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Accessing healthcare, medications and support during emergency events

Natural disasters and other emergencies can disrupt access to healthcare, prescriptions and support services. Planning ahead and understanding available options can help reduce risk and stress.

Access to prescription medications

If you cannot access your usual prescriptions due to displacement, pharmacy closures or lost scripts, pharmacists may assist by contacting your doctor to confirm your medication needs. They may also issue an emergency supply, as permitted by local regulations.

In Australia, arrangements such as continued dispensing may allow pharmacists to provide a limited supply of certain essential medicines without a current prescription in specific circumstances. In Aotearoa New Zealand, pharmacists may also provide emergency supplies of some medicines under the Medicines Regulations when access to a prescriber is temporarily unavailable.

Telehealth services can provide medical advice and prescriptions when in-person appointments are unavailable. Electronic prescriptions can often be sent to another pharmacy or a trusted carer. When available, shared health records help healthcare providers confirm your medication history during emergencies.

Find a telehealth service:

Accessing scheduled medical care

If you have a scheduled medical appointment during an emergency, contact your healthcare provider to confirm if it will proceed or be changed to telehealth. Healthcare staff may also be available at evacuation or emergency centres to assist with urgent care, including providing guidance to help people access their prescriptions and daily over-the-counter medication.

National health advice lines can guide you to available services when usual care is disrupted.

Emergency warnings and local support services

For current warnings, evacuation details, and local emergency support, refer to official emergency management agencies in your region. These organisations provide the most up-to-date, location-specific information during emergencies.

You can also check:

HazardWatch (AU – Gov) provides national-level monitoring and alerts that can support early awareness and preparedness during emergency events. Users should also follow the advice of state and territory emergency services for local instructions.

MetService Weather Warnings (NZ)
Provide official, up-to-date information on severe weather conditions across Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes warnings and watches for events such as heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, snow, coastal hazards and extreme temperatures. Users are also advised to follow MetService warnings alongside guidance from the National Emergency Management Agency.

Financial and community support

Emergency financial assistance and community support may be available depending on the event.

  • In Australia, Services Australia provides information and guidance on natural disaster support funding.
  • In Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Civil Defence provides information on central and local government emergency relief provisions.

Important note

Information and available services can change rapidly during emergency situations, and access may be limited during widespread outages. Please follow advice from official local authorities, prioritise your personal safety, and seek urgent assistance from emergency services if required.

Triple Zero (000) in Australia or Triple One (111) in Aotearoa New Zealand.