Deaf patients are paying hundreds of dollars for in-person interpreters at GP appointments, even though spoken language interpreters are free, a review has found.

Currently, the government only covers the cost of Auslan interpreters for over-65s.

But a government-commissioned review has recommended fully funding Auslan interpreters for GP appointments with all deaf patients.

“Younger Auslan users must pay an average of $245 for an in-person interpreter to attend their primary care appointment, either out of their own pocket or through their National Disability Insurance Scheme package,” said the review which concluded in December 2023 but was only released this month.