Can international tourists see a doctor online?

Yes. Overseas travellers (like parents or friends over 18 years of age) can absolutely use telehealth for an online doctor consult Hola Health telehealth services are designed for travellers, along with locals.

A few notes on cost and Medicare

• Medical advice: You can speak to a doctor about a non-emergency issue, such as advice for an illness.
• Medicare: There is no need for a Medicare card for the consultation.
• Private Fees Apply: Bulk billing at Hola Health is strictly for valid Medicare cardholders during specific after-hours windows. Since overseas travellers do not have Medicare, they will need to pay a private fee for the consultation.
• AHPRA Doctors: You will still be speaking with a fully qualified, Australian-registered doctor, which is useful if you need a local prescription (eScript) or a referral that is recognised within the Australian healthcare system.
• Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, you can usually request a receipt from Hola Health to claim the consultation fee back from your insurer later.

How can I see a Doctor while travelling in Australia?

Hola Health offers online doctor telehealth services that are available 24/7 for overseas visitors/tourists. You can have a video consult in minutes with a registered GP or medical practitioner in Australia during the day, after hours, weekends and public holidays. These telehealth appointment fees apply to overseas visitors/tourists visiting Australia. Medicare card is not required.

Video consult with a GP online now.

Note: You will need an Australian mobile number and need to be in Australia at the time of your appointment.

What can you discuss with the doctor online?

When you book an online GP consultation, the scope of the discussion can be comprehensive. While a physical examination is limited to what can be seen on camera, Australian-registered doctors and nurse practitioners can handle most aspects of a standard clinical visit.

Here is a breakdown of what those key areas look like in a telehealth setting:

• Review of your medical history and presenting problem: The doctor will start by establishing your baseline health. They will look at current medications and pre-existing conditions to understand the immediate reason for your call.
• Discussion of symptoms and signs: A deep dive into when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and their severity.
• Advising on diagnosis and management: Identifying the likely cause of your illness. Based on the discussion, the practitioner will provide a clinical assessment.

Is there a difference between an online doctor or in-clinic GP for overseas travellers in AU?

No, there is no difference in terms of consultation quality; it largely depends on physical necessity and convenience.

An in-clinic GP visit is essential if the tourist has a physical injury, needs a vaccination, or requires a diagnostic test that involves a physical check. Online Doctor is ideal for conditions that can be assessed visually or through discussion, such as minor infections or skin rashes. It removes the need for a tourist to find a local clinic in an unfamiliar city. Most tourists do not have access to Medicare, which means both online and in-clinic visits will usually involve a private fee.

Here’s a comparison table for tourists

In case of emergency, always visit the nearest hospital or call 000.

Book an online doctor’s appointment for overseas visitors/tourists visiting Australia with Hola Health