As part of the Australian government’s healthcare strategy, telehealth services delivered by GPs are covered under Medicare under certain conditions. If you are looking for a provider offering bulk billing, understanding exactly which services qualify is essential. This patient guide summarises current coverage, highlights after-hours options, and points you toward vetted, high-quality providers who offer fully bulk-billed GP telehealth.
BulkBilled GP Online: What Services Are Covered?
BulkBilled GP Online: What Services Are Covered?
Core Services That Are BulkBilled
In essence, patients can benefit from fully bulk-billed GP consults online, given the telehealth appointment is delivered by a doctor at your regular GP practice, and you have visited it in the preceding 12 months or registered it with Medicare [1].
This includes:
- Standard GP consultations (up to 20 minutes)
- Extended GP consults (20-40 minutes, for example, for mental health assessments)
- Associated services such as online medical certificates, eScripts, referrals and follow-ups
There are also a few nationwide telehealth providers with free bulk billing GPs during working hours, including New Doc and Abby Health.
AfterHours BulkBilled GP Care
If you need an after-hours bulk-billed GP, the good news is that Medicare also specifically covers services during unsociable hours [2]. Again, it is up to the telehealth platform whether they elect to charge privately.
Top-ranked providers offering these after-hours bulk-billed services include Abby Health, Prime Medic, Hola Health, and Healthy Life, with the last three open around the clock. 13SICK offers government-funded after-hours only care, including at-home visits, depending on doctor availability.
Some local GP clinics have a specific after-hours line or video platform.
Specific Bulk-Billed GP Virtual Care
Certain conditions and populations are specifically covered under the Medicare Benefit Scheme, including infants, sexual health, and mental health [3]. This has led to some private telehealth providers offering free bulk-billed GP care, for example, Instant Consult covering infants and Qoctor bulk-billing Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs).
Abby Health, Prime Medic, Hola Health, and Healthy Life also include these bulk-billed services. For a full list of providers assisting with MHTPs, head to MediCompare’s Mental Health page.
While most comprehensive telehealth providers that offer bulk billing include sexual health services in their suite, there are also specialised telehealth providers with a focus on sexual and reproductive health, such as SISTR.
Upsides of Bulk-Billed Virtual GPs
Besides the obvious upsides of convenience, accessibility, and cost savings, it is worth noting that seeing an online GP often also means better adherence to treatment plans, earlier contact, and the same standard as a face-to-face appointment. (As GPs follow the same guidelines online as they do in person. Although not all conditions are suited to telehealth.)
How to Find a BulkBilling GP Service
- Use MediCompare’s comparison tool, bulk billing or GP consult pages as a starting point.
- Check the provider’s website: Look for “no out-of-pocket costs” or “bulkbilled”.
- Confirm the service type: Ensure the specific appointment you need is listed as bulk-billed.
Summary
Availability of bulk billing depends on the provider. Even though Medicare permits bulk billing for many telehealth services, the GP must choose to bill through MBS. Telehealth consults with your primary GP and after-hours GP telehealth are among the core services typically covered. Remember to have your Medicare card handy. You’ll need it to register and confirm eligibility with a new provider.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.