Finding a GP that bulk bills can feel harder than it used to be. National bulk billing rates dropped from 89% in 2020 to around 78% in 2024, and many practices have shifted to mixed billing — meaning you might pay a gap fee even at a clinic that used to be free.
The good news: bulk billing hasn't disappeared. And with the government's expanded Bulk Billing Incentive Program (launched November 2025), more practices are returning to full bulk billing. Here's how to find one near you.
What is bulk billing?
Bulk billing means the GP bills Medicare directly for your consultation. You pay nothing out of pocket — Medicare covers the full cost. The doctor accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment rather than charging you a higher fee and leaving you with a "gap".
You'll need a valid Medicare card. When you arrive, you sign a Medicare assignment form (or do it digitally), and the clinic handles the rest.
Who can be bulk billed?
Any Medicare-eligible patient can be bulk billed — it's the GP's choice whether to offer it. However, some groups are more likely to be bulk billed:
Children under 16 and Commonwealth concession card holders have always attracted higher bulk billing incentive payments for GPs. Since November 2025, the government expanded eligibility for bulk billing incentives to all Medicare-eligible patients, making it financially easier for GPs to bulk bill everyone.
Practices that bulk bill 100% of their patients can also register for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), which provides additional payments on top of the standard incentive.
How to find a bulk billing GP
1. Search by suburb on GPScout
Start with our homepage search. Enter your suburb or postcode to see all GP practices in your area. While we're working on adding billing status to each listing, you can use the practice names to call ahead and confirm their billing policy.
2. Call before you book
Billing policies vary by appointment type. A practice might bulk bill standard consultations but charge a gap for longer appointments, procedures, or after-hours visits. Always ask:
"Do you bulk bill standard GP consultations for adults with a Medicare card?"
This one question saves you from surprises at the front desk.
3. Check Healthdirect Service Finder
The government's Healthdirect Service Finder includes some billing information, though it's not always up to date. Cross-reference with a phone call to confirm.
4. Look at community health centres
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, community health centres, and nurse-led clinics are more likely to bulk bill. Browse our health services directory to find these in your area.
5. Try newer practices
Newly opened practices often bulk bill to attract patients. Corporate clinic chains (like Myhealth, SmartClinics, and National Home Doctor Service) also tend to bulk bill more frequently than independent practices.
Why are fewer GPs bulk billing?
The Medicare rebate — what the government pays the GP for a bulk-billed visit — hasn't kept pace with the cost of running a practice. Rent, staff wages, insurance, and medical supplies have all increased faster than the rebate. When the gap between costs and rebate grows too large, practices start charging patients directly.
The government's expanded bulk billing incentives are designed to close this gap. Early data from the BBPIP rollout suggests the decline has stabilised and rates are beginning to recover.
What if you can't find a bulk billing GP?
If no bulk billing practices are available near you, you have a few options. First, ask about selective bulk billing — some mixed-billing practices will bulk bill concession card holders, children, or patients with chronic conditions even if they charge a gap for other patients. Second, try telehealth — many telehealth GP services bulk bill all consultations, and you can see a doctor from home. Third, check if your area has a walk-in centre or nurse-led clinic — these are often free. You can find them in our walk-in centres directory.