Fastest Telemedicine Providers in Australia

When you’re sick, the last thing you want is often to wait for an appointment with your GP - or even leave bed. Getting fast access to a medical certificate and medication while staying horizontal may be what you’re after. That’s where MediCompare’s guide to the fastest telehealth providers in Australia comes in.

My guide gives you a quick snapshot of how the fastest top-rated Australian telehealth platforms compare. Below, you’ll find information on bulk billing and out-of-pocket costs, wait times (typically within 15 minutes for the fastest providers), and medication delivery. The basics, essentially, are to ensure you get convenient medical assistance fast.

Guaranteed 15-Minute Wait Only 24/7, Instant Scripts, Same-Day Delivery

Consistently rating highly across user reviews, Hola Health is hands-down my top choice for fastest provider, as it offers access to consults, eScripts, referrals, and medical certificates within 15 minutes around-the-clock, plus multiple options for fast medication delivery in under four (some areas under two)  hours, including via its Hola Meds app, which connects you with a local pharmacy of your choice and lets you order additional over-the-counter items at a low cost. Note: The platform does not guarantee GP consults, but it does offer appointments with AHPRA-registered health professionals. It also offers only limited bulk billing.

Bulk Billing, Open 7 Days/ Week, AI-Assisted

The sheer affordability of the almost entirely bulk-billed Abby Health is a huge drawcard. The booking process is made faster and more intuitive by using AI, and you can often find appointments within minutes. (Although times vary, next-available appointments are clearly shown at the top of the website.) Note: Abby Health offers eScripts, which can be home-delivered through services such as Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart, or even Hola Meds. If you book ahead, you can choose between GPs and NPs. Abby Health has extended opening hours, though it is not 24/7.

Comprehensive Services+, 15-Minute Guarantee, Free Standard Delivery

Leveraging Hola Health for its 24/7 telehealth consults with 15-minute wait times, Healthy Life also provides highly rated services. The platform adds a focus on naturopathic and weight loss for patients with less urgent needs and free standard delivery (1-3 business days). Note: No bulk billing and no GP guarantee.

24/7 Premium Service, 15-Minute Wait, No Delivery

The popular Private Medical positions itself as a premium provider, offering high-quality consultations within 15 minutes and a broad range of services. You can expect personalised follow-ups and a thorough approach to more complex issues, but the trade-off is on affordability, with a higher price point (AU$69-130) for the more extensive service menu. Note: Patients have to arrange their own medication delivery.

Priority Service, GP Consults, Fast Medication Delivery

The drawcard here is a focus on GP-only telehealth, delivered within roughly 15 minutes for priority bookings (at a slightly higher cost). Extended opening hours from 7 am to 11 pm every day of the year and a solid high rating across review sites make Our Sage an excellent choice if you are looking for a budget-conscious, high-quality telehealth option. Our Sage also organises the delivery of your medication directly to your home. Note: $20 surcharge for faster service.

Additional Options

While the above providers are my top picks, two notable runners-up also deliver fast service: Instant Consult and Sicky.  Instant Consults is a very fast option for obtaining eScripts, referrals and medical certificates, while Sicky is one of the fastest providers of medical certificates out there. Both have slightly lower satisfaction ratings, meaning that while you may save some time and money, you won’t get the same level of service as with my top providers above.

When it comes down to choosing from my top five (or other providers, of course), get clear on your needs and priorities. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Urgency: If you need a script and your medication delivered pronto, Hola Health and Our Sage may be your best options.
2. Budget: Abby Health simply can’t be beat on price with almost full bulk billing. Hola Meds for medication delivery (or Healthy Life’s free but slower delivery) are your add-ons.
3. Comprehensive Options:  Healthy Life is top of the crop for the most diverse fast provider, followed by Private Medical’s specialist focus, which makes both particularly suitable for chronic condition follow-ups.
4. Convenience Scripts/ Certificates: Instant Consult’s instant eScript delivery works well if you already have a preferred local pharmacy, and Sicky delivers fast medical certificates to your phone at a low cost.

Top contenders for fastest Australian telehealth provider typically offer wait times of less than 15 minutes, instant scripts, referrals and medical certificates. Medication delivery can sometimes be organised directly with the provider or local chemist-based apps. While GPs are available at most of the top providers at times, only a few guarantee GP consults. However, this does not necessarily mean a lower quality for everyday health concerns, as all listed providers offer consults with AHPRA-registered health professionals. Choose for your needs, whether that is the fastest turnaround time, affordability or wraparound solutions.

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.