HotDoc

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.

If you are looking for the best telehealth services in Australia, the right platform for you depends entirely on what you actually need.

Are you looking to book a phone consult with your regular local doctor? Do you just need a quick repeat script or a medical certificate for work? Or are you looking for an ongoing, clinician-led treatment program for weight loss, skin, or mental health?

The Australian telehealth landscape is highly developed. The top telehealth services and brands that people actually use are categorized below by what they do best.

1. Best for Booking Your Own Local GP

If you want to keep seeing your regular doctor via phone or video (and keep your Medicare rebates), you should use a booking directory rather than a standalone online clinic.

• HotDoc
  • How it works: This is the most widely used medical booking app in Australia. It connects directly with thousands of physical GP clinics across the country.
  • Why use it: If you have seen your regular GP in person at least once in the last 12 months, booking a telehealth appointment through HotDoc means you remain eligible for a Medicare rebate. The app handles the booking, sends you the appointment link, and processes the rebate.
• Healthdirect (Virtual Care / Helpline)
  • How it works: Backed by the Australian government, this is a completely free 24/7 service.
  • Why use it: If you have urgent, non-life-threatening symptoms after hours, you can call or video-chat with a registered nurse or emergency-trained clinician. They can advise you on whether you need to see a doctor immediately or go to an emergency department.

2. Best for Quick "Paperwork" (Medical Certificates & Repeat Scripts)

If your regular GP has a two-week waitlist and you just need a quick medical certificate for a sick day or a repeat script for a common medication, these on-demand platforms are fast, safe, and highly popular.

• Updoc
  • The Vibe: One of the fastest-growing and most highly-rated quick-care platforms in Australia.
  • Best for: Standard medical certificates (for work, uni, or school), quick single-day scripts, and pathology requests. It is mostly text-based (asynchronous), meaning you fill out a digital questionnaire, and an AHPRA-registered doctor reviews it and texts/emails your outcome within hours.
• InstantScripts
  • The Vibe: One of the original pioneers of online repeat prescriptions in Australia.
  • Best for: Getting common daily medications (such as asthma inhalers, blood pressure meds, or the contraceptive pill) refilled. The doctor sends an e-script token straight to your phone via SMS, which you can scan at any local chemist.
• Doctors on Demand
  • The Vibe: A premium, robust 24/7 video-consultation platform.
  • Best for: When you actually need to speak to a live doctor face-to-face via video, rather than just filling out an online form. It operates day and night, making it perfect for weekend or late-night illnesses.

3. Best for Specialized Care & Subscription Programs

For issues that require ongoing support, medication delivery, and continuous clinical oversight (like weight management, sexual health, hair loss, or skincare), Australia has several highly successful, vertically integrated telehealth networks.

• Midnight Health (Hub.health & Youly)
  • The Vibe: Backed by health insurer nib, this network operates highly discreet, streamlined digital clinics.
  • Youly: Australia’s most popular digital clinic dedicated to women's healthcare, offering fast access to things like the contraceptive pill, yeast infection treatments, and emergency contraception delivered directly to your door.
  • Hub.health: A broader platform offering ongoing treatment programs and a subscription option called hubPass ($45/month), which grants unlimited GP consults, free medication shipping, and fast medical certificates.
• Hims & Hers / Eucalyptus (Pilot, Juniper, Kin, Software)
  • The Vibe: Eucalyptus is Australia's largest digital clinic powerhouse (recently acquired by US global giant Hims & Hers).
  • Juniper & Pilot: Juniper (for women) and Pilot (for men) are highly popular for their comprehensive, clinician-led weight loss programs (utilizing GLP-1 medications), hair loss, and sexual health treatments.
  • Software & Kin: Software specializes in custom prescription skincare formulas mixed by dermatologists, while Kin is a dedicated fertility and prenatal support brand.

4. Best for Mental Health & Psychiatry

Finding an available psychologist or psychiatrist in Australia can take months. Telehealth has made this significantly easier.

• Psych2U
  • The Vibe: A highly-regarded, dedicated mental health telehealth provider.
  • Best for: Connecting people—especially those in regional or rural areas—with registered psychologists and psychiatrists. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your local GP, you can get Medicare rebates for these sessions, making it highly affordable.

