Bulk Billed Australian Telehealth Provider Comparison 2026

Finding bulk billed telehealth in Australia can be complex due to changing Medicare rules. We have compared the top providers to help you access $0 out-of-pocket consultations, after-hours care, and mental health support. Use the table below to find the best provider for your eligibility and needs.

Bulk Billing Telehealth Comparison

Disclaimer: Subject to change due to recent legislative changes.

How Telehealth Bulk Billing Works

What is Bulk Billing?

Bulk billing typically means the health professional charges the full cost for your appointment via Medicare. This means no out-of-pocket costs for you. [1]

Sometimes, providers bulk bill, but you may still incur a lower fee. 

How to Claim a Medicare Rebate 

Some telehealth providers offer services covered under Medicare with a gap fee. They may offer to process your rebate on your behalf. Alternatively, you can submit a digital claim through your myGov account or the Express Plus Medicare app.  You could also mail in a form or hand it in at a Medicare Service Centre [2].

Bulk Billing vs Private Fees

While there are fewer providers offering bulk- billed telehealth appointment services, telehealth consultations with your primary GP can be covered under Medicare (if you have seen them within the last 12 months).

Some providers also offer a hybrid service to help you unlock bulk-billed telehealth doctors by providing access to doctors with in-person consults. This allows you to fulfil the Medicare requirement to visit your primary GP practice at least once every 12 months to access telehealth appointments, bulk billed through the provider.

Fully bulk- billed telehealth services, such as 13SICK, often have longer waiting times, but popular and highly rated providers such as Hola Health and Prime Medic can provide fully bulk-billed telehealth doctors fast, after hours. 

Overall, Privateprivate providers often have shorter wait times, at prices sometimes similar to the gap fee at your local GP clinic. Some telehealth providers also offer monthly subscriptions, for example, Updoc, bringing down private costs further.

Notably, some providers also offer rebates just on select services, but those are currently the exception, not the rule.

Who’s Eligible for Bulk Billed Telehealth?

While all Australian citizens and residents with a Medicare card are, in theory, eligible for some bulk-billed telehealth services, it is up to the provider whether they choose to use the Medicare Benefit Scheme or charge privately. 

So, whether you can access bulk-billed telehealth depends largely on the provider. Some, like 13SICK, are government-funded, which means all Medicare cardholders receive bulk billed services, including access to bulk-billed telehealth doctors. Some offer specific items such as mental health care plans or services for regional or rural patients or concession cardholders. Othershave some doctors who bulkbill or offer bulk-billed telehealth appointments during “unsocial hours”, typically after business hours, sometimes from 11 pm.

In general, the Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) covers telehealth for remote and regional patients, those living in disaster-affected areas, infants, people experiencing homelessness and Aboriginal patients accessing specific health services, as well as sexual health concerns, eating disorders, mental health treatment plans and a few other more specific conditions. If you fall under any of these categories, it may be worthwhile finding a telehealth provider that gives you access to fully bulk-billed services, rather than charging a private fee.

There are many reasons why you might want to opt for bulk billed telehealth providers. Those that follow best practice offer an array of benefits with few downsides in the right circumstances, including no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.

Accessibility

Bulk billed telemedicine offers free access to general practitioners and health professionals practising anywhere in Australia, from anywhere in the country. This is an important advantage for patients living in rural or remote areas. It removes significant barriers to accessing healthcare and makes it more available to all Australians.

This also means better secondary care and higher levels of compliance with treatments. After all, it is easier to follow through when you can access your doctor from anywhere at no cost and receive referrals or scripts at no cost, either.

Expanded Provider Options

Using telehealth providers vastly expands your choice beyond geographical limitations. It gives you access to services that might not be locally available. This variety ensures you receive the care you’re looking for, not one dictated by availability, location, or timing. 

Convenience and Flexibility

Greater availability after-hours, on weekends, and during public holidays caters to anyone with a busy schedule or urgent medical needs outside traditional clinic hours. This can be especially important if your condition worsens after-hours or over the weekend, when some GP clinics are closed and the open ones experience higher demand, 

Being able to have your appointment from the comfort of your own home allows you to rest while sick and saves time spent travelling to and waiting at the doctor’s practice. It can also play an important role if you have mobility issues.

Often, it's easier to reschedule your appointment online if your plans change. You may avoid a cancellation fee charged at your GP clinic.

