Bulk Billing Telehealth in Australia: Which Providers Offer It and How It Works

Bulk billing is one of the best features of the Australian healthcare system. It means you see a doctor, Medicare covers the cost, and you walk away without paying a cent. The same principle applies to telehealth, and several Australian providers now offer bulk billed video consultations.

This guide explains exactly how bulk billed telehealth works, which MBS items apply, and how to find a provider that will bulk bill your next appointment.

How Bulk Billing Works for Telehealth

When a telehealth provider bulk bills your consultation, they accept the Medicare rebate as full payment. Here is how the process works:

1. You book a telehealth appointment with a provider that offers bulk billing
2. The provider confirms your Medicare eligibility before or during the appointment
3. You have your video consultation with the GP
4. The provider submits a claim to Medicare on your behalf
5. Medicare pays the provider directly
6. You pay $0

The Medicare rebate for a standard GP video consultation (MBS item 91800) is approximately $39.75. When a provider bulk bills, they accept this amount as full payment for the service, rather than charging you a higher fee and leaving you with a gap to pay.

MBS Item 91800: The Core Telehealth Item

According to the Medicare Benefits Schedule published by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, MBS item 91800 covers:

• Standard GP telehealth video consultation lasting less than 20 minutes
• Available for all Medicare-eligible patients
• Must be conducted via real-time video (not phone-only)
• Provider must be a registered general practitioner

The rebate for MBS 91800 is reviewed periodically and sits at approximately $39.75 as of early 2026. This is the same rebate structure as the equivalent in-person consultation item.

Other Telehealth MBS Items

Beyond 91800, other commonly used telehealth items include:

Providers who bulk bill standard consultations may not bulk bill extended or after-hours appointments, as the higher rebate amounts still may not cover their costs.

Who Is Eligible for Bulk Billed Telehealth?

Eligibility for bulk billing depends on the provider’s policy, not on Medicare rules. Medicare allows any eligible patient to be bulk billed, but providers choose whether to offer it. Common eligibility criteria include:

• All patients: Some providers bulk bill everyone with a valid Medicare card
• Concession card holders: Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Children under 16: Many providers bulk bill children regardless of the parent’s concession status
• Aged pensioners: Over 65 with a pension card
• Chronic disease patients: Some providers bulk bill patients with diagnosed chronic conditions

If you are unsure whether a provider will bulk bill your consultation, ask before you book. Most providers list their bulk billing policy on their website or during the booking process.

Finding Bulk Billed Telehealth Providers

Several Australian telehealth platforms offer bulk billing for eligible patients. When comparing options, look for:

1. Clear bulk billing policies listed on the website
2. Eligibility criteria explained upfront (not hidden in terms and conditions)
3. Video consultation availability (phone-only may use different, lower-rebate MBS items)
4. GP availability at times that suit you (bulk billed services can have longer wait times)

You can also check our provider comparison pages for a detailed breakdown of which services offer bulk billing and under what conditions.

Limitations of Bulk Billed Telehealth

Bulk billing is excellent for affordability, but there are trade-offs to be aware of:

• Shorter appointments: Providers accepting $39.75 for a standard consultation may keep appointments brief (7 to 12 minutes)
• Limited GP choice: You may not be able to select a specific doctor, especially at busier services
• Availability: Bulk billed slots can book out quickly, particularly during peak flu season and public health events
• Continuity of care: Seeing the same GP each time may be harder with bulk billed telehealth

For straightforward needs like prescription refills, medical certificates, and minor illnesses, bulk billed telehealth is an excellent option. For complex health issues requiring longer consultations, you may benefit from paying a gap fee for an extended appointment.

Bulk Billing vs Gap Payment: Which Is Better?

Neither option is inherently better. The right choice depends on your situation:

Many Australians use a mix of both: bulk billed telehealth for quick prescriptions and certificates, and gap-payment appointments for more involved consultations where they want a specific GP or a longer session.

How to Maximise Your Medicare Telehealth Benefits

To get the most out of Medicare telehealth rebates:

1. Keep your Medicare card current. Expired or inactive cards mean no rebate and no bulk billing.
2. Use video consultations when possible. Video items (91800 series) generally have higher rebates than phone-only items.
3. Ask about bulk billing for children and concession card holders. Many providers bulk bill these groups even if they charge a gap for other patients.
4. Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP if you need psychology sessions. This unlocks Medicare-subsidised mental health telehealth.
5. Check the Medicare Safety Net. If you have high out-of-pocket medical costs, the safety net provides additional rebates once you reach the annual threshold.

This comparison is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.