What's the difference between NewDoc and Updoc?
NewDoc bulk-bills every consultation it offers at $0 for eligible Medicare cardholders, with the eScript, MHTP, and any same-visit referral or certificate included. NewDoc's operating hours are generally 8 am to 11 pm most days, with availability varying day to day. Updoc is private-pay only, with two pricing options: per-consult fees (medical certificate $39.95, standard telehealth consult from $59.95, priority from $99.95) or monthly subscription tiers (Plus $19.95/mo for certificates, Pro $49.95/mo for certs + scripts + referrals + pathology + imaging, Platinum $79.95/mo adding weight loss).
Both services use AHPRA-registered doctors. NewDoc states it uses FRACGP-qualified Australian-trained general practitioners only. Updoc describes its practitioners as AHPRA-registered doctors but does not publicly itemise its training mix.
NewDoc vs Updoc at a glance
NewDoc and Updoc are both major Australian online doctor services. Updoc's pricing model has two structures: pay per consult (medical certificate $39.95, standard consult from $59.95, priority from $99.95) or pay a monthly subscription (Plus $19.95/mo for certificate access, Pro $49.95/mo for full GP services, Platinum $79.95/mo adding weight-loss support). NewDoc's model is different: a Medicare-billed bulk-billed consultation that includes the eScript and any same-visit document at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible cardholders.
The table below compares the two on the dimensions that drive cost and experience. Comparison data verified as at 9 May 2026.
| Dimension | NewDoc | Updoc |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Bulk-billed Medicare consult | Per-consult fee + monthly subscription tiers |
| Lowest listed price | $0 (Medicare) | $19.95/month (subscription); $39.95 single medical certificate |
| Bulk-billed? | Yes | No |
| Doctor type | FRACGP-qualified GPs only | AHPRA-registered doctors |
| Same-day availability | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health Treatment Plan | Yes (bulk-billed) | Mental health support offered; tier and pricing varies |
| Referrals | Yes (included in consult) | Included in higher subscription tiers; per-item otherwise |
Comparison data verified as at 9 May 2026. Values reflect each provider's lowest publicly listed pricing or stated feature on their own website. Prices and features change — check Updoc directly for current information before booking. "Bulk-billed" = no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare cardholders.
When NewDoc fits
NewDoc's bulk-billed model is structurally cheaper for any Medicare-eligible patient. The single bulk-billed consultation covers the eScript, MHTP, and any same-visit referral or certificate.
Choose NewDoc if any of the following apply:
- You are eligible for Medicare and want $0 out-of-pocket for the consultation and any documents issued.
- You want a FRACGP-qualified Australian-trained general practitioner specifically.
- You need a Mental Health Treatment Plan included in the bulk-billed consultation.
- You need ongoing chronic-condition care and want every review consultation, pathology order, and script repeat bulk-billed.
- You don't want a monthly subscription — you only want to pay (or be billed via Medicare) when you actually use the service.
When Updoc might fit
Updoc's subscription tiers may suit users who want predictable monthly cost and frequent service use. Choose Updoc if any of the following apply:
- You expect to use the service heavily each month and want a flat monthly fee (Updoc Pro at $49.95/mo or Platinum at $79.95/mo) rather than per-visit pricing.
- You only need certificates and want the lowest-tier subscription ($19.95/mo for the Plus tier) rather than per-certificate fees.
- You are not Medicare-eligible and prefer Updoc's priority-tier flow (from $99.95 per consult) for faster service.
- You are a returning Updoc user with established continuity and prefer to stay with the same service.
Worked example: a single multi-need visit
Consider a Medicare-eligible patient seeking three documents from one visit: a repeat script, a pathology referral, and a medical certificate. On the publicly listed prices as at 9 May 2026:
- NewDoc: $0 — one bulk-billed consultation covers all three documents.
- Updoc per-consult: standard telehealth consult from $59.95 (which would cover the script and referral as part of the consult) plus the medical certificate consult at $39.95 — about $99.90 total.
- Updoc Pro subscription: $49.95 for the month, with all three services included in the tier.
Across a year of regular care the gap widens. A Medicare-eligible patient with monthly GP review pays $0 with NewDoc; the same care on Updoc Pro at $49.95/month is $599.40/year, or on per-consult pricing would be approximately $720+ per year on the standard tier.
Verify both before booking
Pricing and features change. Every claim above was verified against each provider's public website as at 9 May 2026. Before you book, confirm current pricing on NewDoc's pricing page and on Updoc's site. For a wider comparison across all major Australian online doctor services, see our hub comparison.
Last reviewed 10 May 2026. Editorial policy