A telehealth appointment in Australia can cost $0 when it is bulk billed, while privately billed GP telehealth appointments commonly cost around $30 to $90. The final price depends on the clinic, Medicare eligibility, appointment type, and whether the consult is for general advice, a repeat script, referral, or medical certificate.
For many patients, telehealth is a practical way to speak with a GP without traveling to a clinic. It can be useful for repeat prescriptions, referrals, medical certificates, follow-up care, general advice, and some ongoing health concerns. It is not suitable for every medical issue, and the GP may recommend an in-person appointment if a physical examination, procedure, urgent assessment, or test is needed.
Fees can vary depending on the clinic, appointment type, Medicare eligibility, and whether the consult is bulk billed or privately billed. Patients should always confirm the latest fee with the clinic before booking.
Quick Cost Guide for Telehealth Appointments in Australia
The cost of a telehealth appointment in Australia usually falls into three billing categories: bulk-billed, privately billed with a Medicare rebate, or privately billed without a Medicare rebate.
| Billing type | Typical patient cost | Key point |
| Bulk billed telehealth | $0 out of pocket | The clinic accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment. Eligibility rules apply. |
| Private telehealth with Medicare rebate | About $30–$90 upfront; out-of-pocket cost varies after rebate | The patient may pay the full fee first, then receive a rebate if eligible. |
| Private telehealth without Medicare | About $45–$130 | Common for overseas visitors, some new patients, and services not covered by Medicare. |
| Online script-only service | About $18–$40 | Fees vary by provider and service type. Medicare rebates may not apply. |
| Longer or specialized telehealth consult | About $90–$130+ | Longer appointments, mental health, complex care, or urgent consults may cost more. |
Private online GP consultation fees in Australia are often advertised as lower for short consults and higher for longer or more complex consults. Any quoted range should be checked directly with the clinic before booking because GP fees and Medicare rules can change.
The final cost can depend on:
- Whether the patient has a valid Medicare card
- Whether the clinic bulk bills the appointment
- Whether the patient has visited the practice face-to-face within the required period
- Whether the appointment is short, standard, long, or after-hours
- Whether the appointment is by phone or video
- Whether the consult includes a repeat script, referral, certificate, care plan, or follow-up
- Whether the patient is an overseas visitor without Medicare
What Affects the Cost of a Telehealth Appointment?
The cost of a telehealth appointment depends on the clinic’s billing policy, Medicare eligibility, appointment length, and whether the consult is bulk billed or privately billed. The price can also change based on the type of request, such as a general GP consultation, repeat script, referral, medical certificate, test result follow-up, or longer medical review.
Medicare eligibility
Medicare can reduce the cost of eligible GP telehealth appointments through an MBS rebate. A rebate is the amount Medicare pays back to the patient or pays to the clinic when the appointment is bulk billed.
A patient usually needs a valid Medicare card and must meet the relevant telehealth eligibility rules. For many GP telehealth services, this includes either having an existing relationship with the clinic or having attended the practice face-to-face within the required period, unless an exemption applies.
Bulk billing availability
Bulk billing means the clinic accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the appointment. When a telehealth appointment is bulk billed, the eligible patient usually pays no out-of-pocket cost.
Not every telehealth appointment is bulk billed. Some clinics are mixed-billing or private-billing clinics. Some clinics bulk bill only certain patient groups, such as pension card holders or children under a certain age.
Private billing
Private billing means the clinic charges a private fee. The patient may pay the full fee first and receive a Medicare rebate later if eligible. The difference between the private fee and the Medicare rebate is the out-of-pocket cost, also called the gap.
GP clinic policy
Each medical center can set its own billing policy. Some clinics publish fee schedules online. Others ask patients to confirm the cost at the time of booking. Fees may also vary by day (weekdays vs. weekends), after-hours appointments, and consultation length.
Appointment length
A short telehealth consult usually costs less than a regular or long consultation. A quick repeat-script request may not cost as much as a detailed GP consultation. A mental health review, chronic disease review, or complex medical concern may require more time and incur a higher fee.
Phone vs video consult
Telehealth can happen by phone or video. Medicare rules may treat phone and video items differently depending on the service. Some clinics prefer video appointments because the doctor can see the patient and assess some visual information.
