Key Takeaways
- TIS National (131 450) provides free interpreters in 160+ languages for medical appointments
- Never rely on family members — especially children — to interpret medical information
- You can request a specific gender, dialect, or different interpreter if uncomfortable
- Phone interpreters are available immediately 24/7 for emergencies
- Professional interpreters are bound by strict confidentiality codes
If English isn't your first language, you have the right to an interpreter when accessing healthcare in Australia. Professional interpreters ensure you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and medications correctly — and that your healthcare provider understands your symptoms and concerns. This isn't a luxury; it's a safety issue.
This guide explains how interpreter services work in Australian healthcare, how to request one, and why professional interpreters are essential for safe, quality care.
Why Professional Interpreters Matter
Research consistently shows that language barriers in healthcare lead to:
- Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment
- Medication errors (wrong dose, wrong medication, missed allergies)
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Missed follow-up appointments
- Poorer health outcomes and higher hospital readmission rates
- Reduced patient satisfaction and trust in the healthcare system
Important: Using family members — especially children — as interpreters is unsafe and inappropriate in healthcare settings. Family members may not know medical terminology, may filter information to "protect" you, and children should never be burdened with interpreting sensitive health information for adults.
TIS National: Australia's Interpreting Service
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an Australian Government service providing interpreters in over 160 languages. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone interpreting
Call 131 450. Available immediately, 24/7. The interpreter joins your call with the healthcare provider via three-way phone.
On-site interpreting
An interpreter attends your appointment in person. Needs to be booked in advance by your healthcare provider.
Video interpreting
Available for some appointments. Useful for sign language interpreting or when visual communication is important.
Cost
Free for medical appointments with GPs, specialists, hospitals, and most government services. The healthcare provider pays — not you.
How to Request an Interpreter
There are several ways to arrange an interpreter:
- Ask your GP or hospital — When booking your appointment, tell the receptionist you need an interpreter and specify your language. They will arrange one through TIS National.
- Call TIS National yourself — Phone 131 450 and tell them which service you need to contact. They will connect you with an interpreter who can help you make the appointment.
- Ask at the hospital — All public hospitals have access to interpreter services. Ask at reception or tell the nursing staff you need an interpreter.
- Emergency situations — In emergencies, phone interpreters are available immediately through TIS National (131 450) or through the hospital's own interpreter service.
Your Rights Regarding Interpreters
In Australian healthcare, you have the right to:
- A qualified interpreter — Not a family member, friend, or bilingual staff member (unless you specifically request this)
- Confidentiality — Professional interpreters are bound by strict confidentiality codes
- Request a different interpreter — If you're uncomfortable (e.g., the interpreter is from your community and you want privacy), you can request a different one
- Gender preference — You can request a male or female interpreter
- Dialect specificity — If your language has multiple dialects, specify which one you need
Tips for Interpreted Appointments
To get the most from an interpreted appointment:
- Speak directly to your healthcare provider, not the interpreter
- Speak in short sentences and pause to allow interpretation
- Ask the interpreter to repeat anything you didn't understand
- Request written information in your language if available
- Allow extra time — interpreted appointments take longer than standard ones
How CHNSS Ensures Language Access
CHNSS is committed to ensuring language is never a barrier to quality healthcare:
- Interpreter coordination — We arrange professional interpreters for all consultations and appointments where needed
- Advocacy during appointments — We ensure your healthcare providers use interpreters appropriately and don't rely on family members
- Follow-up support — We help you understand information provided during appointments and ensure you know what to do next
- System navigation — We help you access healthcare services and communicate your needs even when language is a barrier
Trusted Australian Resources
CHNSS is independent of these organisations. We link to them as trusted Australian resources to support your healthcare journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. For medical appointments with GPs, specialists, and hospitals, TIS National interpreters are free. The healthcare provider pays the cost — not you.
Tell the receptionist when booking that you need an interpreter and specify your language. Or call TIS National on 131 450 and they will help you contact the service.
It is strongly recommended to use a professional interpreter for medical appointments. Family members may not know medical terms, may filter information, and children should never interpret health information for adults.
You can request a different interpreter or a phone interpreter instead of in-person. Professional interpreters are bound by confidentiality, but your comfort matters.
Healthcare Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. CHNSS provides independent nursing consultation and healthcare navigation — not medical diagnosis or treatment.
