to $1,056.00.
Since 1 July 2025, NSW residents have used urgent or virtual care services over 145,000 times. But one in 10 patients presenting to an emergency department say they “thought their condition ‘definitely’ could have been treated by a GP or other health professional.”
The NSW Government invested $224 million to deliver and continue the operation of 25 Urgent Care Services. These services are located in Sydney, Illawarra, Central Coast, Murrumbidgee, Mid North Coast, Northern NSW, and Western NSW.
By using urgent or virtual care ahead of a busy winter people could potentially spare themselves an unnecessary visit to a busy emergency department or an out-of-pocket GP cost. It’s as simple as phoning Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Free needle-free flu nasal spray vaccine
The Minns Labor Government recently announced the rollout of the free needle-free Flu Mist flu nasal spray vaccination for children between two and four years old. This can be accessed via your local GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia estimated the cost of obtaining the spray privately at between $70-80.
A family of four with two children under five could save up to $140.00 this winter.
While influenza and COVID-19 both remain at low levels currently, last winter saw influenza presentations to hospitals peak at 1,100 a week. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the new needle-free tear-free flu vaccine for under 5-year-olds.
Other free health services to take advantage of this winter
Free child and family health services for parents and carers of children up to five years old
These are free and offer health and development checks for your child, as well as providing support on a range of parenting issues, such as sleeping and settling, feeding, development and behaviour, and parental or carer wellbeing. Child and Family Health services often work in partnership with GPs and could be a suitable alternative for child and parenting related issues. NSW Health estimates that visiting a Child and Family Health Service could save a family $396.
Free dental care for children in NSW
All children in NSW are eligible for free dental services provided at NSW Health Public Dental Services. Regardless of eligibility for Child Dental Benefits Schedule, there will be no cost to you. The Minns Labor Government recently committed to expanding the NSW Health Mobile Dental Van program with new dental vans, which will be used as part of the NSW Health Primary School Mobile Dental Program and to provide outreach services in regional and rural areas. NSW Health estimates the average cost of living saving is $658.62, based on the equivalent cost of private dental services.
You can book a free dental appointment by contacting your nearest public dental service on 1800 679 336.
Free mental health care at 24 Medicare mental health hubs
NSW funding towards our Medicare Mental Health Centres and Kids Hubs means adults and children have access free mental health care in the network of 24 clinics. Service varies from centre to centre but can include psychological support, support from social workers, drug and alcohol workers. Hubs that have been funded by the Minns Labor Government are located in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Canterbury, Muswellbrook, Bathurst, Young, Blacktown, Kempsey, Tamworth, Broken Hill, Central Darling and Tweed. NSW Health estimates the average cost of living saving is $90 – 180 per session based on the equivalent cost of private mental health services.
You can access it or find a location near you by searching ‘Medicare Mental Health’, or make a free call to the national phone service on 1800 595 212
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:
“Basic healthcare shouldn’t be difficult or prohibitively expensive to access.
“We recognise families are under real pressure right now, with the rising cost of mortgages, rents, food and fuel, and we don’t want basic healthcare to take a backseat.
“These free or low-cost initiatives for families through the public health system, provide some relief right now which will keep money in the pockets of families.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“More people could be taking advantage of these services and I am encouraging more people to use them ahead of a busy winter.
“It could not only save you money but it could also spare you an unnecessary visit to the ED, which are typically very busy during winter.
“Young families could save almost $1,200 on health care costs this year by taking advantage of easy to access vital health services offered through NSW Health.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
“Getting help for your mental health should be easy and free. That’s why we’ve invested more than $58 million to establish a network of free mental health hubs for adults and children in every corner of our state.
“Thousands of families across NSW are already making the most of these centres, with Lismore, Liverpool and Penrith some of the busiest centres in 2025.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to universal, free healthcare and that rightly includes access to critical mental health support.”