Bulk billing by Australian general practitioners doubles in one year

The proportion of Australian general practitioners bulk-billing all of their patients has more than doubled in one year, according to a survey by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported by the Guardian. The increase follows the introduction of federal government financial incentives for doctors and medical practices. [1]

The Guardian reported that 63% of Australians are now bulk-billed for all of their general practitioner care. This figure is an increase from 56% recorded in both 2024 and 2025. The report attributes the rise directly to recent federal investments in Medicare bulk-billing incentives. [1]

Bulk billing is a payment agreement under the universal health insurance scheme in Australia where a health professional accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment. This arrangement makes the service free to eligible patients at the point of care, although health professionals retain discretion over whether to bulk-bill. [3]

Despite the increase in bulk-billing rates, experts cautioned in the report that the quality of care and patient outcomes also matter alongside financial investments in Medicare. [1]