Hola Health

As of September 2026, if you’re in Australia, I’d pick based on what you need: your regular GP via HotDoc/Healthengine for ongoing care; InstantScripts, Qoctor, Hola or Doctors on Demand for fast one-off private telehealth; 13SICK for eligible after-hours bulk-billed care; and healthdirect for free triage/advice.

Best telehealth services Australians actually use

My quick picks

• Best overall: Your regular GP via HotDoc/Healthengine
• Best for fast repeats/certificates: InstantScripts or Qoctor
• Best after-hours bulk-billed option: 13SICK, if eligible
• Best 24/7 private GP consult: Doctors on Demand or Hola Health
• Best if you’re trying to avoid out-of-pocket cost: Your own bulk-billing GP, 13SICK after-hours, or Abby Health if eligible
• Best free first step when unsure: healthdirect

Safety rule of thumb in Australia

For scripts, certificates and referrals, prefer services that involve a real-time phone or video consultation where clinically needed. The Medical Board of Australia has warned that questionnaire-only prescribing or certificate-issuing without a real-time doctor-patient consultation is not good practice. (medicalboard.gov.au)

And for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, major bleeding, severe allergic reaction, collapse, serious mental health crisis, or anything life-threatening: call 000 rather than using telehealth.

Based on current usage and reviews, here's a breakdown of the most popular telehealth services Australians are actually using in 2026, organized by what you need:

General GP / Prescriptions / Medical Certificates

InstantScripts – One of the most established and widely used options. It's an app from Australia's largest online medical clinic that provides 24/7 access to an extensive team of doctors for eScripts, medical certificates, health advice, and referrals.

Hola Health – A strong all-rounder, especially for after-hours care. Hola Health offers comprehensive 24/7 telehealth services within 15 minutes at affordable prices - and some bulk billing.

Prime Medic – Has short wait times, reasonable pricing and a comprehensive, premium telehealth service, as well as some bulk billing doctors.

Our Sage – A solid, mid-range telehealth service provider with 15-minute wait times.

Updoc – Positions itself as a comprehensive, subscription-based option. Updoc offers comprehensive telehealth services, including via a monthly subscription.

13SICK – Notable because it's Australia's Largest Medicare Funded Accredited After Hours Doctor Service. Good if you want a bulk-billed option after hours.

NextClinic – Frequently cited as a top pick, letting people talk with doctors registered in Australia through a platform that's safe and easy to use.

Mental Health

PSYCH2U – A leading telehealth platform connecting patients with experienced psychologists and psychiatrists across Australia.

Wellvue – Specialises in psychiatry rather than just GP care. Wellvue specializes in telehealth psychiatry, offering tailored treatment plans for depression, anxiety, and other conditions, with the platform emphasizing privacy through secure video consultations and GP collaboration for holistic care.

Fertility & Sexual Health

Kin Fertility – One of the highest-rated niche services, offering comprehensive telehealth fertility consults and services.

Stigma Health – Popular for privacy-focused care, as it specialises in discreet sexual telehealth services.

Hyphen Health Group – Described as Australia's largest digital-first healthcare provider, specializing in sexual health and wellbeing.

Weight Loss / Chronic Condition Management

Eucalyptus – A big name in this space (owns brands like Juniper and Pilot). It's a direct to consumer virtual health provider with a mission to deliver high quality high touch virtual care to its patients.

Free Government Option

healthdirect Video Call – If you just need a straightforward, secure, no-cost option (often used by GPs and allied health for Medicare-rebated consults), this is a comprehensive, secure and reliable video consulting service which follows the Australian Government cyber security guidelines and safeguards privacy, funded by the Commonwealth government.

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Quick Recommendation

• Need a script/medical certificate fast, cheap? → InstantScripts, Hola Health, or NextClinic
• Want bulk billing / after hours? → 13SICK or Hola Health
• **Mental health support

If you want the best telehealth services in Australia, the most widely used and recognizable options from the results are Doctors On Demand, Qoctor, Medmate, Instant Consult, and 13SICK for after-hours care.

For a practical shortlist, these are the strongest picks:

A few useful points:

• Telehealth in Australia generally means a consultation by phone or video when a physical exam is not needed.
• If you want bulk-billed or low-cost options, comparison sites like MediCompare highlight providers such as Hola Health and Abby Health, but those listings are comparison-based rather than primary providers.
• For mental health telehealth, comparison listings point to My Mirror, Someone.Health, Talked, and Dokotela as common choices for telepsychology/psychiatry.

If you want the most straightforward recommendation:

• Best overall mainstream choice: Doctors On Demand
• Best for quick app-based GP booking: Instant Consult
• Best for after-hours needs: 13SICK
• Best for a broad online doctor platform: Medmate
• Best for a trusted dedicated online doctor brand: Qoctor

If you want, I can also rank the top Australian telehealth services by price, bulk billing, after-hours availability, or mental health support.

