Is telehealth legit in Australia? Exploring its legitimacy, costs, and effectiveness

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.

Overview:

Ever wondered if seeing an online doctor or medical practitioner is “proper” healthcare? Well, you’re not alone. Millions of Australians are now using telehealth for almost everything, from managing ongoing issues to securing a medical certificate for work. But with so many platforms available, it is fair to wonder:

Is telehealth actually legitimate?

The short answer is yes, telehealth in Australia is legal, regulated, and a well-established part of the healthcare system. That said, it is not suitable for every type of medical care. This guide breaks down everything you need to know; how it works, what it costs, suitable for, and when an in-person visit is still the right choice.

What is telehealth and how does it work?

Telehealth is healthcare delivered remotely via video call, phone, or secure messaging. In Australia, the term refers to a diverse range of healthcare services: GP consultations, mental health support, specialist referrals, prescription management, and more. A typical telehealth consultation works like this:

1. You book an appointment through a telehealth platform or your regular clinic’s online booking system.
2. At your scheduled time, you connect with a doctor or medical practitioner via video or phone call.
3. The doctor or medical practitioner assesses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and suggests a management plan.
4. If clinically appropriate, they may issue a prescription, referral, or medical certificate.
5. Documents are sent to you digitally, often within a few minutes.

No travel, no waiting room, no exposure to other sick patients.

Is telehealth legal and regulated in Australia?

Yes, telehealth in Australia is supported by a well-established regulatory system. Here’s what that means for patients in practice:

• AHPRA registration: Every telehealth doctor or medical practitioner in Australia must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is the same registration requirement that applies to all in-person healthcare practitioners. You can confirm a practitioner’s registration at any time on the AHPRA website¹.

• Medicare oversight: Telehealth services listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)² are managed by Services Australia³ and must meet the same compliance and auditing standards as in-person appointments. Their permanent addition to the MBS after the COVID-19 pandemic reflects telehealth’s lasting role in Australian healthcare.

• TGA compliance: Any medication prescribed through telehealth must follow the same Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rules as prescriptions issued during an in-person consultation. This means prescriptions must be clinically justified and follow relevant guidelines.

• Privacy law: Telehealth providers must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) to ensure that your health information is handled securely and kept confidential.

In short, telehealth providers must meet the same legal and professional standards as traditional in-person clinics.

Why telehealth is considered legitimate

Beyond regulation, telehealth has become a trusted part of the healthcare system through proven results and growing acceptance from major health institutions.

• Government support: The Australian Government permanently expanded Medicare telehealth services in 2022 following their success during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Health and Aged Care⁴ continues to support telehealth as part of the nation’s ongoing health strategy.

• Professionally regulated: The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)⁵ has developed clinical guidelines for telehealth, supporting its use as a legitimate care option in suitable situations.

• Patient uptake: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Patient Experiences Survey⁶, a growing number of Australians are choosing telephone or video consultations, highlighting stronger trust in telehealth.

• Healthcare gap-filling: For Australians living in remote areas or those with limited mobility, telehealth can be the most practical way to access timely medical care.

Telehealth vs traditional healthcare

Telehealth and in-person care are not competitors; they complement each other. Each has its strengths and understanding when to use each option is key.  

Feature	Telehealth	In-person
Availability	24/7 in many cases	Business hours (mostly)
Wait times	Often shorter	Can be lengthy
Travel required	No	Yes
Physical examination	Not possible	Available
Best for	Non-urgent, follow-ups, scripts*	Complex or hands-on care
Bulk billing*	Available (eligibility applies)	Available (varies by practice)

  *Prescriptions, referrals, and medical certificates are subject to clinical assessment and the doctor's discretion. Bulk billing eligibility conditions apply. Important: Telehealth is not presented here as superior to in-person consultations. Some conditions require a physical examination that cannot be done remotely. Always seek in-person care when your situation demands it. Call 000 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately if you experience a life-threatening medical concern.  

How much does telehealth cost in Australia

The cost of telehealth consultations can differ depending on the provider, the duration of the appointment, and your eligibility for Medicare benefits. Here is a simple guide:

• Bulk billed consultations: Some telehealth platforms provide bulk billing* for eligible Medicare cardholders, which means the patient pays nothing out of pocket. However, eligibility and availability may differ based on the provider and the type of consultation.

• Gap fee consultation: Many providers charge a standard consultation fee, with Medicare reimbursing part of the amount and patients pay the remaining amount or “gap” fee.

• Private fee consultations: Some telehealth services operate outside the Medicare system and charge a fixed fee. These are usually disclosed when you book.

A standard telehealth GP consultation in Australia that qualifies for a Medicare rebate can range from fully bulk billed* to a variable gap fee, depending on the provider. It is best to confirm while booking.

Is telehealth covered by Medicare?

