Patients and visitors

Here's what you need to know if you're visiting or staying at hospital.

Patients going to hospital

The information below will answer any questions you have about going to hospital. We'll help to make your hospital stay as safe and comfortable as we can.

Visiting someone in hospital

Visitors are an important part of the recovery process and are welcome. Visitors can help people recover faster, and also help reduce their anxiety and stress.

Visiting hours may vary for each hospital and different wards.

Find out more about visiting someone in hospital.

Health costs, insurance and financial support

Find out what costs are covered when you go to hospital, options for patients with private health insurance and the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

Health costs and support

If you’re eligible for Medicare you won’t have to pay for your treatment in a public hospital.
Using your private health insurance

You can choose to use your private health insurance in our hospitals.

Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)

If you live in a rural and remote area, and have to travel more than 50 km to your local public hospital, you may be eligible for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme helps with travel and accommodation costs for patients who need to use specialist medical services that aren't available in their local area.

Find out if you're eligible for help when travelling for specialist care.

Raise concerns about a patient's health (Ryan's Rule)

Ryan's Rule is a 3 step process to support patients of any age, their families and carers, to raise concerns if a patient’s health condition is getting worse or not improving as well as expected.

Read more about the Ryan’s Rule process on the Queensland Government website.

Last updated: September 2026