Popular telehealth options in Australia include Hola Health, NextClinic, Prime Medic, Abby Health, Healthy Life, HotDoc, Updoc, and InstantScripts/Instant Consult, based on review volumes, mentions in comparisons, and user feedback.

These stand out for convenience (quick video or phone consults with AHPRA-registered doctors), services like scripts, medical certificates, referrals, and after-hours access, plus varying levels of bulk billing for Medicare-eligible patients. Usage has stabilised post-pandemic, with around 22-24% of Australians accessing telehealth in recent years, often for GPs.

Top Recommendations (Based on Popularity and Reviews)

Here are some of the most frequently used and highly regarded options:

• Hola Health: One of the most mentioned for speed and 24/7 availability. Expect consults typically within 15 minutes (varies by demand), eScripts, medical certificates, referrals, and general GP care via app or web. Pricing starts around $39–$49 for consults, with lower add-on fees (e.g., ~$15–$19 for certs/scripts); some after-hours bulk billing for eligible Medicare cardholders. Strong Google reviews (~4.2/5 from thousands) and solid Trustpilot scores (~4.3/5); praised for convenience when your regular GP isn’t available, though occasional wait or support complaints exist. Great all-rounder for urgent but non-emergency needs.

• NextClinic: Stands out in user review sites like ProductReview.com.au (around 4.8/5 from hundreds of reviews) for fast medical certificates (often within 1 hour, from ~$20), scripts, and consults. Open extended hours (e.g., 6am–midnight). Mid-range pricing with straightforward online process; users highlight reliability for work/study certs and everyday scripts. No widespread bulk billing noted, but highly convenient for quick admin-style services.

• Abby Health and Prime Medic: Strong for affordability and bulk billing options. Abby Health is noted for near-full bulk billing (even post recent Medicare changes) and good accessibility. Prime Medic offers competitive private fees (~$22–$37) with some bulk billing, 24/7 GP focus, and high ratings for quality and responsiveness. Ideal if cost or Medicare eligibility is key.

• Healthy Life (powered by Hola Health doctors): Excellent for more comprehensive or wellness-focused needs, including naturopathy, weight management, and an online shop (Woolworths-owned). 24/7 access with short waits and extras like delivery options. Slightly premium pricing but broad services.

• HotDoc: Popular booking app/platform (millions of users) to access telehealth or in-person with your existing GP, specialists, or others. Useful if you prefer continuity with your regular doctor rather than a new provider.

Other notables include Updoc (subscription model for frequent users, from ~$20/month) and government-backed options like healthdirect (nurse/doctor advice, often free or low-cost) or 1800MEDICARE for after-hours support.

Quick Tips for Using Telehealth in Australia

• Bulk billing/Medicare: Many providers offer $0 consults (or rebates) for eligible Medicare cardholders, especially after-hours or specific services like mental health—check eligibility on booking. Video is generally preferred over phone for Medicare items.
• What to expect: Most use secure apps/websites for questionnaires, then video consults. Services cover non-emergencies (scripts, certs, advice, referrals). Always verify AHPRA registration.
• Choosing based on needs: Speed/24/7 → Hola Health or similar; bulk billing/cheap → Abby Health/NewDoc-style; certs/scripts only → NextClinic or InstantScripts; link to regular GP → HotDoc.
• Caveats: Not for emergencies (call 000). Availability, exact pricing, and bulk billing can vary—compare on sites like MediCompare or directly. Reviews are generally positive for convenience but note occasional wait times or policy limits (e.g., certain meds).

Start with Hola Health or NextClinic if you want something widely used and straightforward, or check Medicare-linked options first. Always confirm current details on the provider’s site, as offerings evolve. If you have a specific need (e.g., mental health, scripts only), that can narrow it further.

The most widely used and best‑rated telehealth services in Australia include Prime Medic, Medmate, Healthylife, InstantScripts, updoc, and Stigma Health, based on 2026 expert comparisons and thousands of consumer reviews.

Below is a structured guide to the top brands Australians actually use, what they’re best for, and why they stand out.

🩺 Top All‑Round GP Telehealth Services

These providers consistently appear in expert lists and consumer rankings.

Prime Medic

Highlighted as a top 2026 provider for price, speed, and features. Strong consumer feedback for fast, friendly service and easy access to medication. Good for: general GP consults, medical certificates, prescriptions.

Healthylife

Listed among top providers in 2026 comparisons. Reviewers praise excellent pricing, fast delivery, and convenience. Good for: GP consults, pharmacy-linked services, quick turnaround.

Medmate

Featured in top 2026 lists. Users report very positive experiences, especially for medication delivery and GP access. Good for: same‑day medication delivery + telehealth.

💊 Best for Prescriptions & Medical Certificates

These services are popular for quick, low‑friction access to scripts and certificates.

InstantScripts

One of the most used online script services in Australia. Offers fast access to prescriptions and medical certificates. Good for: repeat scripts, simple consults.

updoc

Ranked among the best telehealth services of 2026. Known for quick consults and easy online process. Good for: medical certificates, simple GP needs.