Type of request
The cost can change depending on whether the appointment is for:
- general GP advice
- repeat prescription
- specialist referral
- medical certificate
- test result follow-up
- mental health care plan follow-up
- chronic condition review
- women’s health advice
- Overseas visitor appointment
New or existing patient status
Existing patients may have more telehealth options because the clinic already knows their medical history. Some telehealth services, including repeat scripts and ongoing referrals, are usually more suitable for regular patients with a known history.
New patients may need an in-person appointment first, especially if the doctor needs to examine them, confirm history, or meet Medicare telehealth eligibility rules.
Overseas visitor status
Overseas visitors, international students, temporary visa holders, and patients without Medicare may need to pay the full private fee. Some may be able to claim part of the cost from private health insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover, depending on their policy.
Bulk Billed Telehealth vs Private Telehealth
Bulk-billed telehealth means the patient pays $0 out of pocket because the clinic accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment, but eligibility rules apply. Private telehealth means the patient pays a clinic fee, which may be partly reduced by a Medicare rebate if the patient is eligible, or paid fully by the patient if Medicare does not apply.
| Feature | Bulk billed telehealth | Private telehealth |
| Patient cost | Usually $0 out of pocket for eligible patients | Private fee applies |
| Medicare rebate | Paid directly to the clinic | May be claimed by the patient if eligible |
| Eligibility | Medicare and MBS rules apply | Available to more patients, but the Medicare rebate may not apply |
| Availability | Depends on clinic policy and patient eligibility | Depends on clinic fees and appointment availability |
| Best suited for | Eligible regular patients, concession groups, children, and suitable GP concerns | Patients not eligible for bulk billing, private patients, overseas visitors, or services outside the bulk billing rules |
| What patients should check | Whether the appointment is truly bulk billed and whether any extra fee applies | Full fee, rebate amount, out-of-pocket cost, payment timing, and cancellation policy |
Does Medicare Cover Telehealth Appointments in Australia?
Medicare can cover eligible GP telehealth appointments in Australia through MBS telehealth items, but this does not mean every telehealth appointment is automatically free. Some appointments may be bulk billed, while others may involve a private fee with a Medicare rebate if the patient is eligible.
Medicare telehealth coverage depends on the patient’s eligibility, the type of healthcare provider, the appointment type, and the clinic’s billing policy. Bulk-billed telehealth means the clinic accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment, so the patient pays no out-of-pocket cost. Private telehealth means the patient pays a clinic fee, and Medicare may cover part of the cost through a rebate if the service is eligible.
Some patients, appointment types, or online services may not qualify for a Medicare rebate. This is why patients should always confirm the cost before booking and ask whether the telehealth appointment is bulk-billed, privately billed, or rebate-eligible.
The safest approach is to ask the clinic: “Is this telehealth appointment bulk billed, privately billed, or rebate eligible?”
What Are The Types Telehealth Appointment Types And Their Possible Cost?
Different telehealth appointment types can have different costs because some consults are short and simple, while others need more time, clinical review, or follow-up planning. In Australia, a telehealth appointment may cost $0 if it is bulk billed, while private telehealth fees commonly range from about $30 to $90 for standard consults and may be higher for longer or more complex appointments.
