Planning your future health care
Make your health care choices now with advance care planning – it eases the burden for your loved ones, and ensures your voice is heard.
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What is advance care planning?
Learn about planning for your future health care.
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Start planning
Find out where to get started, who to talk to and where you can get support.
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Get help and support
Download advance care planning resources and find out how to contact us.
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For health professionals
Find information and education for health care providers.
Need advice?
For free advice or to request a starter pack, contact our National Advance Care Planning Advisory Service from 8 am to 4 pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and information – subscribe to our eNews for health and aged care professionals.
Thinking about your future health care?
Only one in three Australians (33%) have taken steps to plan for their future health care. While it might feel uncomfortable to think about, planning ahead can be one of the most empowering and compassionate choices you make.*
*Source 2025 Advance Care Planning Australia Prevalence Study
Real life stories
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“A document that speaks in the silence”: Paul and Heather’s story of planning ahead
On 24 August 2025, Paul suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a community event. “It was completely unexpected,” he says. “One moment I was chatting, the next I was in emergency intensive care.”
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“You don’t know until you ask”: Christina’s story of care, clarity and planning ahead
"When someone is unwell, there’s so much going on, grief, fatigue, exhaustion. Advance care planning takes away assumptions and gives clarity.”
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“It’s never too early”: Marie shares why planning ahead matters
“My parents never talked about what they wanted at the end of their lives, it was taboo. And when the time came, it was so hard to make the decisions that had to be made.”