Dealing with illness

Dealing with illness is often unexpected and stressful. Getting emotional and financial support can help you manage.

If you're in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, see urgent help with money to find services to help you with food, housing and bills.

1. Work out your medical costs

Medicare

When managing unexpected medical costs, take some time to find out what is covered by Medicare. If you find any of the information confusing to navigate, you can call Medicare for help on 132 011. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples can call the Indigenous Access Line on 1800 556 955.

Private Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance, contact your insurer to see what is covered, and how much of any cost will be covered. You can also learn more about private health insurance generally.  

2. Make a financial plan

If you need to take time off work, financial assistance may be available.

Leave from your employer

Most employees — but not casual employees — have various types of paid leave available. This includes paid sick leave and carer’s leave. You may also have some annual leave, long service leave, and compassionate leave.

If you have used up all your paid leave, you might also be able to take unpaid leave.

The Fair Work Ombudsman website has more information about the types of leave available, and your rights and responsibilities when you take leave.

Government assistance

If you're a carer, you may be able to get financial assistance from Centrelink. For more information, see Carer Allowance and Carer Payment.

Insurance cover

Some insurance policies cover costs related to illness. Check any policies you hold. Importantly, don’t forget to check any insurance you hold through your superannuation fund – you may have insurance through your super that you weren’t aware of. 

Types of insurance you may be able to claim are:

Getting your super early

In addition to insurance that you hold in your super, there are some circumstances where you can access your super, or some of your super, before retirement.

You may be able to access your super if illness or injury stops you from working.

Alternatively, you may be able to apply for compassionate release, to cover specific expenses for you or your dependant if you have no other way to pay.

This includes expenses like:

• medical treatment
• medical transport
• home modifications needed due to disability
• palliative care
• funeral costs
• mortgage payments to stop your home being sold.

Learn more about when you can access your super early.

3. Get financial support

Redo your budget

Unexpected medical costs mean it’s a good idea to do a new budget. Knowing what you spend your money on can help you find any areas where you might be able to cut back, if possible.

Help with bills and mortgage

If you're finding it hard to pay your utility bills or mortgage, contact your service provider or bank and ask to speak to their financial hardship team. They may be able to extend the due date, let you make smaller repayments over a longer period, or postpone your repayments.

For step-by-step help, see:

• Problems paying your bills and fines
• Problems paying your mortgage
• Struggling to pay your rent (National Debt Helpline website)

See a financial counsellor

If you're feeling overwhelmed, a financial counsellor can help you manage your money during a difficult time. They can help you review your budget, your bills and your debts, and find ways to improve your situation.

Financial counselling is a free and confidential service offered by not-for-profit community organisations.

4. Get emotional support

Finding out that you, or someone close to you, has a serious illness can be difficult. 

If you're struggling, a professional can give you confidential help and support.

Ask your doctor or search online to find support networks or groups. Connecting with others who are experiencing the same illness can also be a good way to share information.