Recommended by AI · 12th of 22 · October 2026
Recommended by 3 of 9 AI models when people ask for telehealth services in Australia. 12th of 22 brands on this board in the October 2026 refresh.
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As of October 2026, if you’re in Australia, I’d think of telehealth in three buckets: your regular GP’s telehealth, government/state urgent care, and private “online doctor” services for quick scripts/certs.
| Best for | Recommendation | Why people use it |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall for ongoing care | Your regular GP via HotDoc or Healthengine | Best for continuity, repeat care, chronic conditions, referrals, and Medicare/bulk-billing eligibility where available. HotDoc says it has 13M active patients and 23K listed doctors, while Healthengine says it connects patients with 10k+ practices / 40k practitioners and has handled 105M bookings. (practices.hotdoc.com.au) |
| Best free/low-cost urgent advice | healthdirect / state virtual urgent care | Good for urgent but non-life-threatening issues; healthdirect says virtual care clinics can connect you with emergency-trained clinicians, usually without an appointment, and most services are free, though availability varies by state. (healthdirect.gov.au) |
| Best big private online clinic | InstantScripts | One of the biggest names for scripts, certificates, blood tests, referrals and GP telehealth; InstantScripts says 3M+ Australians have used it, with Australian-registered doctors available 24/7 and typical callback within an hour. (instantscripts.com.au) |
| Best for fast med certs / simple admin | updoc | Very popular for medical certificates, scripts, referrals, pathology/imaging and general consults; updoc says it has been used by 500,000+ Australians across 95% of Australian suburbs. (updoc.com.au) |
| Best value private GP-style consult | Qoctor | Good if you want a straightforward online doctor for certs, prescriptions, referrals, blood tests and GP telehealth; Qoctor advertises services from $14.99, 13,000+ Trustpilot reviews, AHPRA-registered doctors, and real-time video/phone consults rather than automated forms. (qoctor.com.au) |
| Best 24/7 fast consult alternative | Hola Health | Strong option for after-hours or quick video GP consults, scripts, medical certificates and referrals; Hola says it operates 24/7 and typically connects patients within about 15 minutes, depending on demand. (hola.health) |
| Best established 24/7 paid telehealth | Doctors on Demand | Long-running Australia-wide 24/7 service; good for travellers, international students/OSHC users, after-hours GP advice and private consults. (doctorsondemand.com.au) |
| Best if you want bulk-billed online GP options | Abby Health or NewDoc | Worth checking if you’re Medicare-eligible and want $0 out-of-pocket telehealth. Abby says bulk billing is available and its GPs are RACGP/ACRRM fellows; NewDoc advertises bulk-billed GP telehealth for eligible Medicare patients. (abbyhealth.app) |
If you have a usual GP, start here. It’s the safest option for repeat scripts, ongoing symptoms, mental health plans, chronic disease, kids, pregnancy, or anything that may need follow-up. HotDoc and Healthengine are the two appointment platforms Australians most commonly encounter, and both support telehealth bookings through participating clinics. (help.hotdoc.com.au)
Use when: repeat scripts, referrals, pathology results, chronic issues, mental health, children, or anything you want in your regular medical record.
Use this before paying a private service if your issue is urgent but not an emergency — for example, you’re unsure whether you need ED, urgent care, a GP, or self-care. healthdirect says virtual urgent care can involve doctors and nurses and may arrange next steps such as prescriptions or tests where appropriate. (healthdirect.gov.au)
Use when: you need triage, you’re worried but it’s not 000-level, or you want a free/official pathway.
Probably the best-known private online doctor brand in Australia. It’s useful for quick scripts, single/multi-day medical certificates, blood test referrals, specialist referrals and telehealth consults. InstantScripts lists online prescriptions and single-day certificates at $19, specialist referrals at $24, and telehealth consults from $49, with prices subject to change. (help.instantscripts.com.au)
Use when: you need a quick private script/certificate and your GP isn’t available.
A very heavily used option for medical certificates, scripts, referrals, pathology/imaging, sexual health, mental health and general doctor consults. It’s especially popular with people who need documentation quickly for work or uni. ProductReview’s 2026 online doctor category shows updoc prominently with a 4.7 rating, and updoc claims 500,000+ Australian users. (productreview.com.au)
Use when: you want fast documentation or a broad private online-doctor menu.
