What is Telehealth in Australia? Costs, Steps and Eligibility

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Introduction: What Is Telehealth in Australia?

You wake up at 6am on a Monday with a pounding headache, blocked nose, and the kind of body aches that make rolling over feel like a workout. Your GP doesn’t open until 8:30. The wait will be an hour, maybe longer. And all you really need is a medical certificate for work.

Telehealth is healthcare delivered remotely by AHPRA-registered doctors through phone calls, video consultations, or AI-assisted voice platforms. It is a permanent, government-recognised part of the Australian healthcare system, used by millions of patients every year.

Before 2020, telehealth mostly served rural communities through limited Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items. Then COVID-19 hit. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 100 million telehealth services were delivered via the MBS between March 2020 and June 2023. The government responded by making telehealth MBS items permanent.

As of 1 January 2022, the Australian Government made MBS telehealth items permanent under the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cth). The core GP and specialist items took effect from that date, with other items phased in throughout 2022.

Today, several telehealth platforms operate across Australia (Doccy, Updoc, InstantConsult, and Qoctor among them), alongside traditional GP clinics offering video and phone appointments.

Table of Contents

• What You’ll Need Before You Start
• What Exactly Is Telehealth in Australia?
• Who Can Use Telehealth in Australia?
• How Telehealth Works: Step by Step
• Telehealth Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026
• Is Telehealth Covered by Medicare?
• Are Telehealth Medical Certificates Legally Valid?
• Privacy and Security
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Other Ways to Access Healthcare
• Frequently Asked Questions

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before your first telehealth appointment, make sure you have:

• A phone or device with internet access. Any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer will work. Some consultations are phone-only, so even a basic mobile is enough.
• Your Medicare card number (if claiming a rebate). Not required for private telehealth services.
• A list of current medications you’re taking, including dosages.
• Your symptoms written down, including when they started and what makes them worse.
• A quiet, private space where you can speak freely about your health without interruptions.
• A valid email address to receive your certificate, prescription, or referral digitally.

No special software. No referral letter. No prior registration with a clinic (unless you want Medicare bulk billing through your regular GP). That’s it.

What Exactly Is Telehealth in Australia?

Telehealth is a real-time consultation with a registered doctor, done remotely. You talk to your doctor by phone call, video call, or on some platforms, through an AI-assisted voice session followed by doctor review. You get medical advice, prescriptions, referrals, and certificates delivered digitally.

What Telehealth Covers

The scope is broader than most people realise. Here’s what telehealth in Australia actually covers:

• GP consultations for everyday health concerns
• Prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy
• Medical certificates for work or study
• Specialist referrals when you need further investigation
• Mental health sessions with psychologists and psychiatrists
• Allied health appointments including dietitians, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists
• Chronic disease management plans and reviews

This isn’t a watered-down version of healthcare. Under the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cth), the MBS includes specific telehealth item numbers for GP, specialist, mental health, and allied health consultations. Some items require video. Others work via phone call alone. Your consulting doctor is held to the same professional and legal standards as in a face-to-face visit, though some conditions will still need a physical examination.

AHPRA Registration Requirements

Every practitioner delivering telehealth for a regulated health profession must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is mandated under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (Qld), adopted by every state and territory. No registration, no telehealth. Full stop.

Watch out, though: some health-related services like counselling or health coaching may be provided by practitioners outside the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (yep, they exist). These aren’t AHPRA-regulated, so check before you book.

You can verify any practitioner’s registration status on the AHPRA register. Do this if you’re using a platform for the first time. Takes 30 seconds.

Who Pays for It?

According to Services Australia, Medicare rebates apply to eligible telehealth consultations. Many attract a comparable rebate to face-to-face visits, though phone and video items can have different fee schedules. Some platforms bulk-bill. Others charge a gap fee. Private services like Doccy sit outside Medicare entirely, with fixed pricing (certificates from $12.90, no Medicare card needed).

Who Can Use Telehealth in Australia?

Most Australian residents are eligible for telehealth, and many non-residents can access private services too.

Medicare cardholders have the most straightforward path. According to Services Australia, Medicare-eligible telehealth is available to all cardholders regardless of location. Sydney’s inner west or a cattle station three hours from the nearest town. Makes no difference.

No Medicare card? Not a problem. International students, tourists, certain visa holders, and anyone without Medicare can access private telehealth services. You pay out of pocket. Doccy, Updoc, and InstantConsult all accept non-Medicare patients.

