A new report found the number of young Australians suffering from poor mental health has jumped 13 per cent since 2007. 

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released its latest health overview report on Thursday.

Data showed that while Australia's health system operates at a high global standard and continues to improve, there's a rising number of mental health patients.

Mental disorders among young people, aged between 16 and 24, rose from 26 per cent to 39 per cent between 2007 and 2022.

Between 2020 and 2022, about one in five people between 16 and 85 years old experienced a mental health condition.

Young people were the most likely to reach out to Medicare-subsidised mental health services, with women twice as likely to access them compared to men.

Chronic illnesses also recorded a sharp jump with 61 per cent of Australians living with at least one chronic condition in 2022.

The five which took 'the most years of healthy life' from Australians were cancer, mental health conditions and substance use disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions.

Dementia was rated the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for almost one in every 10 deaths.

Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death for Australians living outside of major cities and inner-regional areas.

AIHW spokesperson Louise Gates said the report helps the government understand where action is needed in the health system.

'Our health is shaped by many different factors, including our environment, lifestyle and access to the services we need,' she said.

'Good health helps Australians stay connected to their communities, continue learning and working, and live long fulfilling lives.'

The AIHW estimated $270.5billion was spent on health goods and services from 2023 to 2024, about $10,037 per person.

That figure - which sat at $8,615 per person from 2014 to 2015, when adjusted for inflation - includes spending by governments, insurance providers, individuals and non-government sources.

However, more government spending could be required to address major barriers Australians face to getting healthcare.

The report found that of the 18.5 million Australians aged 15 and over who needed to see a general practitioner (GP) in 2024–25, one in four delayed their appointment.

'Potential barriers to Australians seeing a GP include cost, service availability and waiting times,' said Ms Gates.

The percentage of GP visits that were bulk billed dropped from 85 per cent in 2015-16 to 78 per cent in 2024-25.

'While many health outcomes for Australians are improving, the growing impact of chronic conditions, poor mental health and an ageing population mean prevention and effective, equitable and coordinated care from health, disability, aged care and other welfare systems are more important than ever,' Ms Gates said.