Health Direct Frequently Asked Questions

Health Direct is a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice. 

You can find out more at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

You can book a skin check with your nearest GP at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

Contacting a GP through Health Direct is free.

Consultation fees will need to be discussed with the GP directly and any consultation fees payable must be arranged and paid directly to the GP.

Each GP will vary in how a professional skin check is facilitated. However, generally for a full skin examination you’ll need to undress down to your underwear or swimwear so that the GP can conduct a visual skin check, looking for any irregular spots.

The GP will talk to you about what the next steps are if an irregular spot is found, and may perform further tests to provide a diagnosis. 

Yes, you can book other appointments that aren’t skin checks through Health Direct.

Your GP will need to keep clinical notes for each person examined and will be stored securely by the GP for the purpose of maintaining your medical history. This information will not be shared with TAL.

No, booking an appointment through Health Direct will not adversely affect your current policies or future claims on current policies with TAL.

If you are looking at taking out a new policy with TAL however, you will need to disclose any pre-existing conditions at the time of application, including any diagnosis that may arise out of a spot check or skin check undertaken as part of our SpotChecker campaign. You'll be informed of the impact of these conditions on your policy during the process.