| Telehealth appointment type | What it means | Possible cost range | Cost considerations |
| Standard GP telehealth consult | A general phone or video appointment with a GP for mild symptoms, follow-up advice, test results, medication discussion, or general medical concerns. | $0 bulk billed or about $39–$90 privately | The cost depends on the clinic, appointment length, Medicare eligibility, and whether the consult is short, standard, or long. |
| Long or complex GP telehealth consult | A longer appointment for multiple concerns, complex symptoms, ongoing conditions, or detailed medication review. | About $90–$130+ privately | Longer appointments usually cost more because they require more GP time and clinical review. |
| Repeat script request | A telehealth request for regular medication when the patient is already known to the clinic and the medication remains clinically appropriate. | $0 bulk billed or about $18–$45 privately | Some clinics include repeat scripts in a GP consult, while others charge a separate script request fee. |
| Telehealth prescription consult | A GP consultation where the doctor assesses whether a prescription is safe and suitable, then may issue an electronic prescription. | About $18–$90 plus medicine cost | The appointment fee is separate from the pharmacy cost of the medicine. PBS subsidy may reduce the medicine price if the patient is eligible. |
| Referral request | A telehealth appointment where the GP reviews the patient’s concern and decides whether a specialist referral is appropriate. | $0 bulk billed or about $30–$90 privately | Some referrals are included in the consult fee, while others may require a separate quick consult or longer GP review. |
| Medical certificate consult | A telehealth assessment in which the doctor determines whether a medical certificate can be issued based on the patient’s condition. | About $13–$40 for certificate-only services or $30–$90 as part of a GP consult | A medical certificate is not automatic. The GP must assess whether it is clinically appropriate. |
| Test result follow-up | A phone or video appointment where the GP explains pathology, imaging, or other test results and discusses next steps. | $0 bulk billed or about $30–$90 privately | Telehealth may be suitable when the GP can safely explain results and next steps without a physical examination. |
| Mental health telehealth appointment | A telehealth consultation for mental health discussion, follow-up, care planning, or review. | $0 bulk billed or about $80–$150+ privately | Mental health appointments often require more time, so the cost may be higher than that of a short GP consult. Medicare eligibility and care plan rules should be checked. |
| Chronic disease review | A follow-up appointment for ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart health, or blood pressure management. | $0 bulk billed or about $60–$130+ privately | Some reviews can be managed via telehealth, but those involving measurements, tests, or physical checks may require an in-person appointment. |
| Women’s health or general advice | A telehealth consult for general women’s health questions, medication discussions, results, or follow-up advice. | $0 bulk billed or about $30–$90 privately | Telehealth may be suitable for general advice, results, medication discussion, or follow-up, but physical examinations and procedures require an in-person visit. |
| Overseas visitor telehealth | A privately billed telehealth appointment for patients who do not have Medicare, including many overseas visitors and temporary visa holders. | About $45–$130 privately | Patients without Medicare usually pay the full private fee. Private health insurance or Overseas Visitors Health Cover may or may not reimburse the cost. |
What is the Telehealth Cost for Patients Without Medicare?
Patients without Medicare usually need to pay the full private fee for a telehealth appointment in Australia. This commonly costs around $45 to $130, depending on the clinic, appointment length, and type of consult.
This can apply to overseas visitors, temporary visa holders, international students, and people waiting for Medicare enrolment. Private health insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover may help with some costs, but patients should check with their insurer before booking.
Patients without Medicare should ask the clinic:
- What is the full private fee?
- Is payment required before the appointment?
- Can I receive an invoice from my insurer?
- Does the appointment include prescriptions, referrals, or certificates if clinically appropriate?
- Will I need an in-person appointment instead?
Is Telehealth Cheaper Than Visiting a GP in Person?
Telehealth can be cheaper than visiting a GP in person when the appointment is bulk-billed, as the patient may pay $0 out of pocket. Private telehealth appointments typically cost $30 to $90, while private in-person GP appointments may cost $70 to $120 or more, depending on the clinic, appointment length, and Medicare rebate eligibility.
Telehealth may also reduce extra costs such as travel, parking, fuel, public transport, and time away from work. This can make it a more affordable and convenient option for simple GP concerns, repeat scripts, referrals, test result follow-ups, and general medical advice.
However, telehealth is not always cheaper. If the appointment is privately billed, includes additional document fees, or requires a follow-up in-person visit, the total cost may be similar to or higher than that of seeing a GP at the clinic.
In simple terms, telehealth is usually cheaper when it is bulk billed or when it helps patients avoid travel and time costs. An in-person GP visit may be better when the patient needs a physical examination, vaccination, procedure, skin check, or urgent medical assessment.
When Telehealth Is Usually a Good Option?
Telehealth is usually a good option for simple GP concerns, repeat scripts, referrals, test result follow-ups, medication reviews, medical certificate requests, and general health advice when a physical examination is not needed. It is also helpful for patients who want to save time on travel, avoid waiting rooms, or speak with a doctor from home, work, or another convenient location.
It may be suitable for:
- Follow-up appointments
- Repeat prescriptions when clinically appropriate
- Referral discussions
- Medical certificate assessment
- Test result discussion
- Some mild illnesses
- Medication reviews
- Some mental health discussions
- Ongoing care with a regular GP
- Patients who have mobility, transport, work, or family barriers
Telehealth works best when the patient is prepared. A patient should have their Medicare card, medication list, allergies, preferred pharmacy, and recent test results ready, along with a quiet, private space, before the appointment.