Safety and Support 

When you have your doctor’s consultation over the phone, you reduce the risk of spreading or contracting secondary infections.  This could be an important factor if you have a compromised immune system or think your illness may be highly contagious. 

Virtual consultations also make it easier for a support person to be present, giving you additional comfort and assurance.  

If you have sensitive health needs, you may feel it is easier to open up to your health care provider virtually from your own home – and maybe with support at your side.

Inclusive and Efficient Care

Some providers offer interpreting or different language options for non-native speakers, ensuring language is less of a barrier to effective care.  

The very fast availability of telehealth appointments at all hours also means faster access to referrals. Some providers also offer specialist appointments at a gap fee, further reducing your out-of-pocket costs. This is a perk when timely specialist consultations can be hard to come by via traditional health care providers. 

Additionally, using your Medicare card simplifies the process from booking, through the consult, to  receiving your treatment – all via bulk billing with no (or negligible) out-of-pocket cost.

It also enhances care continuity, as it allows for easy sharing of health information with your primary doctor via digital solutions.

Prime Medic

Bulk Billing: Yes. Wide range of telehealth. Some doctors available and after-hours bulk-billed consults generally easy to book.

Opening Hours: 24/7

Booking Method: App, website, 1300 number and after-hours number

“Best for 24/7 Premium Bulk Billed Services”

Abby Health

Bulk Billing: Yes. All appointments with GPs and doctors are covered. However, NP appointments may incur a small fee. Free assessment to check if you qualify.

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 5.30 am to 11.30 pm, Sat/ Sun 7 am to 10.30 pm

Booking Method: App, website, or 1800 number

“Best for Highest Ratings”

Hola Health

Bulk Billing: Yes. After-Hours consultations, prescriptions, and mental health care plans.

Opening Hours: 24/7

Booking Method: App, website, QLD number, or email

"Best for Fast Consults” 

13SICK

Bulk Billing: Yes. All services.

Opening Hours: After-hours only. Mon – Fri 12–8 am and 6 pm–12 am, Sat 12 pm-12 am, Sun all day.

Booking Method: App, Website, or call 13SICK (137425)

"Best for Full After-Hours Bulk Billing”

Instant Consult

Bulk Billing: Yes. Infants only.

Opening Hours: 6 am – midnight, 7 days a week.

Booking Method: Website, phone, app, or email.

“Best for infant bulk billing, 7 days a week”

Bulk-billed telehealth can vary depending not just on the provider but also on MBS rules. For example, patients living in disaster areas, rural or regional areas or a certain distance from the practice are eligible for more comprehensive telehealth services. But some providers also offer after-hours care, telehealth for infants, sexual health or mental health, and other services under MBS bulk billing. Then, there is the option to sign up with a practice or provider offering a mix of in-person and telehealth services, which also helps unlock access to bulk billing, provided you have at least one face-to-face visit every twelve months.

Essentially, bulk-billed telehealth appointments are available in locations across Australia and range from local to nationwide providers.

Bulk-Billed Telehealth in Brisbane

Brisbane residents have access to bulk-billed telehealth, as long as they hold a valid Medicare card. Your eligibility for telehealth is tied to your Medicare status, not where you live in Queensland.  Depending on the provider, bulk-billed services can include GP consultations, eScript, referral and medical certificate requests, the set up and delivery of mental health care plans and access to after-hours care - all through a video or phone call. 
So long as you hold a Medicare card, you’re eligible for local providers offering in-clinic appointments combined with online consults or larger providers, such as Abby Health, that offer extensive bulk billing coverage seven days a week.

Bulk-Billed Telehealth in Sydney

Sydney-based patients who are Medicare cardholders can also use bulk billed telehealth without any extra paperwork. Through bulk billing, you can have an online GP consult, receive an eScript, request a medical certificate, be assessed for a mental health treatment plan, or call for after-hours advice, all from the comfort of home. 
Two nationwide providers covering Sydney are Prime Medic (offering round-the-clock appointments via app, website or phone) and Abby Health (with extensive weekday and weekend hours). Other local options include New Doc, which currently also offers in-person consults in Sydney for existing patients, as well as your local GP practice offering bulk-billed telehealth for local patients.