Age is no barrier. No minimum or maximum age. Parents can consult on behalf of children. Elderly patients who find video calls tricky can use phone-only consultations instead.

Location flexibility. Rural, regional, remote, metro. Telehealth works anywhere you have a phone or internet connection. According to the ABS Patient Experiences Survey 2024-25, 22.5% of Australians used telehealth. That’s down from a peak of 30.8% in 2021-22, but still millions of consultations a year. 90.3% of telehealth users said they would use the service again. For patients where the nearest GP is a long drive away, that matters.

MyMedicare registrants get an extra benefit. As of February 2026, patients registered through the Department of Health and Aged Care’s MyMedicare program can access longer or more frequent bulk-billed consultations through their registered practice. Ask your regular GP about it if you haven’t signed up yet.

Workers needing medical certificates can absolutely use telehealth. Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), section 107, an employee can provide a medical certificate from a “registered health practitioner” as evidence for personal or carer’s leave. The Act does not specify how the consultation must happen. Telehealth certificates from AHPRA-registered doctors satisfy this requirement.

NDIS participants, DVA cardholders, and patients on GP Management Plans for chronic conditions can also access telehealth. Each pathway has its own billing arrangements. But the core principle is the same: you do not need to sit in a waiting room to access legitimate medical care.

How Telehealth Works: Step by Step

A standard telehealth appointment in Australia follows four steps:

1. Choose your platform. Pick a telehealth provider: your GP clinic, a dedicated app like Doccy, or a hospital outpatient portal.
2. Book your appointment. Select a time or join an on-demand queue.
3. Connect with your doctor. Consult via video, phone, or secure messaging.
4. Receive your outcome. Scripts, referrals, medical certificates, or a care plan sent digitally.

Four steps. Each platform handles the details differently.

How Different Platforms Handle Consultations

The specific process varies by platform. Some operate as on-demand services where you join a queue and see a doctor within minutes. Others require a scheduled booking.

For example, Doccy uses an AI-assisted voice pre-consult that gathers your symptoms and history before an AHPRA-registered doctor reviews your case. InstantConsult guarantees a doctor within 15 minutes. Updoc handles standard requests within 24 hours. Your regular GP clinic may offer scheduled video appointments during business hours.

Telehealth Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026

Telehealth costs depend on which platform you choose, what service you need, and whether you can access bulk billing. The price gap between providers is significant.

Sources: doccy.com.au, updoc.com.au, instantconsult.com.au, qoctor.com.au (February 2026). Verify current pricing directly with each provider.

What the Numbers Tell You

The price range is wide. Doccy charges $12.90 for a 1-day medical certificate. Updoc charges $49.95 for a standard consultation. InstantConsult, Qoctor, and InstantScripts don’t publicly list fixed prices for all services, so check with them directly.

Bulk-billed GP telehealth? Free at the point of care. But here’s the catch: most bulk-billing practices restrict telehealth to existing patients during business hours, and availability depends on your GP’s schedule.

In-person GP visits range from $0.00 (bulk-billed) to $80.00+ at private practices. That’s before travel costs, parking, and waiting room time.

Scope varies too. Some platforms offer prescriptions, specialist referrals, mental health plans, and pathology requests alongside certificates. Others focus on specific services only. Check what’s covered before you sign up.

For a deeper breakdown of every provider’s fees and hidden costs, read our full guide on how much telehealth costs in Australia.

Ready to skip the waiting room? Get a medical certificate from Doccy in under 30 minutes from just $12.90.

Is Telehealth Covered by Medicare? Understanding MBS Rebates

Yes, many telehealth consultations are covered by Medicare. The Australian Government made telehealth items on the MBS permanent from 1 January 2022.

But the details matter.

Bulk-billed vs. rebated telehealth. When your GP bulk-bills a telehealth consultation, you pay nothing. The doctor claims the MBS fee directly from Medicare. When your GP charges above the MBS fee, you pay upfront and claim the rebate back through Services Australia. The gap between what you paid and what Medicare refunds is your out-of-pocket cost.

MBS telehealth item numbers for GP consultations: phone consults use items 91800 (under 6 minutes, schedule fee $19.75) and 91801 (6 to 20 minutes, schedule fee $41.40). Video consults use items 91802 and 91803 with the same fee structure. Approximately 95% of GP telehealth services are phone consultations, with only 5% conducted by video (most people just want to make a call and get on with their day). Longer or complex consultations have their own item numbers. Your GP handles the billing. You don’t need to memorise these, but they show up on your Medicare statement and determine your rebate amount.

