I have always paid since arriving in Australia - is about $35 out of pocket for normal hours appointments more like $55 for out of hours. In England was free, but could wait ages to get an appointment, so I just thought it was ok seeing as here I could pay but get to see a doctor when I needed one (My budgeting software tells me that the past year that equates to $375 on GP visits for the family - so just over a dollar a day). I would rather pay like this when I can afford it knowing that it would be free if I couldn't.

This is why have thought that some of the initiatives to reduce doctors visits are a good idea compared to paying - e.g. I can get a referral for my endocrinologist for $20 - instead of having to waste mine and GP appointment just to get the note - I can do it online for $20 which saves me $15 and medicare $35. Getting a doctors note from a pharmacist for $20 is also a good idea in my book (only having to have two days off work to require a sick note is ridiculous in my opinion - is a waste of time and money - it should be a 5 working days - 2 days encourages people to go to the doctors when a doctor is not required). If you miss a swimming lesson where DD goes, you need to get a doctors note to get a replacement class, I always thought that was ridiculous, paying $35 to get a note for a replacement class worth $14, now I understand that people can go bulk bill - it makes more sense (although I think is a silly system - encouraging people to waste doctors time to get a note saying yes the child has a cold etc so can miss swimming class).