Qoctor is a good middle-ground option: less “marketplace”, more structured online GP service. It promotes AHPRA-registered doctors, real-time video consults, prescriptions, certificates, referrals, pathology/blood tests, STI testing and GP appointments. (qoctor.com.au)
Use when: you want a simple paid online doctor consult and prefer phone/video over form-only services.
Hola is a strong 24/7 option for fast private telehealth, particularly after hours. It’s useful for certificates, scripts, referrals and general consults, and it’s visible in Australian telehealth comparisons and consumer discussions. Its own site advertises AHPRA-registered doctors/medical practitioners and 24/7 access. (hola.health)
Use when: you need a quick after-hours GP-style consult and don’t mind paying privately.
Doctors on Demand is one of the older national 24/7 telehealth brands. It’s often useful for travellers, people away from their regular GP, international students, and corporate/insurance-linked telehealth access. It also makes clear that some higher-risk medicines are not routinely prescribed and should go through your regular GP. (doctorsondemand.com.au)
Use when: you want a 24/7 established private platform, especially if you have access through OSHC, insurance or an employer.
These are worth checking because bulk billing is available for eligible users. Abby says its GPs are RACGP/ACRRM fellows and bulk billing is available; NewDoc advertises $0 out-of-pocket bulk-billed telehealth for eligible Medicare cardholders. (abbyhealth.app)
Use when: price matters and you’re Medicare-eligible — but always confirm eligibility before booking.
My practical pick: use HotDoc/Healthengine with your regular GP first. If you can’t get in, try healthdirect for urgent triage. For fast private scripts/certs, the most mainstream choices are InstantScripts, updoc, Qoctor and Hola Health.
Here's a rundown of telehealth options Australians commonly use, grouped by what you actually need them for:
These are the most widely used "on-demand doctor" apps for everyday, non-urgent stuff:
If you're after therapy or psychiatry specifically:
These are larger, more institutional names you'll encounter via hospitals, health funds, or government services:
The telehealth landscape in Australia has evolved significantly. While almost all local medical clinics now offer telehealth, a massive market of dedicated online services has emerged.
If you are looking for the best, most widely used telehealth services in Australia, they generally fall into a few different categories depending on whether you need a quick prescription repeat, a medical certificate, specialized care, or a comprehensive consult with a GP.
Before booking, there is one crucial rule to understand: The 12-Month Medicare Rule. To get a Medicare-rebated (or bulk-billed) telehealth consult, you generally must have seen that GP clinic face-to-face in the last 12 months (unless you are registered with them via MyMedicare). For this reason, most dedicated online-only platforms are private-billing (out-of-pocket), but they are incredibly popular because they are fast and convenient.
If you are unwell, can't get into your regular GP, and just need a quick sick note, a referral, or a prescription repeat sent straight to your phone as an e-Script, these are the top platforms Aussies actually use:
If you want to speak to a doctor but want to make sure it is bulk-billed or that you get your Medicare rebate, your best bet is using the booking apps connected to your local clinic.
If you want an in-depth, face-to-face video consultation with a doctor who can look at a rash, discuss complex symptoms, or provide mental health care, you want a platform built for video.
Sometimes you don't want to explain your personal life to a random GP. These services specialize in specific areas of medicine and deliver treatments discreetly to your door.
If you are tight on cash or have a more urgent medical issue after hours, you don't necessarily have to pay a private telehealth fee.
If you want the best telehealth services in Australia that people actually use, the strongest names in the current results are Doctors On Demand, 13SICK, Instant Consult, hub.health / nib partner services, NewDoc, NextClinic, Abby Health, healthylife, and Qoctor.
The best choice depends on what you care about most:
| Service | Best for | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors On Demand | 24/7 general telehealth | Open every day, 24 hours a day, including public holidays. |
| 13SICK | After-hours GP care | Described as the largest Medicare-funded accredited after-hours service. |
| Instant Consult | Fast online GP services | Includes consultations, medical certificates, prescriptions, and specialist referrals. |
| NewDoc | Bulk-billed GP telehealth | Advertises $0 with Medicare and bulk-billed GP telehealth. |
| NextClinic | Quick callbacks | Says doctors usually call back within one hour. |
| Abby Health | Booking a specific clinician | Lets you search for and book a specific clinician, including one you saw before. |
| healthylife | 24/7 doctor access | Offers Australian-registered telehealth doctors and practitioners 24/7, 365 days a year. |
| Qoctor | Straightforward paid GP consults | Lists a full GP consultation at $49.99, with no extra charge out of hours or on weekends. |
A few practical points for Australia:
If you want the shortest recommendation list:
If you want, I can also narrow this down to the best bulk-billed options, the cheapest options, or the best for repeat prescriptions and medical certificates.
