What's the difference between NewDoc and 13SICK?
Both can bulk-bill eligible Medicare patients, but on different terms. NewDoc bulk-bills every consultation for all eligible cardholders. 13SICK's telehealth bulk-billing applies only after hours and only if you also meet one of its eligibility criteria (a recent visit to a 13SICK-serviced clinic, an urgent problem, ATSI background, homelessness, or a sexual/mental health or COVID booking). NewDoc is telehealth only, available across Australia generally 8 am to 11 pm most days. 13SICK is an after-hours service offering both home visits and telehealth within its coverage area in major cities.
Choose by what you need: NewDoc for daytime and evening telehealth anywhere in Australia, or 13SICK when you specifically need an after-hours doctor to attend your home.
NewDoc vs 13SICK at a glance
NewDoc and 13SICK can both bulk-bill eligible Medicare patients, but on different terms. NewDoc bulk-bills every consultation for all eligible cardholders. 13SICK's telehealth bulk-billing applies only after hours and only if you also meet one of its eligibility criteria (see the FAQs below). They cover different situations: NewDoc is an all-day telehealth service you can use from anywhere in Australia, while 13SICK is an after-hours service that can send a doctor to your home or consult by telehealth, within its coverage area, during evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
The table below compares the two on the dimensions that drive the decision. Comparison data verified as at 1 June 2026.
| Dimension | NewDoc | 13SICK (National Home Doctor) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Bulk-billed Medicare consult | Bulk-billed after-hours service (home visits and telehealth) |
| Lowest listed price | $0 (Medicare) | $0 (bulk-billed after-hours; 13SICK eligibility criteria apply) |
| Bulk-billed? | Yes | After-hours, and only for Medicare patients who also meet 13SICK's criteria (eg. a recent visit to a 13SICK-serviced clinic, an urgent problem, ATSI background, homelessness, or a sexual/mental health or COVID booking) |
| Doctor type | FRACGP-qualified GPs only | Registered Australian doctors (GP/FRACGP status not publicly specified) |
| Same-day availability | Yes | Yes (after-hours only) |
| Mental health care plan | Yes (bulk-billed) | Not publicly listed |
| Referrals | Yes (included in consult) | Urgent referrals offered within the consult |
Comparison data verified as at 1 June 2026. Values reflect each provider's lowest publicly listed pricing or stated feature on their own website. Prices and features change — check 13SICK (National Home Doctor) directly for current information before booking. "Bulk-billed" = no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare cardholders.
When NewDoc fits
NewDoc suits care that does not need someone to physically attend your home. Choose NewDoc if any of the following apply:
- You need a daytime or evening appointment; NewDoc is available generally 8 am to 11 pm, including the standard weekday hours that 13SICK's after-hours model does not cover.
- You are anywhere in Australia and want telehealth, rather than being limited to a home-visit coverage area.
- You want a FRACGP-qualified Australian-trained general practitioner specifically.
- You need a script, certificate, mental health care plan, or referral that can be handled by video or phone and sent to you electronically.
- You want ongoing care with every review consultation bulk-billed during the day.
When 13SICK might fit
13SICK fills a genuinely different need. Choose 13SICK if any of the following apply:
- You need a doctor to physically attend your home after hours, which a telehealth service cannot do.
- Your need arises in an after-hours window (a weeknight, weekend, or public holiday) and you are within 13SICK's coverage area.
- You want an in-person assessment at home rather than a video or phone consultation.
The two services can also be complementary: NewDoc for daytime and evening telehealth, and an after-hours home-visit service such as 13SICK for the times a doctor needs to come to you. For genuine emergencies, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department rather than booking either service.
Verify both before booking
Hours, coverage, and features change. Every claim above was verified against each provider's public website as at 1 June 2026. Before you book, confirm current details on NewDoc's pricing page and check 13SICK's own site directly, including whether your address is within their coverage area. For a wider comparison across all major Australian online doctor services, see our hub comparison.
Last reviewed 1 June 2026. Editorial policy