Supporting teenagers access to healthcare

Knowing Your Rights and Where to Get Help

As parents and carers, we all want our young people to feel supported, healthy and confident in seeking help when they need it. However, navigating the healthcare system can sometimes feel overwhelming for teenagers, particularly when they are unsure where to start, worried about costs, or concerned about privacy.  

As part of our ongoing commitment to student health and wellbeing, I would like to share some important information to help families understand the barriers young people may experience when accessing healthcare, their rights to privacy and consent, and the support services available to them.  

What can stop young people from seeking help?  

Accessing healthcare means being able to find the right care, at the right time, in a way that feels safe, affordable and understandable. There are several reasons why teenagers may delay seeking medical or mental health support.  

Financial barriers can include GP fees, prescription medications, dental care, glasses and the cost of travelling to appointments. While Medicare helps cover many healthcare services, not every service is free. Families are encouraged to ask whether a GP appointment is bulkbilled and what out of pocket costs may apply before booking.  

Practical barriers may include long waiting lists, difficulty arranging transport, limited appointment availability or challenges accessing services that accommodate disability or sensory needs. Online booking systems and telehealth appointments can also present difficulties when young people lack access to suitable technology or a private space.  

Personal or social barriers are equally important. Teenagers may feel embarrassed about discussing their concerns, fear being judged, worry about receiving a diagnosis or feel uncertain about what to say to a health professional. Some may also be concerned about whether their parents or other people will find out about their appointment.  

These concerns are understandable. Young people deserve to receive respectful, appropriate healthcare without judgement, and no one should feel they need to have all the answers before asking for help.  

Understanding privacy, confidentiality and consent

One of the common concerns for teenagers is whether a doctor will automatically share everything discussed during an appointment with their parents.  

Health information is generally private, and teenagers can ask to speak with a health professional alone for part of an appointment. They can also ask the doctor to explain what will remain confidential before discussing personal concerns.  

However, confidentiality is not absolute. A health professional may need to share information in certain circumstances, such as when there are serious concerns about a young person’s safety, an emergency, or legal requirements that apply to their situation. A young person’s age and maturity, understanding and individual circumstances can all influence decisions about privacy and consent.  

It is also useful for families to understand the following:  

• My Health Record: From age 14, parents generally lose automatic online access to a young person’s My Health Record unless the young person invites them to access it as a representative. My Health Record is separate from the detailed clinical notes maintained by a GP or hospital.  

• Medicare: From age 15, young people can apply for their own Medicare card or remain on a family card.  

• Consent to treatment: At 16, many young people can consent to most medical and mental health treatments when the health professional is satisfied, they understand the treatment, its risks and benefits, and the consequences of their decision. Age alone does not determine every consent or confidentiality decision.  

These arrangements can be complex, so families and students should seek advice from their healthcare provider when they have questions about their particular circumstances.  

Helping teenagers take the first step

Parents and carers play an important role in helping young people develop confidence in managing their health. Encouraging open, calm conversations can make it easier for teenagers to speak up when something is wrong.  

You might encourage your teenager to:  

1. Identify their concern. Think about what has been happening, how long it has been occurring and whether it is getting worse.  

2. Choose a starting point. This could be a trusted adult, the school nurse, a GP, a pharmacist or a youth health service.  

3. Ask questions. Encourage them to ask about appointment costs, confidentiality, available support and what will happen next.  

4. Plan ahead. Writing down questions, arranging transport or asking a trusted person to accompany them can make an appointment feel less daunting.  

    

If your teenager is worried about cost, privacy or embarrassment, reassure them that these are common concerns and that they can ask for help working through them.  

Where can young people access support?

There are several services available to young people and families in Victoria.  

• School Nurse and Wellbeing Team: A starting point for discussing health concerns, exploring options and identifying appropriate support.  

• GP or community health service: Ask about bulk billing, fees, youth friendly services, interpreters and accessibility.  

• Headspace: Mental Health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12-25. headspace.org.au 

• Kids Helpline: Free, confidential counselling for young people aged 5-25, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au. 

• NURSE-ON-CALL: Victorian nurse advice line on 1300 60 60 24  

• Healthdirect: Health information and advice on 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au. 

For life threatening emergencies, phone 000.  

A community approach to student wellbeing

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that around one in four Australians aged 15 and over who needed to see a GP in 2024-25 delayed or did not attend a visit at least once. Cost was one of the reasons people delayed or skipped needed care. These figures highlight the importance of recognising barriers and helping people find practical ways to access support.  

As parents and carers, we can help by normalising conversations about physical and mental health, listening without judgement and reminding young people that asking for help is a positive step.  

My key message to students and families is you do not need to know exactly what help you need before reaching out. If you are unsure where to start, speak to a trusted adult, your GP or the school’s health and wellbeing team. Together, we can help young people feel informed, supported and confident in accessing the care they need.  

For further information about teenage healthcare privacy and consent, visit the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Teen Health Information resources or Services Australia for information about Medicare cards.