The existing patient requirement. According to Services Australia, most MBS telehealth items require an existing relationship with the practice. You (or your family group) must have visited the practice in person within the past 24 months. There are exceptions: patients in aged care facilities, patients with a chronic disease management plan, and some after-hours items don’t require the prior visit. Registering through MyMedicare can also expand your telehealth access with your registered practice.

Private telehealth platforms work differently. Doccy, for example, operates entirely outside the MBS system. You pay the platform directly. No Medicare card required. No rebate applicable. The trade-off? No existing patient requirement, no waiting for a GP accepting new patients, and availability around the clock.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Medicare bulk-billed telehealth requires an existing patient relationship (visit within the past 24 months). Private telehealth platforms have no such requirement but charge between $12.90 and $49.95 per service with no Medicare rebate. Pick the path that fits your situation.

Curious whether your regular GP still offers free telehealth? Read our complete guide on bulk billing and telehealth in Australia. For the full picture on Medicare rebates, eligibility, and the 30/20 rule, check out telehealth Medicare rules in Australia.

Are Telehealth Medical Certificates Legally Valid?

Yes, absolutely. Medical certificates issued via telehealth are legally valid in Australia. No question.

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), section 107, employees can provide a medical certificate as evidence for personal or carer’s leave, provided it comes from a “registered health practitioner.” That means AHPRA-registered.

Notice what’s missing from the Act? There is no requirement for an in-person visit. A certificate from an AHPRA-registered doctor satisfies the Fair Work Act whether the consultation happened face-to-face, by phone, or by video.

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance on medical certificates, the validity of the document rests on who issued it, not how the appointment was conducted.

One important nuance: while telehealth certificates are legally valid, some employers have specific internal policies. If you encounter pushback, the law is on your side. Read our guide on Can Your Employer Refuse a Telehealth Medical Certificate? for a detailed breakdown of your rights.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Under Fair Work Act s107, your employer cannot reject a medical certificate solely because it was issued via telehealth. The law requires a certificate from a “registered health practitioner” and says nothing about consultation method. If your employer pushes back, cite s107 directly.

Some platforms add verification features too. Doccy includes QR codes on certificates that employers can scan to verify authenticity.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

If you have a complaint about a telehealth consultation, your options depend on what went wrong:

• Clinical care concerns: Lodge a complaint with your state’s health complaints body. In NSW, that’s the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC). In Victoria, the Health Complaints Commissioner. Each state and territory has its own body.
• AHPRA registration concerns: Report directly to AHPRA if you believe a practitioner is unregistered or practising outside their scope.
• Billing disputes with Medicare: Contact Services Australia on 132 011.
• Platform service issues: Raise with the platform directly. If unresolved, escalate to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for consumer protection matters.

Keep these contacts handy before you need them.

Privacy and Security: How Your Health Data Is Protected

Who can see your health information when you use telehealth? Only the people you authorise.

All telehealth providers in Australia must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Your health data is “sensitive information” under this Act, which means it gets the highest level of protection in Australian privacy law.

What that means in practice:

APP 6 controls how your data gets used. A telehealth provider can only use your health data for treating you, or for a purpose you’d reasonably expect. They can’t sell it, share it with marketers, or give it to your employer (no, not even if they ask nicely).

APP 11 covers security. Platforms must protect your data from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access. That means encrypted transmission, secure storage, and strict access controls.

If your provider uploads records to My Health Record, the My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth) adds another layer. You control what goes in, and you can restrict access to specific documents at any time.

Every consulting doctor is also bound by professional confidentiality under the Medical Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct. Same duty of care as a face-to-face clinic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Telehealth

A few common errors can waste your time or money when using telehealth:

1. Assuming all telehealth is free. Bulk-billed telehealth requires a Medicare card and an existing relationship with the practice. Private services like Doccy charge a fee but don’t require Medicare.
2. Not checking the provider’s AHPRA registration. Every telehealth doctor in Australia must be registered with AHPRA. If a platform can’t confirm this, don’t use it.
3. Being vague about symptoms. “I feel sick” gives your doctor nothing to work with. “I’ve had a sore throat and fever for two days” is far more useful.
4. Forgetting to save your documents. Your certificate, prescription, or referral arrives digitally. Save it immediately so it doesn’t get lost in your inbox.
5. Using telehealth for emergencies. Telehealth is not a substitute for 000 or your nearest emergency department. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe injuries need in-person care.