In Australia, there’s no single “best” telehealth service — it depends on whether you need a GP, after-hours care, mental health support, a script, or urgent advice. The ones Aussies actually use most are below.
| What you need | Top options people actually use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular GP / ongoing care | Your own GP via HotDoc or Healthengine; Medmate; Instant Consult; Doctors on Demand | Best if you have a regular clinic — they have your history and can do referrals, care plans, scripts. Many offer Medicare rebates or bulk billing. |
| After-hours doctor | 13SICK / National Home Doctor Service | The big one for after-hours home visits, often bulk-billed with Medicare. Not pure video telehealth, but the go-to when you need a doctor at night/weekend. |
| Urgent but not 000 | My Emergency Doctor; state virtual ED services like Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and NSW Virtual Urgent Care | My Emergency Doctor uses emergency physicians and fees usually apply. State virtual EDs are free for residents of those states. |
| Free nurse advice | healthdirect — 1800 022 222 | 24/7 registered nurse triage. Not a GP, but tells you where to go and what to do. |
| Mental health therapy | MindSpot; This Way Up; MoodGym; Lysn; My Mirror; BetterHelp | MindSpot and This Way Up are free/low-cost. Lysn and My Mirror can be Medicare-rebated if you have a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. BetterHelp is popular but not Medicare-rebated. |
| Crisis mental health | Lifeline 13 11 14; Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; 13YARN 13 92 76 | Free, 24/7. |
| Scripts / repeat scripts | InstantScripts; Medmate; Chemist Warehouse Online Doctor where available | Convenient for scripts and med certs, but not for Schedule 8/controlled drugs. Your GP is safer for ongoing meds. |
| Niche direct-to-consumer | Pilot, Mosh, Sons (men’s health); Youly (women’s health); Juniper (weight); Kin (fertility) | Popular for hair loss, ED, contraception, weight management, etc. Private fees; not always Medicare-rebated. |
| Specialists | Your specialist’s rooms; public hospital outpatient clinics; HotDoc / Healthengine | Usually need a GP referral. Many specialists now offer video appointments. |
Short answer: For most Aussies, the best telehealth service is your own GP via HotDoc/Healthengine. For after-hours, use 13SICK. For mental health, use MindSpot/This Way Up/Lysn/My Mirror. For online GP/scripts, use Medmate/Instant Consult/InstantScripts. For urgent advice, try My Emergency Doctor or your state’s virtual ED.
Top telehealth services in Australia that people actually use include Hola Health, Abby Health, Prime Medic, Healthy Life, Instant Consult/InstantScripts, HotDoc, and NewDoc, along with the government-backed Healthdirect. These stand out in recent comparisons and user reviews for speed, affordability (including bulk billing options), ease of use via apps, and reliability with AHPRA-registered practitioners.
Telehealth is widely used here (around 1 in 4 Australians in recent years), especially for scripts, medical certificates, referrals, general GP consults, and after-hours care. Many services integrate with Medicare for rebates or bulk billing (where the provider accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment, so no out-of-pocket for eligible patients). Always confirm your eligibility, as rules can vary by provider, time of day, and patient circumstances. Services must use AHPRA-registered doctors or practitioners.
Here are the most frequently praised and used options based on reviews, popularity rankings, and features (as of late 2025/2026 data):
Hola Health — One of the highest-rated and most mentioned for 24/7 access. Expect consults often within 15 minutes for scripts, certificates, referrals, and general care via app or web. Some bulk billing (e.g., certain scripts or mental health plans). Fast medication delivery options in metro areas. Strong user feedback on responsiveness and convenience; over 1 million Australians have used it. Good all-rounder for urgent or after-hours needs.
Abby Health — Stands out for near-universal bulk billing (highly affordable or $0 out-of-pocket for eligible Medicare users), quick appointments (often same-day or within 15 minutes via booking), and positive reviews for professional care. Available 7 days a week with GPs and nurse practitioners. Popular for cost-conscious users and regional access.
Prime Medic — Frequently listed among top comprehensive providers for 24/7 GP-focused care, short wait times, reasonable pricing ($22–$37 range with some bulk billing after hours), and high ratings. Strong customer service and reliable for standard consults.