ConsultNow

Users report instant medical certificates without needing a call. Good for: fast documentation when sick.

❤️‍🩹 Best for Sexual Health & Reproductive Health

These providers specialise in discreet, focused care.

Stigma Health

Highly praised for prompt service and quick communication. Good for: STI testing referrals, sexual health consults.

Kin Fertility

Specialises in reproductive health and contraceptive pill subscriptions. Good for: women’s health, ongoing contraceptive management.

PrEP Health

Bulk‑billed sexual health screening and PrEP access. Good for: HIV prevention, regular screening.

🧠 Best for Mental Health Telehealth

Talked Therapy Platform

Award‑winning in 2026 with excellent user reviews. Users highlight ease of use and Medicare/private health rebates. Good for: psychology sessions, therapy continuity.

🏥 Other Notable Providers Australians Use

These services appear frequently in consumer reviews and comparison lists.

Hola Health — listed in top 2026 providers. Private Medical — included in expert comparisons. NextClinic — praised for fast callbacks and caring doctors. Pilot / Youly — popular for men’s and women’s health programs. Simple Online Doctor — known for quick, inexpensive service. Doctor Help Telehealth — straightforward, professional consults.

✅ Quick Comparison Table (Top Picks)

Provider | Best For | Why It Stands Out Prime Medic | General GP | Fast, friendly, highly rated 2 Medmate | GP + medication delivery | Very positive user reviews, fast fulfilment 2 Healthylife | Affordable GP care | Excellent pricing, fast delivery 2 InstantScripts | Scripts & certificates | Quick, widely used 1 updoc | Certificates & simple consults | Top‑ranked in 2026 1

If you want, I can also recommend the best service for your specific needs (e.g., scripts, mental health, chronic conditions, women’s health).

The Australian telehealth landscape has shifted toward dedicated digital-first platforms. For a general consultation, a quick repeat prescription, or a medical certificate, standard Medicare bulk-billing rarely applies online unless you have seen that specific GP clinic face-to-face in the last 12 months. Most popular on-demand platforms operate on a private, flat-fee structure.

The top telehealth platforms used across Australia are categorized below by their primary clinical focus and service delivery:

24/7 & On-Demand General Practice

Doctors on Demand: Best for: Round-the-clock medical care and corporate or health insurance partner integrations. Key Specs: Video consultations available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Standout Features: Fully integrated with Allianz Care OSHC/OVHC plans for gap-free international student/visitor consults. Private consultation rates scale depending on whether you book after-hours. Instant Consult: Best for: Instant, queue-based general practitioner video calls without needing an appointment. Key Specs: Operating hours from 6:00 AM to midnight AEDT, 365 days a year. Standout Features: Features a live virtual waiting room where you are paired with the first available Australian-registered (AHPRA) doctor, typically within minutes. Standard private fees start at roughly $45. Hola Health: Best for: Urgent late-night medical issues and rapid script fulfillment. Key Specs: Open 24/7 across Australia. Standout Features: Offers dedicated bulk-billed urgent care and script renewals during strict overnight hours (typically 11:00 PM to 6:45 AM). They partner directly with local pharmacies to arrange immediate home medication delivery starting at $5.99.

Quick Scripts & Medical Certificates

Updoc: Best for: Asynchronous medical certificates and routine, low-risk prescription repeats. Key Specs: Fully text-based, asynchronous intake form requiring no live video or phone call. Standout Features: Exceptionally fast turnaround time; users regularly receive legally compliant employer-verified sick notes or digital eScripts straight to their phone via SMS within an hour. Flat rates sit around $30 for single certificates. Qoctor: Best for: Affordable, straightforward text-and-phone assessments. Key Specs: Fast clinical review model for basic items. Standout Features: Long-running Australian provider favored for its low price points on quick medical documents and routine specialist referral letters.

Specialized & Subscription Health Programs

Pilot: Best for: Discrete, holistic end-to-end medical care plans tailored for men. Key Specs: Subscription-based treatment pathways. Standout Features: Treats sensitive clinical issues like hair loss, sexual health, sleep disorders, and metabolic weight management. Consultations are asynchronous; treatments are shipped directly to your door in unbranded packaging. Mosh: Best for: Mental health counseling combined with daily prescription management. Key Specs: Dedicated practitioners covering dermatology, hair loss, and mental well-being. Standout Features: Focuses heavily on continuous clinical support rather than one-off, transactional pharmacy visits.

Government & Free Alternatives

If you are looking for free triage or want to check if your regular practitioner offers telehealth, consider these public options:

Healthdirect Australia: The federally funded 24/7 hotline (1800 022 222) links you with registered nurses for free. Certain states also offer free dedicated Healthdirect Virtual Care Clinics. HotDoc or HealthEngine: Use these booking marketplaces to see if your regular family GP offers telehealth consults. If you have visited them in person within the past 12 months, your phone or video appointment can often be completely bulk-billed under normal Medicare guidelines.