When Telehealth May Not Be Suitable
Telehealth may not be suitable for medical emergencies, severe symptoms, serious injuries, chest pain, breathing difficulty, conditions needing a physical examination, or services such as vaccinations, procedures, and full skin checks.
Telehealth may not be suitable for:
- chest pain
- severe breathing difficulty
- serious allergic reactions
- severe abdominal pain
- sudden weakness, collapse, or stroke-like symptoms
- serious injuries
- heavy bleeding
- Symptoms needing a hands-on examination
- skin checks requiring close examination
- procedures
- vaccinations
- Urgent care needs that cannot wait
In a medical emergency, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department. Telehealth should not be used as a substitute for emergency care.
How to Check the Cost Before Booking a Telehealth Appointment?
Before booking a telehealth appointment, patients should check whether the consult is bulk billed or privately billed, whether a Medicare rebate applies, what the total fee is, and whether scripts, referrals, medical certificates, or follow-ups cost extra.
Before booking a telehealth GP appointment, check:
- whether the appointment is bulk billed
- whether a private fee applies
- the expected out-of-pocket cost after any Medicare rebate
- whether Medicare applies to the appointment
- whether the appointment is by phone or video
- whether the doctor can help with the issue via telehealth
- whether payment is required before the appointment
- whether cancellation or non-attendance fees apply
- whether scripts, referrals, or certificates have separate fees
- whether an in-person appointment may still be needed
A simple question helps: “Can you please confirm the total cost and expected Medicare rebate for this telehealth appointment?”
How Much Does a Telehealth Appointment Cost in Australia at Smith Street Medical?
Smith Street Medical is a mixed billing practice, which means the cost of a telehealth appointment can vary depending on the patient’s Medicare eligibility, appointment type, concession card status, and the time of the appointment. Some patients may be bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost, while others may pay a private fee and receive a Medicare rebate if eligible.
As listed on Smith Street Medical’s fee schedule, telehealth appointments are included under the short consultation and regular consultation fee structure. A short telehealth consultation may be suitable for a simple concern, while a regular telehealth consultation may be needed for a more detailed discussion, follow-up, medication review, referral, or ongoing care matter.
| Appointment type | Medicare rebate | Full fee | Healthcare and seniors cardholders | Pension card holders/children under 12 | Saturday and after-hours |
| Short Consultation / Telehealth | $19.60 | $65.00 | $55.00 | No gap | $80.00 |
| Regular Consultation / Telehealth | $42.85 | $100.00 | $85.00 | No gap | $115.00 |
For patients who are eligible for a Medicare rebate, the final out-of-pocket cost is usually the private fee minus the applicable Medicare rebate. For example, a regular telehealth consultation listed at $100.00 with a $42.85 Medicare rebate may leave an estimated out-of-pocket cost of $57.15, depending on eligibility and billing conditions.
FAQs
How much does a telehealth appointment cost in Australia?
A telehealth appointment in Australia can cost $0 out of pocket if it is bulk billed for an eligible patient. Privately billed telehealth appointments have a clinic fee, and eligible patients may receive a Medicare rebate. The exact cost depends on the clinic, appointment length, Medicare eligibility, and billing policy.
Are telehealth appointments bulk-billed in Australia?
Some telehealth appointments are bulk billed in Australia, but not all. Bulk billing depends on Medicare eligibility, MBS rules, the type of appointment, and the clinic’s billing policy. Patients should check whether the appointment is bulk billed before booking.
Does Medicare cover GP telehealth appointments?
Medicare may cover eligible GP telehealth appointments through MBS telehealth items. Eligibility rules apply, and a rebate is not guaranteed for every appointment. Some patients may need to pay a gap fee if the clinic bills the appointment privately.
Can I get a prescription through telehealth?
A GP may provide a prescription via telehealth if clinically appropriate. The doctor still needs to assess the patient and decide whether the medicine is safe and suitable. Some medications or situations may require an in-person appointment or further review.
Can overseas visitors use telehealth in Australia?
Overseas visitors can use telehealth in Australia if the clinic offers the service and the concern is suitable for remote care. Patients without Medicare usually pay a private fee. Private health insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover may help with costs, depending on the policy.
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