Healthy Life (powered by Hola Health consults) — Excellent for broader wellness needs alongside standard telehealth. Includes naturopathy, weight loss programs, and an online shop (Woolworths-owned). 24/7 access with fast waits; good delivery options. Appeals to those wanting more than just GP visits.
Instant Consult / InstantScripts — Popular apps for fast video consults (often within 15 minutes), e-scripts, certificates, and referrals. InstantScripts is especially handy for prescription-focused needs. Widely used and marketed as a go-to for convenience.
HotDoc — One of the most widely used platforms overall (millions of users). Great for booking telehealth (or in-person) with your regular GP or on-demand options across GPs, specialists, etc. User-friendly app with queue estimates; integrates well with existing practices.
NewDoc — Notable for bulk billing every consultation for eligible Medicare cardholders ($0 out-of-pocket, including scripts/referrals in the same visit) with fellowship-qualified GPs. Hours typically 8am–midnight. A strong budget/Medicare-friendly choice.
Compare current pricing, wait times, and reviews on sites like MediCompare or ProductReview.com.au, as offerings can change. Start with a service that matches your needs (e.g., scripts vs. ongoing care) and test one—most are straightforward to sign up for. If you have specific needs like mental health, men’s/women’s health, or regional access, let me know for more tailored suggestions! Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
The most widely used and highest‑rated telehealth services in Australia include Updoc Australia, InstantScripts, Prime Medic, Medmate, Stigma Health, and Doctors on Demand, each excelling in different care needs.
If you’re in Australia, these are the services people consistently rely on, based on thousands of reviews and expert comparisons.
🇦🇺 Top Telehealth Providers Australians Actually Use
These services appear repeatedly in consumer rankings and comparison lists, with strong user feedback and broad availability.
Updoc Australia — Best for 24/7 GP Access
24/7 on‑demand telehealth with fast consults. Highly rated for convenience and ease of use. Popular for medical certificates, quick GP advice, and simple prescriptions.
InstantScripts — Best for Fast Prescriptions & Medical Certificates
Very quick and easy service, especially for repeat scripts. Commonly used by people who need fast turnaround without leaving work. Also offers medical certificates and basic GP consults.
Prime Medic — Best for After‑Hours Care
Frequently praised for late‑night availability, including 3am consults. Good for urgent but non‑emergency needs. Listed among top providers in MediCompare’s 2026 rankings.
Medmate — Best for GP Consult + Medication Delivery
Offers doctor consults plus fast medication delivery. Strong convenience factor for people who want everything handled in one place. Also highlighted in MediCompare’s top 2026 providers.
Stigma Health — Best for Discreet STI Testing
Specialises in STI testing referrals and results delivered online. Highly rated for privacy and comfort discussing sensitive topics.
Doctors on Demand — Best for Full‑Service GP Care
Provides access to AHPRA‑registered doctors, prescriptions, referrals, and chronic care support. Strong emphasis on clinical governance and secure video consultations. One of the longest‑running telehealth providers in Australia.
🧭 Other Notable Services (Niche but Popular)
Kin Fertility — Reproductive health, pill subscriptions, prenatal support. Talked — Mental health therapy matching and online psychology. Simple Online Doctor — Affordable medication and fast delivery. Hims Australia — Men’s health and treatment delivery.
📊 Comparison Table: Which Service Fits Your Needs?
Need / Priority | Best Option | Why 24/7 GP access | Updoc Australia | Always‑on availability, strong reviews 1 Fast prescriptions | InstantScripts | Very quick turnaround, easy process 1 After‑hours consults | Prime Medic | Reliable late‑night service 1 Medication delivered | Medmate | Consult + delivery in one platform 1 STI testing | Stigma Health | Discreet, specialised service 1
✅ How to Choose the Right Telehealth Provider
Based on the guidance in the results:
Check services offered (GP, scripts, mental health, STI testing). Confirm Medicare eligibility if you want bulk‑billing. Look for easy booking and communication options (video, phone, text). Review privacy and security standards. Read user reviews to understand speed, reliability, and doctor quality.
✅ Quick Recommendation Based on Common Needs
General GP consults: Updoc Australia or Doctors on Demand. Fast scripts or medical certificates: InstantScripts or Updoc Australia. Late‑night help: Prime Medic. Medication delivered fast: Medmate. Sexual health: Stigma Health. Women’s health: Kin Fertility. Mental health: Talked.