Other Ways to Access Healthcare in Australia

Telehealth is not your only option. Here’s how it fits alongside other ways to see a doctor:

• In-person GP visit. The traditional route. Best for physical examinations, procedures, and complex assessments. Cost: $0 (bulk billed) to $80+. For a full comparison, read our guide on telehealth vs in-person doctor visits.
• After-hours GP clinics. Available in most capital cities for urgent but non-emergency care outside business hours. Check your local area for locations.
• Hospital emergency departments. For genuine emergencies only. Always free for Medicare cardholders, but wait times can be hours.
• Nurse-on-call helplines. Free phone advice from registered nurses. Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 health advice.
• Pharmacy consultations. Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and over-the-counter medications without a prescription.

For everyday needs like medical certificates, prescriptions, and GP consultations that don’t require a physical examination, telehealth is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

Want to compare telehealth providers side by side? See our full comparison of Australian telehealth platforms with pricing, wait times, and features.

Need a medical certificate today? Get a certificate from Doccy from just $12.90. AHPRA-registered doctors, available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telehealth bulk billed in Australia? Yes, many telehealth consultations are bulk billed under Medicare for eligible patients. Your GP can bulk bill telehealth appointments the same way they would in-person visits. As of February 2026, patients registered through MyMedicare with their regular practice are most likely to access bulk-billed telehealth consultations.

Can I get a prescription through telehealth? Yes. AHPRA-registered doctors can issue prescriptions during telehealth consultations, including ePrescriptions sent directly to your phone as a token or QR code. You fill the script at any pharmacy. Note that Schedule 8 medications (strong painkillers, some ADHD medications) have state-specific rules for telehealth prescribing. In NSW, for example, the doctor must have an existing clinical relationship before prescribing certain Schedule 8 drugs via telehealth. Check your state’s health department for the current rules.

Is telehealth available 24/7? It depends on the provider. Some private telehealth services like Doccy operate 24/7. InstantConsult is available 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days. Your regular GP clinic will only offer telehealth during standard business hours.

How much does a telehealth appointment cost? Costs vary by provider and service. Bulk-billed telehealth through your GP costs you nothing out of pocket. Private telehealth platforms charge different rates: Doccy charges from $12.90 for medical certificates, Updoc charges $49.95 per consultation, and other platforms have variable pricing. Check each provider’s current rates directly.

What can a telehealth doctor treat? Telehealth is suited for conditions where the doctor can assess you through conversation: respiratory infections, UTIs, skin concerns (via photo or video), mental health consultations, chronic disease reviews, medication renewals, and general health advice. Conditions requiring auscultation (listening to your heart or lungs), palpation, blood pressure measurement, or any hands-on procedure need a face-to-face appointment. If you’re unsure, book the telehealth appointment anyway. Your doctor will tell you if you need to come in.

Do I need a Medicare card to use telehealth? No. A Medicare card is required for bulk-billed telehealth, but private telehealth services are available to anyone in Australia regardless of Medicare eligibility. International students, visitors, and people without Medicare can access paid telehealth consultations through private providers like Doccy.

Is a telehealth medical certificate valid for work? Yes. Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), section 107, medical certificates issued by AHPRA-registered doctors during telehealth consultations are legally valid evidence for personal and carer’s leave. The Act requires a certificate from a “registered health practitioner” and does not specify the consultation method. Your employer cannot reject a medical certificate solely because it was issued via telehealth.

Ready to Start Using Telehealth in Australia?

Telehealth in Australia is permanent, government-recognised healthcare. It’s backed by Medicare. Protected by the Privacy Act 1988. Certificates satisfy the Fair Work Act 2009. The same prescriptions, referrals, medical certificates, and clinical expertise you’d get in person, delivered through your phone or laptop.

Whether you need a medical certificate, a prescription refill, or a mental health consultation, telehealth gives you access to AHPRA-registered doctors without sitting in a waiting room.

Ready to try telehealth? Compare providers on Compare Telehealth to find the right platform for your needs, or start a consultation with Doccy (from $12.90), Updoc ($49.95), or InstantConsult.

This article contains references to telehealth providers. Compare Telehealth may receive referral fees from some providers featured on this site. All medical information is general in nature and does not constitute personal health advice. Always consult a registered health practitioner for advice specific to your situation.

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