Almost two-thirds of Australians bulk-billed for all GP care amid extra incentives for doctors
Summary
A Royal Australian College of General Practitioners report says 63% of Australians were bulk-billed for all their GP care, up from 56% in 2024 and 2025. The report links the increase to government incentives, while noting that bulk-billing rates alone do not show whether patients can access good-quality care or achieve better health outcomes.Key Facts
- The report surveyed 2,766 GPs, about 7% of Australia's GP workforce.
- Twenty-six percent of surveyed GPs said they bulk-billed all their patients, up from 12% in 2025.
- Since November, practices that bulk-bill all eligible services for all Medicare patients have been eligible for a 12.5% top-up payment, split between the practice and the doctor.
- The share of Australians who delayed GP care because of cost fell from 8.8% in 2023–24 to 7.7% in 2024–25.
- The share of patients bulk-billed for all GP care remains below the 70% reported in 2019.
- Medicare data shows 81% of GP consultations were bulk-billed in 2025–26, up from 78% the previous year; these figures measure services, not patients.
- The RACGP is calling for higher Medicare rebates for longer consultations and an independent authority to set primary care prices.
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