Yes, many telehealth consultations are covered by Medicare. To access a Medicare rebate for a telehealth consultation, you need to:

• Be a Medicare cardholder

• Have a clinical relationship with the provider or access urgent care.

• Consult with an AHPRA-registered doctor or medical practitioner.

• Receive a consultation that meets the relevant MBS requirements, including the required consultation time and clinical content.

Note: Hola Health offers telehealth consults across Australia. Bulk billing is available for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card for after-hours urgent care and script refill consultations (if clinically appropriate) during designated periods only: 11pm to 6:45am, 7 days a week. Private fees apply for all other consultations and service types. After-hours telehealth is designed for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions when your regular GP or clinic is closed. It is not a substitute for emergency care.

How effective is telehealth

Research from Australia and around the world shows that telehealth is effective for many health concerns if used in the right clinical situation. Research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Patient Experiences Survey 2024-25 found that 90.3% Australians who had a telehealth consultation said they would use telehealth again if offered, up from 89.2% the previous year. In the same survey, 80% reported their telehealth practitioner listened carefully, 83.1% felt respected, and 78.3% felt enough time was given during the consultation. Telehealth is highly effective for common healthcare needs, like:

• General medical advice

• Repeat management of ongoing conditions

• Mental health support

• Medication reviews

• Minor illnesses

• Follow-up appointments

When telehealth works best

Telehealth works best for:

• Colds, flu, and minor infections

• Skin conditions (especially video-based)

• Mental health conditions

• Medical certificates (subject to clinical assessment)

• Repeat prescriptions

• Follow-up care

• General health advice

• Chronic disease management (diabetes, asthma, or hypertension)

  Telehealth may not be suitable for every condition. Some patients with skin conditions or respiratory symptoms may require an in-person assessment, physical examination, testing, or emergency care.

When telehealth may not be suitable

Telehealth may not be suitable when you need:

• A physical examination

• Diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, ECG, or other investigations

• Immediate emergency care

• Complex and worsening symptoms

  Note: If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department (ED). Examples include: chest pain, breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, loss of consciousness, or significant injuries.

Benefits of telehealth for patients

Many Australians choose telehealth because it offers:

• Convenience: See a doctor or medical practitioner from home, work, or on the go.

• Convenient  access: Telehealth appointments are available sooner than in-person slots.

• Accessibility: Beneficial for Australians in remote areas, people with mobility restrictions, carers, and those who cannot easily attend a clinic.

• No travel cost: No commuting, parking, or waiting.

• Reduced exposure risk: Skipping the waiting room can be valuable when you are unwell or have a weakened immunity.

Challenges and limitations of telehealth

While telehealth is quite beneficial, it does have some limitations:

• No physical examinations

• Not suitable for all conditions

• Technology issues can interrupt care

• Medication prescribing limitations

• Some conditions may require further testing

How to choose a legitimate telehealth provider

With so many telehealth options available, here is what to look for:

• Check AHPRA-registration

• Confirm transparent pricing

• Check their privacy policy

• Look for Medicare integration

• Confirm there is a pathway to in-person care if needed

• Avoid platforms that guarantee prescriptions, medical certificates, or referrals; all decisions are subject to clinical assessment.

Tips for using telehealth safely

To get the most out of your telehealth appointment:

• Choose a quiet, private place

• Keep relevant health information ready

• Have your medication list handy

• Use a stable internet connection

• Be clear and specific about your symptoms

• Ask questions

• Follow up in person if required

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform. We connect patients with AHPRA-registered doctors or medical practitioner for timely, accessible healthcare. Here’s how we can help:

• General medical consultations

• Prescriptions, if clinically appropriate

• Medical certificates (if clinically appropriate)

• Specialist referrals  (if clinically appropriate)

• After-hours urgent care

Hola Health does not guarantee any specific outcome from a consultation. All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors or medical practitioner after assessing each patient individually.

Conclusion

Telehealth in Australia is a legitimate, well-regulated part of modern healthcare. It is not a shortcut or a substitute, but a Medicare-supported model of care that follows the same professional and legal standards as in-person consultations. However, telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. It works best alongside traditional healthcare for conditions that can be managed remotely, rather than a replacement for face-to-face care when hands-on assessment is needed. When used appropriately, telehealth offers Australians faster and more convenient access to healthcare, no matter where they are.

FAQs

Is telehealth legal in Australia?

Yes, telehealth is a legal and regulated part of Australia’s healthcare system.

How much does telehealth cost in Australia?

Cost differs. Some services are bulk billed*, while others charge a private consultation fee.

Is telehealth covered by Medicare?

Yes, many telehealth consultations are covered by Medicare.

Is telehealth as effective as in-person visits?

Yes, for several routine and follow-up health issues, telehealth is quite effective. However, some conditions require physical examinations or in-person management.