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How does telehealth work in Australia?

Telehealth lets you access expert healthcare over the phone or via video call. Some health insurers offer telehealth services to their members, including some bulk-billed GP consultations.

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By

Nicola Middlemiss

Updated

Fact checked

What is telehealth?

Telehealth refers to any health service which is delivered remotely, usually over the phone or via video call. You could have an online counselling session, a quick phone call with your GP, or a video chat with your physiotherapist. These are all considered telehealth. While telehealth has been available in Australia for many years, the term became much more widely known after the government announced a broader telehealth program as part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Book telehealth services now

Telehealth since COVID-19

Before the coronavirus pandemic, telehealth was most commonly used to make it easier for people in remote communities to access expert healthcare.

However, on 30 March, the government expanded funding for telehealth, so bulk-billing became more widely available to Australians seeking healthcare services over the phone or via video call. That means even city-dwellers with a GP just a few streets away can now bulk-bill a telehealth appointment, when previously that wouldn't have been subsidised by Medicare.

How does telehealth work?

The specifics vary between different telehealth providers but, generally, you arrange an appointment with a health professional as usual but instead of visiting their office, you participate in a video call or phone call instead.

Online telehealth

Online-only telehealth

Some telehealth services are online-only, and don't have a physical location that patients can visit. However, other healthcare professionals provide in-person consultations as well as telehealth options. It's possible your regular GP offers video consultations, as well as face-to-face appointments.

Prescription

Prescription telehealth

If you need a prescription, it's sometimes possible to have the medicine posted directly to you, or your subscription sent to a pharmacy for pick-up for delivery. Speak to your healthcare professional to find out how they manage prescriptions via telehealth.

Important

Non-telehealth treatments

Remember, not all healthcare is possible via telehealth. If you require a physical examination, or your healthcare needs are considered an emergency, telehealth might not be right for you.

How can I access telehealth services?

You can contact your regular healthcare provider to see if they are offering telehealth services. Many doctors began offering telehealth services during the pandemic, so it may be a new service from them that you weren't previously aware of. You can also compare online doctor and GP services to see which providers sound right for you, or compare online counselling and therapy services if you're looking for mental health help.

The table below also shows some of the major telehealth services in Australia, along with information on where they operate and how to get in touch.

BrandAvailabilityContact infoWebsite
updocNationwideVisit the Telehealth Consultation to speak to a health practitioner today
InstantScriptsNationwide1300 391 438Book now
HealthdirectNationwide1800 022 222
HealthNowNationwide1800 870 711
13 HEALTHQueensland13 43 25 84
Western NSW Local Health DistrictWestern NSWVisit the Western NSW Local Health District page to get connected or call 02 6809 6829​
Hunter New England Local Health DistrictThe Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast regionsVisit the Hunter New England Local Health District page to get connected or email HNELHD-ClinicalTelehealth@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
South Australia HealthSouth AustraliaVisit the Preparing for your telehealth appointment page to get connected or email HealthSADigitalTelehealthNetwork@sa.gov.au
Healthy Western AustraliaWestern AustraliaContact your local health service provider. For technical assistance or general telehealth enquiries call 1300 367 166.
Northern Territory HealthNorthern TerritoryEmail teleHealthHeldpesk.THS@nt.gov.au or phone 1300 762 254 Email
North Western Melbourne PHNIn a number of public specialist clinics in VictoriaEmail telehealth@dhhs.vic.gov.au

How do I pay for telehealth?

Medicare

Medicare

From March 30 2020, the government announced that all Australians would be eligible for Medicare-subsidised telehealth. On 26 April 2021, it was announced the scheme would run until the end of 2021.

However, not all telehealth services provide bulk billing, so if you want to claim a subsidy through Medicare, be sure to check with the service provider before making an appointment.

Private health

Private health insurance

Many health funds started offering or expanding telehealth services to their members during the coronavirus pandemic. Check with your health fund to see if telehealth is covered, or if there are any restrictions on which service providers you can use.

Individual

Out-of-pocket

If you don't have health insurance, and can't claim on Medicare, you still have the option to pay for telehealth services independently.

What services are included in telehealth?

Telehealth services listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule include include:

  • GP services and after-hours consultations
  • Some consultations by other medical specialists and nurse practitioners
  • Mental health treatment
  • Chronic disease management
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments
  • Services to people with eating disorders
  • Pregnancy support counselling
  • Services to patients in aged care facilities
  • Services to children with autism

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Does private health insurance cover telehealth?

Yes, some health insurers offer telehealth services to their members. The table below includes information on some health funds with telehealth benefits.

BrandServices
MedibankMedibank provides telehealth services including triage, health advice and referral, health coaching, mental health programs, and chronic disease management.
HCFHCF partners with telehealth start-up GP2U, which provides a remote medical consultation and prescription service. You can now have bulk-billed online GP consultations.
ahmIf your services are offered via phone or video call and are included on your extras cover, AHM will pay benefits towards individual telehealth consultations between 30 March – 30 September 2020.
nibIf you're already covered for a service, have served relevant waiting periods and have remaining limits, you'll be able to claim on a telehealth consultation in the same way you would for an individual face-to-face visit.

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