Getting an asthma inhaler online
Asthma is one of the most common conditions managed by GPs in Australia, affecting a large proportion of the population across all age groups. Most asthma treatment involves inhalers, which fall into two broad categories: relievers (used when symptoms occur) and preventers (taken daily to reduce inflammation). A NewDoc telehealth consultation lets you discuss your current symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, receive an eScript for a reliever or preventer inhaler.
Your GP will assess your symptom pattern, review any recent attacks, discuss triggers, and check whether your current treatment plan is working. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders, and the eScript is included at no extra charge.
How online inhaler prescription works
Book a telehealth consultation, join the video or phone call at your scheduled time, and discuss your asthma with an AHPRA-registered GP. If your GP determines that an inhaler prescription is clinically appropriate, an eScript is sent to your phone by SMS, typically within minutes of the call ending.
You can fill the script at any Australian pharmacy. PBS-listed inhalers are subsidised, so the out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy is limited to the standard PBS co-payment (lower for concession cardholders).
How NewDoc compares for inhaler scripts
NewDoc bulk-bills the consultation that issues your asthma inhaler eScript at $0 under Medicare for eligible cardholders. Other online doctor services charge a per-script fee on top of (or instead of) a Medicare consultation rebate.
| Provider | Lowest published cost to get a script | Bulk-billed? |
|---|---|---|
| NewDoc | $0 (Medicare) | Yes |
| Doccy | Not publicly listed | No |
| Hola Health | From $18.90 (private; bulk-billed after-hours) | After-hours only (and MHTPs always) |
| InstantScripts | $19 per script | No |
| Updoc | From $59.95 per consult or $49.95/mo (Pro tier) | No |
| Doctors on Demand | From $29.90 (QuickScript repeat) | No |
| hub.health | $35 (prescription) | No |
Cell values reflect each provider's lowest publicly listed pathway to a prescription as at the page review date shown below. Doccy lists prescriptions among its services but does not publicly display per-product pricing for them at the verification date. Doctors on Demand operates 24/7 and lists QuickScript repeats at $29.90. hub.health operates 8 am to 8 pm 7 days and lists prescriptions at $35. Hola Health bulk-bills consultations during designated hours (weekdays 6 pm–7:30 am, Saturdays from 12 pm, Sundays and public holidays 24/7); during business hours its scripts are private from $18.90. Updoc is private-pay only with single-consult pricing or monthly subscription tiers. Prices change — check each provider's own website for current pricing before booking.
When to see a GP in person
Telehealth is well suited to ongoing asthma management and repeat scripts, but your GP may recommend an in-person review if your symptoms have changed significantly, if you are having frequent attacks, if you have never been formally assessed for asthma, or if spirometry or another physical assessment is indicated.
If you are having a severe asthma attack, call 000 immediately or attend the nearest emergency department. Telehealth is not appropriate for acute emergencies. Live hospital ED wait times are available if you need to decide where to go.
Asthma action plans
An asthma action plan is a written document that sets out your personal asthma management strategy, including which medications to take, when to step treatment up or down, and when to seek urgent help. Having an up-to-date asthma action plan is associated with better outcomes. Your NewDoc GP can develop or update your plan during a telehealth consultation alongside issuing your inhaler eScript.
References
- Asthma, Healthdirect Australia
- Australian Asthma Handbook, National Asthma Council Australia
- Managing asthma, Asthma Australia
This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.
Last reviewed 8 May 2026. Editorial policy