Leading medical experts are calling on the federal government to consider the health implications of putting a price on carbon.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) supports the Gillard government's climate change action, but wants the prime minister to consider the cost of a carbon tax.

"The government needs to acknowledge that the rising prices and higher cost of living are known to lead to reduced health spending, with families cutting back on healthy food and medicine," RACP president John Kolbe said.

A poorer standard of living in Australia is directly linked to a higher incidence of illness, the RACP said.

"The needs of those disadvantaged groups who are most susceptible to any price impacts from the government policy must be at the forefront of policies to change behaviour," Prof Kolbe said.

"Any tax of (a) carbon reduction scheme must protect health in the short term as well as protect low-income earners where health expenditure is most at risk."

The college has backed the government's plan to establish an advisory group to help prepare an assistance package for Australian households under a carbon pricing plan.

It says changing habits - like cutting back on driving and opting to walk or cycle - is a double whammy - leading to "really significant reductions in emissions" and improving health.