Bulk-Billed Telehealth in Perth

For patients living in Perth, having a Medicare card means you are automatically qualified for bulk-billed telehealth, both for local and nationwide options. A bonus may be the time difference to most AEST-based providers (typically offering services during extended business hours, if not 24/7). This gives you the distinct advantage of many nationwide bulk-billed providers’ services being available well after working hours, extending your after-hours choices.
The telehealth bulk billing model enables you to book a virtual GP consultation, obtain eScripts, request a medical certificate, set up a mental health care plan, or reach a clinician after regular clinic times, all without out-of-pocket costs. 
 Providers such as Hola Health (24/7 service and mental health care plans) and Instant Consult (offering bulk-billed coverage for infants) are viable options if you want to opt for a comprehensive provider over your local GP practice for bulk-billed telehealth.

Bulk-Billed Telehealth in Melbourne

As a Medicare cardholder in Melbourne, you are automatically eligible for bulk billed telehealth regardless of whether you are in the CBD, the suburbs or regional Victoria, so long as your provider offers bulk-billed services. 
The bulk billing arrangement lets you connect with a GP for routine checks, get prescriptions sent electronically, obtain medical certificates for work or study, arrange a mental health care plan, and even reach a clinician after normal clinic hours, depending on the provider you choose. Nationwide bulk-billed providers, mixed in-person and online clinics, and some providers offering bulk billing for specific after-hours, mental health, sexual health and infant services are all options to keep your healthcare affordable.
Both Hola Health (24/7 availability, after-hours bulk billing and mental health care plans) and 13SICK (after-hours only slots) are convenient, cost-free telehealth options.

Bulk-Billed Telehealth in Adelaide

Adelaide residents who hold a Medicare card are entitled to bulk-billed telehealth, even if certain Medicare bulk billing access for telehealth services is reserved for regional, remote, and disaster-affected areas. There are local and national telehealth options available to you that bulk bill telehealth. 
This means you can arrange a GP video or phone consult, receive a prescription electronically, obtain a medical certificate, create a mental health care plan, or contact a doctor outside of business hours, all at no cost to you. The specific services covered may vary from provider to provider, however.
Two providers that offer nationwide bulk billing access after hours are Prime Medic, with   24/7 availability but no guaranteed round-the-clock bulk billing, and  Abby Health, with broad weekday and weekend hours for full bulk billing. These providers aren’t your only choice, though: you can also access local GP telehealth or smaller providers with in-clinic appointment options.

Bulk Billing Telehealth Comparison

Our team at MediCompare independently researches and evaluates telehealth providers. This means we strive to maintain a balanced and fair perspective on services by examining various sources of information, including the provider’s website, customer review websites, news sources, and government websites.  

We start by looking at the provider's general availability, services, pricing, and wait times stated on their website before diving deeper. The next step is usually to look at how their services, pricing, and wait times compare to those of other providers we have examined. Then we examine the user experience, i.e., that is, whether what the provider states on their site matches what patients actually experience. How is the user experience when interacting with the provider’s website, booking process, and customer service team? How does the provider respond if anything goes wrong during the process?

When going through the reviews, we pay particular attention to whether the provider follows best practice. This includes having consultations for their services rather than questionnaire-based scripts or medical certificates, transparency about the level of experience of their doctors, and clearly outlined pricing, opening hours, and privacy policy.  

When we reach this step, we also weigh the information we find against that of other providers and any trends we can see emerging in the user reviews. To check for any past or current problems, we also review news and government sites, as well as business registers, to see if there have been any changes in ownership or name. Both can impact user experience and service level. 

Our editorial team then double-checks the review to ensure it maintains a fair and balanced approach and does not have any factual errors. 

Finally, the review is cross-checked by our medical expert to ensure it clearly represents the provider and best practice.  

This process is thorough, as we take your trust in us seriously and want to ensure you have the most up-to-date information available to make informed decisions about telehealth. We aim to determine which provider best matches your needs and  in which circumstamces.

As an affiliate site, some providers may choose to pay us a commission if you book through our links. This does not cost you anything and does not influence our reviews. This model helps support providers who consistently follow best practices and rank highly with users and  on our site.

Finding a fully bulk billed telehealth provider in Australia is still possible, though it often requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. While services like 13SICK and Abby Health offer broad access to covered consultations, many other platforms limit bulk billing to specific groups such as rural residents, infants, or mental health patients.

We recommend always checking the current billing policy of the provider before booking your appointment. By using the comparison tables above to match your specific needs with the right service, you can access quality medical care from home without facing unexpected costs.

[1] medicare-bulk-billing-and-additional-charges.pdf
[2] www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-claims
[3] www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm
[4] www.servicesaustralia.gov.aup/bulk-billing