If you tell me what type of care you need (GP, prescriptions, mental health, women’s health, STI testing, etc.), I can narrow this to the best 1–2 options for your situation.
The most widely used and top-rated telehealth services in Australia for on-demand GP consults, prescriptions, and medical certificates include Instant Consult,, and Doctors on Demand.
Australians turn to these platforms for fast virtual care, electronic prescriptions (eScripts), and medical certificates. All practicing doctors on these legitimate platforms are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Top Telehealth Brands and Apps
Instant Consult: Best for: Rapid, on-demand video consultations without booking ahead. Details: Connects patients with an available AHPRA-registered doctor via video call, typically within 15 minutes. Doctors can send scripts, medical certificates, and referrals straight to your phone. HotDoc: Best for: Booking telehealth or in-person visits with your regular local GP, specialists, or allied health professionals. Details: Australia’s largest patient-booking platform, letting you search for clinics and individual practitioners that may offer Medicare bulk-billed telehealth options. Doctors on Demand: Best for: 24/7 general healthcare access. Details: A leading national telehealth provider offering 15-minute scheduled or on-demand video appointments for prescriptions, medical certificates, and referrals. Qoctor: Best for: Transparently priced, same-day online GP appointments. Details: An Australian doctor-owned service providing full phone or video consultations with fixed out-of-pocket pricing and no subscription required. Hola Health: Best for: Fast, after-hours medical certificates and script renewals. Details: Known for short wait times and 24/7 access to online practitioners.
Important Things to Know in Australia
Medicare Rebates: To get a Medicare rebate for a telehealth consultation with a general practitioner, current Australian regulations generally require you to have had an in-person, face-to-face consultation with a doctor at that same clinic within the previous 12 months. Private Fees: Dedicated on-demand apps like Instant Consult or Qoctor operate on a private-fee model and typically do not bulk-bill, meaning you will pay a flat out-of-pocket fee for the speed and convenience.
If you let me know what you need—such as a quick medical certificate, a repeat prescription, or treatment for a specific symptom —I can recommend which platform fits your situation best.
The top-used and most popular telehealth services in Australia for on-demand general practice, scripts, and medical certificates are Instant Consult, Hola Health, and GP2U, alongside mainstream digital health brands like Eucalyptus for specialized care.
Australians typically use private telehealth apps when they need fast, after-hours, or same-day access to AHPRA-registered doctors without waiting days for a local clinic appointment. While standard Medicare-subsidized telehealth is widely available through your regular local GP clinic, private on-demand apps dominate for instant certificates and scripts.
Top Telehealth Brands and Platforms in Australia
Breakdown of the Best Services
Instant Consult What it is: One of Australia's premier on-demand apps where you do not book a specific time; you press a button and connect with the next available registered Australian doctor via video. Why people use it: Excellent for getting a sudden medical certificate for work or an emergency prescription refill when your regular clinic is booked out. Hola Health What it is: A rapidly growing 24/7 telehealth platform providing access to nurse practitioners and GPs. Why people use it: It handles after-hours medical advice, mental health care plans, and quick-turnaround scripts with very short digital wait times. GP2U What it is: A veteran Australian online telehealth provider supporting video-based general practice and mental health consultations. Why people use it: Trusted for patients seeking structured video appointments with clear pathways to Medicare rebates. Eucalyptus Brands (e.g., Pilot) What it is: A specialized digital clinic focusing on targeted lifestyle, hair loss, sexual health, and weight management tracks. Why people use it: Ideal for ongoing, discreet management of specific chronic or personal conditions with treatment shipped directly to your door.
Note: Private on-demand services generally charge an out-of-pocket fee that is not always fully covered by Medicare, unlike a telehealth appointment booked directly through your regular face-to-face local general practice.
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Pages on newdoc.com.au that AI models referenced in their answers about telehealth services. Receipts for the ranking, not an input to it.
NewDoc’s AI Recommendation Score (20/100) reflects how widely and often the 9 AI models recommend it for telehealth services: share of voice, mention rate and how early the AI models name it. Cited sources are published as receipts, never as a score input. Every monthly refresh asks each AI model the same buyer question once, and the exact run count behind every edition is published in its JSON record. Placement is determined solely by AI recommendation data; it reflects what AI recommends and is not an endorsement by CiteHawk. Read the full methodology →

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