How to Start as a Locum Doctor: Step-by-Step Guide
[8 min read | Getting Started | May 2026]
TL;DR: Beginning your locum doctor journey in Australia involves updating your CV, securing references, obtaining medical indemnity insurance, and preparing necessary paperwork. You'll also need to set up an Australian Business Number (ABN) and acquire a Medicare provider number. For detailed guidance, check out the AHPRA registration requirements.
- A well-crafted CV should be concise and limited to a single A4 page.
- Medical indemnity insurance is essential for locum work in Australia.
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) is required for payment as an independent contractor.
Sources: 3 cited below ↓
What steps are needed to start locum work in Australia?
Starting as a locum doctor in Australia requires careful preparation and organisation. Begin by updating your CV to reflect your most recent work experience and clinical skills. Keep it concise, ideally to a single A4 page, and include completed rotations, qualifications, and specialised skills. This approach increases your chances of securing desired locum positions.
Next, secure two clinical referees who have worked with you in the last 12 months. These should be consultants or senior registrars. Ensure they have a favourable impression of you, as their references are crucial for securing work. It's more important what they say about you than their job title.
Medical indemnity insurance is a must for locum work. While public hospitals provide some coverage, locums need their own insurance. Costs vary by specialty and seniority, but a locum HMO might expect to pay around A$200 annually. Note that Tasmania requires separate coverage.
A$200/year
is the typical cost for medical indemnity insurance for a locum HMO, industry data (2026).
How do I handle paperwork and obtain an ABN?
The paperwork for locum work can be time-consuming. Each hospital has specific requirements, so be prepared with certified copies of essential documents. These include your passport, medical degrees, insurance certificate, AHPRA registration, vaccination evidence, police check, and Working with Children Check. Ensure all documents are certified according to AHPRA's guidelines.
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is necessary for payment as an independent contractor. Setting up an ABN is straightforward and free via the ABN registration website. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
💡Organise Documents
Keep digital copies of all your certified documents for easy access when needed.
How do I obtain a Medicare provider number?
A Medicare provider number is required for each hospital or organisation where you work. Previously, these numbers took weeks to process, but now they can be obtained instantly via an online health portal. First, create a PRODA account and verify your identity with three documents. Link the Health Professional Online Service (HPOS) to your PRODA account, and apply for a new provider number for each locum job using the hospital's address.
This process is available for doctors from Australian medical schools or permanent residents. Others will need to manually email their application to AHPRA.
Instant provider numbers are now possible through the online health portal, streamlining the process.
What does this mean for locum doctors in Victoria?
For locum doctors in Victoria, understanding the requirements and processes is crucial for a smooth start. The state's hospitals have specific paperwork needs, so being organised with certified documents is essential. Ensure your medical indemnity insurance covers work in Victoria, as public hospital coverage may not extend to all locum scenarios.
Victoria's healthcare system offers diverse opportunities for locum work, from metropolitan hospitals to rural clinics. Having an updated CV and solid references will enhance your chances of securing positions in this competitive market. The streamlined process for obtaining provider numbers via the online portal is a significant advantage for locums in Victoria.
Victoria offers diverse locum opportunities, but preparation and organisation are key to success.
