16 February 2026
Australians continue to tell us that navigating the health system, finding reliable information, understanding it, and knowing how to act on it, can be harder than it should be. Through Australia’s Health Panel, consumers shared their experiences of seeking, assessing, and using health information across the care journey.
Panellists described a system where trustworthy information exists, but isn’t always easy to locate or interpret. Many rely on GPs and government websites, yet still face barriers such as uncertain accuracy, scattered information, unclear pathways to action and low confidence in understanding Medicare supports. These challenges are felt more strongly by people experiencing cost stress and those living in regional areas.
Consumers were clear about what would make a difference: plain language explanations, verified and trustworthy sources, visual aids, and healthcare information made available in multiple formats. Above all, they want a health system that helps them navigate—not one that adds complexity.
This report brings together these insights to inform improvements in health literacy, communication and system design so that every Australian can access, understand and use the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
