Telehealth has become a mainstream way for Australians to see a GP, but the cost varies significantly depending on which provider you use. Some charge $50 or more per consultation. Others are bulk billed under Medicare, meaning eligible patients pay nothing. Here is what you need to know about telehealth pricing in Australia in 2026.
What does a telehealth consultation typically cost?
Most private telehealth providers charge between $39 and $65 per standard GP consultation. On top of the consultation fee, some providers charge additional fees for medical certificates, prescriptions, or referrals. These add-on fees can push the total cost of a single visit well above $80.
A smaller number of providers offer bulk billed telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders. When a consultation is bulk billed, Medicare covers the full fee and the patient pays nothing out of pocket.
Telehealth provider cost comparison
Here is a comparison of standard consultation fees across major Australian telehealth providers. Prices were verified as of April 2026 and may change.
| Provider | Standard consult | Med certificate | Repeat script | Bulk billed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InstantScripts | $49 | $19 | $19 | No |
| Hola Health | $39–$49 | $14.90–$16.90 | $18.90 | After-hours only |
| Updoc | $49.95+ | Included | Included | No |
| Teldoc | $49+ | Included | Included | Partial |
| Qoctor | $49.99 | $14.99+ | $24.99–$31.99 | Mental health only |
| Doctors On Demand | $62.95 | Included | $29.90 | Mental health only |
| hub.health | $49 | $24.95 | Included | No |
| NewDoc | $0 for eligible Medicare patients | Included | Included | Yes |
Some important notes on these prices:
- Add-on fees matter: a $49 consult that charges $19 for a script and $19 for a medical certificate costs $87 in total
- Subscription models may suit frequent users but represent an ongoing cost regardless of whether you use the service each month
- Bulk billing eligibility varies by provider. Some only bulk bill after-hours appointments, mental health consultations, or patients with concession cards
- Practitioner qualifications vary. Some providers use nurse practitioners rather than GPs. At NewDoc, all consultations are with AHPRA-registered GPs who hold Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
What is included in a bulk billed telehealth consultation?
When a telehealth consultation is bulk billed, the full consultation fee is covered by Medicare. At NewDoc, this includes:
- Prescriptions and repeat scripts: sent as eScripts to your phone, at no extra charge
- Medical certificates: for work, school, or carer's leave, emailed to you
- Specialist referrals: to dermatologists, psychiatrists, cardiologists, and more
- Pathology referrals: for blood tests, iron studies, thyroid function, and more
- Imaging referrals: for X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans
- Mental health assessments: including Mental Health Treatment Plans
There are no add-on charges for any of these services when issued during a bulk billed consultation.
Is telehealth bulk billed under Medicare?
Telehealth consultations can be bulk billed under Medicare, but whether they are depends on several factors including the provider, the type of consultation, and your location. As the comparison above shows, most private telehealth platforms do not bulk bill, or only bulk bill in limited circumstances (such as after-hours or mental health only).
Medicare bulk billing eligibility for telehealth varies depending on where you live in Australia, the services you need, and your Medicare status. Some areas and patient groups have broader access to bulk billed telehealth than others.
At NewDoc, consultations are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. If you hold a valid Medicare card, you may be eligible for a $0 consultation with no out-of-pocket cost. Eligibility is assessed automatically when you book. If you are not eligible for bulk billing, a private consultation fee of up to $64.50 applies for a 10-minute appointment.
How to get started with $0 telehealth
If you are looking for a bulk billed telehealth consultation, visit NewDoc to book an appointment. The booking process takes under two minutes, same-day appointments are available seven days a week, and eligible Medicare patients pay nothing.
All consultations are with FRACGP-qualified GPs. No nurse practitioners, no subscription fees, no add-on charges.
Written by
Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP
Chief Medical Officer, NewDoc
A practising GP with over a decade of clinical experience, specialising in allergies, metabolic health, and natural medicines.