Healthcare in Australia is widely regarded as one of the world’s most accessible systems thanks to Medicare, the nation’s universal health insurance scheme. However, when focusing specifically on men’s health there are unique challenges, disparities, and opportunities that deserve attention. Men in Australia experience distinct health risks, patterns of service use, and outcomes compared with women, and understanding how services are structured — and how men engage with them — is vital for improving wellbeing across the lifespan.
Table of Contents
1. The Health Landscape for Men in Australia
Key Health Outcomes
Australian males experience different health trends compared with females:
- Preventable mortality: Men are more likely to die prematurely — on average dying five years younger than women. Around 50 Australian men die every day from preventable causes before age 75.
- Chronic disease: Nearly half of Australian males have at least one chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes or respiratory illness.
- Mental health: Roughly 43% of men have experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime.
- Cancer and sexual health: Men face higher incidences of prostate and testicular cancers and are at ongoing risk from sexually transmissible infections.
- Despite these challenges, many indicators show men use health services less often than women, which contributes to poorer outcomes.
2. Core Healthcare Services Available to Men
Australia’s health system provides a broad range of services that men can access. These include primary care, specialist care, preventive screening, mental health support, telehealth services, and community-based programs.
Primary Health Care
The backbone of healthcare is general practice (GP services):
- Most Australians, including men, rely on GPs as the first point of contact for health concerns.
- Medicare subsidises GP appointments, often through bulk-billing, which means no out-of-pocket cost for patients — although bulk-billing rates have fluctuated in recent years.
- Men aged 15 and over visited a GP in the last year at a lower rate than women, and younger men especially may delay visits until symptoms worsen.
GPs can manage a wide range of issues relevant to men, including physical check-ups, chronic disease management, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health referrals.
Preventive Screening Programs
Prevention is a critical part of healthcare, and Medicare-linked programs support early detection:
- Bowel cancer screening: Through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, eligible Australians (now including men aged 45–49 by request) receive kits to detect early disease.
- Lung cancer screening: A new national program for high-risk individuals using low-dose CT scans is rolling out, with important implications for male health given smoking-related risks.
Regular screening helps catch conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease early, when treatment can be most effective.
Specialist and Allied Health Services
Men may also require specialist care for conditions such as:
- Cardiology
- Urology (including prostate health)
- Endocrinology (hormonal issues)
- Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists)
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Medicare can subsidise many specialist consultations and allied health services, though waiting lists and out-of-pocket costs sometimes present barriers.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is a major aspect of men’s health:
- Men are less likely than women to seek mental health support — even when needed — and may present later in crisis situations.
- Medicare supports sessions with psychologists and psychiatrists via Mental Health Care Plans, where a GP refers the patient for subsidised therapy sessions.
- Online and in-person crisis support services, such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue, and headspace for younger men, provide free or low-cost help.
Men’s reluctance to seek help is often shaped by societal expectations about masculinity and toughness, which can hinder engagement with mental health services.
Telehealth and Virtual Men’s Health Services
In recent years, telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for men who might prefer privacy or face geographic barriers:
- Private telehealth company providers offer men-focused virtual services addressing sexual health, prostate checks, mental health, and preventive assessments.
- Services including after hours doctor companies provide secure telehealth consultations for hormone therapy, mental wellbeing, and general health concerns across the country.
- Many GPs now offer telehealth appointments subsidised by Medicare, making care more accessible regardless of location.
Telehealth can reduce stigma and make it easier for men to seek help, especially for sensitive concerns.
Community & Support Programs
In addition to clinical services, community initiatives complement formal healthcare:
- The Australian Men’s Shed Association supports social connection and wellbeing through local Men’s Sheds, where men gather to share activities, build skills, and foster community — important factors for mental health.
- Organisations such as the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) advocate for stronger, evidence-based men’s health services and raise awareness of male health disparities.
- Programs like the Top Blokes Foundation focus on young men and boys, offering mentoring and wellbeing support.
Campaigns like Movember — where participants raise awareness and funds through grown moustaches and community events each November — spotlight issues like suicide prevention, prostate cancer awareness, and men’s mental health.
3. Challenges Facing Men’s Health Care Access
Despite a comprehensive healthcare system, men face unique barriers that influence whether and how they use services.
Lower Service Uptake
Men are generally less likely than women to seek preventive care or regular check-ups:
- Only about 80% of males saw a GP in a year compared with 88% of females.
- Men also tend to access allied health and specialist services less often.
This trend can lead to delayed diagnoses and more advanced disease at the time of presentation.
Social and Cultural Barriers
Factors such as cultural expectations about masculinity — like “toughing it out” — contribute to reluctance in seeking help. Men often wait longer with symptoms before seeing a doctor, and many feel overwhelmed by health information or unsure where to start.
Equity and Resource Allocation
Some advocacy groups argue that men’s health is under-prioritised in funding and policy:
- An analysis by the Australian Men’s Health Forum highlighted that a small fraction (<2%) of federal health funding historically targeted male-specific health needs.
While the government has a National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 aimed at improving outcomes and reducing inequities, funding and implementation remain ongoing challenges.
Cost and Accessibility
Even with Medicare, out-of-pocket costs can be significant:
- Bulk-billing rates vary by location and provider, and in some areas, men may have to pay to see a GP or specialist.
- Specialist services and allied health appointments can incur additional costs even with Medicare rebates.
Telehealth and non-profit services help alleviate some cost barriers, but access still depends on geography and socioeconomic status.
4. What Men Can Do to Improve Their Health Care Engagement
Improving health outcomes starts with engagement. Here’s practical advice for men:
1. Establish a Regular GP Relationship
Seeing a GP regularly — rather than only when unwell — helps with early detection and tailored preventive care. Regular check-ups can boost long-term health outcomes.
2. Stay Up to Date with Screenings
Men should participate in relevant screening programs:
- Bowel cancer screening
- Lung cancer screening if at risk
- Cholesterol and blood pressure checks
- Sexual health and prostate checks
3. Prioritise Mental Health
Talking openly with a GP or mental health professional when feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed is critical. Early support helps prevent crises.
4. Use Telehealth Where Appropriate
If scheduling or privacy is a concern, telehealth can be a useful way to access care without barriers related to distance or stigma.
5. Seek Support Beyond Clinics
Joining Men’s Sheds, community groups, or health programs provides social connection — an often overlooked aspect of health that supports wellbeing.
5. Future Directions: Strengthening Men’s Health Services
As Australia moves forward, several priorities could improve men’s health outcomes:
- Better funding alignment: More targeted investments toward men’s health initiatives could help close outcome gaps.
- Health literacy programs: Tailored communication campaigns can help men better navigate the health system and recognise early signs of concern.
- Workforce and access expansion: Increasing GP and specialist availability in regional and remote areas ensures care is within reach for all men.
- Data and research: Continued monitoring of men’s health trends will guide effective, evidence-based service provision.
Conclusion
Healthcare services for men in Australia exist across multiple levels — from Medicare-funded GP visits to specialist care, mental health support, and community-led programs. While the system offers broad access, men’s health outcomes reflect ongoing challenges in engagement, equity, and funding. By understanding the services available, recognising the importance of regular care, and addressing social barriers, men in Australia can make the most of the health system to live longer, healthier lives.
