Australia Bulk Billing Rises: 63% of GP Care Now Bulk-Billed 2026

Australia bulk billing has surged, with almost two-thirds (63%) of Australians now bulk-billed for all their GP care, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) annual health of the nation report. This marks a significant rise from 56% in both 2024 and 2025, driven by federal government incentives for doctors.

The report, based on a survey of 2,766 GPs and Australian Bureau of Statistics data, reveals that the proportion of GPs bulk-billing all their patients more than doubled from 12% in 2025 to 26% in 2026. The findings underscore the impact of financial bonuses introduced in November 2025 to practices that bulk-bill all eligible services for all Medicare patients.

What Is Bulk Billing and Why Does It Matter?

Bulk billing is when a doctor bills Medicare directly for your visit, so you pay nothing out of pocket. It's a cornerstone of Australia's public health system, ensuring affordable access to primary care. The recent increase in bulk billing rates signals improved affordability, but challenges remain.

RACGP president Dr Michael Wright said the findings indicate "greater affordability across the board," though he noted that the proportion of people bulk-billed for all GP care remains below 2019 levels, when it was 70%. This suggests that while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement.

Key Findings from the RACGP Report

• 63% of Australians are now bulk-billed for all GP care, up from 56% in 2024 and 2025.
• 26% of GPs report bulk-billing all their patients, more than double the 12% in 2025.
• Delayed care due to cost fell from 8.8% in 2023-24 to 7.7% in 2024-25.
• Extra incentives introduced in November 2025 provide a 12.5% top-up payment to practices that bulk-bill all eligible services.
• Bulk billing rate remains below the 2019 peak of 70%.

Government Incentives Drive the Increase

In November 2025, the federal government introduced extra financial bonuses to practices that bulk-bill all eligible services for all Medicare patients. These clinics receive an additional 12.5% top-up payment, split between the practice and the doctor. This incentive aims to encourage more GPs to bulk-bill, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

The policy appears to be working: the proportion of GPs bulk-billing all patients doubled in a year. However, critics argue that the incentive may not be enough to sustain long-term change, especially in rural and remote areas where GP shortages persist.

Impact on Patients and Affordability

The report found that the proportion of Australians delaying GP care due to cost fell from 8.8% in 2023-24 to 7.7% in 2024-25. This decline suggests that more people are seeking timely care, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced strain on hospitals.

Dr Wright emphasized that greater affordability is crucial for preventive care. "When people can't afford to see a GP, they end up in emergency departments, which is costly for everyone," he said. The rise in bulk billing is a step toward a more equitable health system.

Comparison of Bulk Billing Rates Over Time

The table shows a clear upward trend in bulk billing rates since the introduction of incentives, though the 2019 peak has not yet been reached.

Challenges and What to Watch Next

Despite the progress, challenges remain. The bulk billing rate is still 7 percentage points below 2019 levels, and many practices, especially in rural areas, struggle to stay afloat. The RACGP report calls for continued investment in general practice to ensure all Australians can access affordable care. The background to this story is set out in Royal Mail Bulk Price Hike: NHS Facing Millions in Extra Costs. A related thread runs through Royal Mail Bulk Price Hike: NHS Faces Millions in Extra Costs. Earlier coverage in Royal Mail Bulk Price Hike Hits NHS and Businesses Hard shows how the argument developed.

Looking ahead, the government's upcoming budget may include further measures to support bulk billing. The RACGP has advocated for increased Medicare rebates and targeted incentives for underserved communities. Patients should watch for changes to bulk billing availability at their local clinics. A closer look at the same subject appears in AI Firms Suspected in Bulk Secondhand Book Orders. Anyone following the wider picture can start with AI Firms Suspected in Bulk Orders of Secondhand Books. The same theme surfaces in Australia: latest articles, which takes a different angle.

As Australia's healthcare landscape evolves, staying informed about bulk billing trends is essential. The recent data from the Australia news: Medicare bulk billing up, airport safety concerns provides valuable context for these developments. Context on how this played out before sits in Victoria Free Abortion Access: First State in Australia.