Key Tips for Aussies Using Telehealth:

1. The "12-Month Rule" for Medicare: Under Medicare rules, you cannot get a rebate for a telehealth GP consult unless you have seen that specific clinic in person at least once in the last 12 months. This is why private platforms (like Updoc or InstantScripts) charge flat out-of-pocket fees (usually around $15 to $40) as they do not offer Medicare rebates.
2. e-Scripts are standard: Most of these services will text an e-Script token to your mobile phone. You simply walk into any Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, or local pharmacy, they scan the barcode, and they dispense your medication.
3. Always Check for AHPRA Registration: Ensure any service you use guarantees that their clinicians are AHPRA-registered (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). All the brands listed above use fully accredited Australian-registered doctors.

G’day! If you’re looking for telehealth in Australia, you’re in luck—we have a really solid market here. The best part is that many of these services are bulk-billed, so if you have a Medicare card, you can often see a doctor for free.

Here are the top telehealth services that Australians actually use, broken down by what they’re best for:

1. Healthdirect (Best overall for free, government-backed care)

• What it is: The Australian Government’s official health advice line.
• Why people use it: While not a long-term GP, it offers free 24/7 video consultations with registered nurses and connects you to after-hours GP services. If you're unsure whether you need a doctor, this is the safest first port of call. It’s completely free and linked directly to your state’s health system.

2. InstantScripts (Best for quick scripts and medical certificates)

• Why people use it: It’s famously fast. You can get a prescription for common conditions (UTIs, sinusitis, eczema) or a medical certificate within 15 minutes.
• Cost: Bulk-billed for most standard GP consults if you have a concession card, otherwise roughly $20–$30 for a standard consult. It’s ideal for when you’re at work and just need a doctor’s note quickly.

3. Qoctor (Best for immediate care and specialist referrals)

• Why people use it: They are open 24/7, and they are particularly good for prescribing medications for issues like acne, hair loss, or migraines. They also issue referrals to specialists quickly.
• Cost: Often bulk-billed for basic med certs, but paid for specific prescriptions. Very reliable turnaround times.

4. Updoc (Best all-rounder integration)

• Why people use it: Updoc is a polished, modern app that partners with major pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse. You can book a consult, get a prescription, and have it sent straight to a local pharmacy for pickup or home delivery.
• Cost: Varies by time of day (around $20–$30 for standard consults; bulk-billed options are available for certain demographics).

5. Doctors on Demand (Best for continuity of care / finding "your" GP)

• Why people use it: Unlike some services where you see a random doctor, this app lets you pick the same GP for follow-ups. They handle mental health plans (Mental Health Care Plans) and chronic disease management very well.
• Cost: Mostly private billing, but you get the rebate back via Medicare. Usually out-of-pocket is around $20–$40 after the rebate.

6. Your Local GP Clinic Apps (e.g., HotDoc)

• Why people use it: It isn't a telehealth brand itself, but HotDoc is the app that virtually every Aussie GP clinic uses.
• How to use it: Book a "Telehealth" appointment with your actual local doctor. This is the best option if you have a chronic condition or know your GP well, because you maintain continuity of care. Many clinics bulk-bill these telehealth appointments, making them free.

What about the big brand pharmacies? Coles, Woolworths, and Chemist Warehouse have all dipped their toes into telehealth. Chemist Warehouse's "Updoc" is probably the most widely used because it integrates with their pharmacy network for immediate medication dispensing.

A quick tip for you:

• If you just need a script for a repeat medication → InstantScripts is usually the fastest.
• If you want bulk billing (free) → look for a local clinic via HotDoc that advertises "Bulk Billed Telehealth" or use Healthdirect for an immediate nurse consult.
• If you're in a remote area or need an after-hours consult (2 AM) → Qoctor is your best bet.

Important heads up: Double-check whether the service you choose sends e-scripts to your phone or requires you to pick up a physical script. Also, be aware that Medicare’s rules around telehealth GP consults have tightened recently (as of late 2023), so not every private provider is bulk-billed anymore. Always check the "cost" section before you hit book.

My personal recommendation: Download HotDoc first and search for your local GP's telehealth availability. If they aren't available, fall back on InstantScripts for speed and Healthdirect if you want free, trustworthy guidance.

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 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.