Instant Scripts Review

Bottom Line:

Instant Scripts is a fast and user-friendly telehealth platform that simplifies accessing prescriptions and basic medical services, making it ideal for busy Australians who value convenience for a relatively low cost.

Instant Scripts is one of the easier and more convenient online health services I’ve used in Australia. If you need quick access to prescriptions, doctor referrals, or medical certificates without having to go to a clinic, this service is great. The whole process is simple: just choose what you need, and you’ll get a response from a doctor usually within an hour. 
 
In my experience, the prices are pretty reasonable compared to other online health services: asking for a prescription, for example, costs $19. That’s lower cost than many other similar services. Medical certificates and referrals for tests are also fairly priced, ranging at $19-49.

While nearly none of the services are covered by Medicare, I found their prices clear and worth it if you prioritize convenience and speed—instant Scripts is incredibly fast and reliable for everyday issues like treating a UTI, getting repeat prescriptions, or even just needing a doctor’s note for work. It’s especially helpful if you’re busy, travelling, live in a rural area with sparse medical access, can’t get in to see your regular GP or just want to avoid having to wait at a clinic. 

Pros:

1. Quick and Convenient Access to Healthcare Services  

Instant Scripts provides 24/7 access to online medical services like prescriptions, pathology requests, and Instant Scripts medical certificates, all without needing to visit a clinic in person. While many platforms and doctors offer these services online, Instant Scripts stood out to me for how fast and easy it is to get care—especially for basic things like getting prescriptions or medical certificates. They’ve often responded to me in minutes, even outside regular hours, which is quicker than other services I've tried. 
 
The website is user-friendly and intuitive, and available 24/7. You don't have to book an appointment or wait for a video call unless it's really necessary, which makes Instant Scripts a lot quicker than other options which often require setting up an appointment first thing.  

2. Clear and Competitive Pricing

Pricing on InstantScripts.com.au is transparent, and in many cases, lower compared to many other services—you can get a prescription starting at $19, while places like Qoctor or Instant Consult usually charge between $25 and $35. Telehealth consults start at $49. You can easily see how much everything costs before you decide to pay, which is great because some other services have hidden fees that pop up at checkout. 

3. User-Friendly and Efficient Platform 

The Instant Scripts app receives strong reviews for its intuitive design and speed: you can obtain medical certificates and order tests in literal minutes.
 
One user over on Trustpilot shared their experience, saying, "Everything takes less than 5 minutes, whether I need to talk to a doctor or get a medical certificate. The app is simple to use, so it's easy to find what I need without any trouble." 

Cons: 

1. No Bulk Billing or Medicare Rebates 

Instant Scripts bulk bill options are not available. Unless you've seen the same GP in person in the past 12 months, all services are out-of-pocket. This will obviously limit access for some users. 

2. Regulatory Scrutiny 

After a regulatory fine in 2023 for improper advertising related to prescription medicines [1], highlighting ongoing compliance challenges, it made sense to wonder whether Instant Scripts is legit.  

You can rest easy knowing that the company has since responded to the situation and follows the rules for online healthcare in Australia, but the event certainly emphasized how crucial it is for healthcare services to be open and compliant with regulations. 

3. Privacy and Data Concerns

Data privacy is a key factor when choosing a health service, and since Wesfarmers acquired Instant Scripts, some users have voiced concerns about how their health data might be shared across brands like Kmart and Bunnings.  

InstantScripts has responded to these claims and assures its users that it only shares user health data when the user has agreed to do so, or when the law requires it. However, some experts, including Chris Owen [2] from the Pharmacy Guild, have cautioned that even data that doesn't directly identify someone could still be useful when combined with loyalty programs like Flybuys. 

4. Limited Specialist referrals 

Specialist referrals are limited to Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Opthalmology.

Instant Scripts Australia offers a wide range of telehealth services designed for fast, convenient access to healthcare without the need for face-to-face appointments. Here is a breakdown of their key services: 

Online Prescriptions: Request prescriptions for common medications without a video consultation. Most are approved within an hour and can be sent to your pharmacy or delivered. Starts at $19. 

Instant Scripts Medical Certificate: Obtain a same-day certificate for work or school without a video consultation. Your certificates will be issued after a short health questionnaire. Fixed fee: $19. 

Blood Test Referrals: Access pathology requests for general health checks, hormone panels, STIs, and more. Instant Scripts blood test referrals are emailed directly to you, and no consultation is required for standard panels. 

Mental Health Plans: Full mental health care plan via video consultation with a registered GP. You’ll be required to access Medicare-rebated psychologist sessions. Not bulk billed unless you meet Medicare criteria.

UTI Treatment: Quickly manage uncomplicated urinary tract infections. No consultation is needed; treatment is based on a short questionnaire. Medications can be picked up or delivered. 

Weight Loss Support: This includes a GLP-1 medication eligibility assessment via a GP consultation. Often includes follow-up monitoring.   

Instant Scripts Referral: Get GP referrals for appropriate specialists or tests. Some referrals may require a consultation. 

Instant Scripts offers a transparent pay-per-service model with no subscriptions or hidden fees. Below is a breakdown of their standard pricing for key services: 

• Online prescriptions: Starting at $19. This includes approval and digital delivery to a pharmacy or home. 
• Instant Scripts medical certificate: Fixed at $19 for a one day medical certificate. Includes a downloadable same-day certificate once you’ve completed a short health form. 
• Telehealth consultations: Starting from $49 for general GP consults. This is required for services like mental health plans or detailed medical advice. 

• Blood test (pathology) referrals: Starting at $20. No consultation required for standard test panels. 
• UTI treatment: $19 for assessment and prescription, available without a live consultation. 
• Weight loss consultation: Starts from $49, with medication costs assessed separately. 

Note: we do not vouch for Instant Scripts' privacy standards; we are just sharing information from their policy. 

InstantScripts Australia appears serious about protecting yur privacy [3] and keeping patient data safe. Here are some important points from their privacy policy: 

• Legal Compliance: InstantScripts follows Australian laws that protect your personal and health information, ensuring your privacy is respected. 
• Secure Storage: Any personal and medical information you share through their app or website is stored safely. They use strong security measures to protect your data while it's being sent and stored on their servers. 
• Limited Access: Only authorised medical and administrative staff can access your records, and only when it's necessary to provide services like writing prescriptions or referrals. The staff are trained to respect your privacy, and all access is tracked to ensure security. 
• Your Rights: You have the right to view, update, or delete your personal information whenever you want. 
• No Selling of Data: InstantScripts does not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing. Your information stays private.  

For more details you can visit the privacy section on the official site: InstantScripts.com.au https://www.instantscripts.com.au/

Note: we do not vouch for Instant Scripts' privacy standards; we are just sharing information from their policy. 

Instant Scripts provides several support options to help users navigate their services with ease. Customers can reach the support team via:

1. Support landline: +61 414 776 463
2. Email: support@instantscripts.com.au 
3. Submitting a request via the website’s help centre.

While there is currently no live chat option, the platform does offer a detailed FAQ section covering common issues like requesting a doctor’s certificate, using a referral, or applying an Instant Scripts discount code. 
 
Customer support is available during standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with email responses typically returned within 24 hours. For urgent medical issues, users are advised to contact emergency services or their local GP.

The support team is described in many Instant Scripts reviews as prompt and professional, offering clear guidance on service access, billing, and general inquiries. 

Instant Scripts offers a fast, convenient way to access essential healthcare services online, including prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals, and more, often without the need for a live consultation. Its user-friendly platform and transparent pricing make it a very popular choice for busy Aussies.  

However, this service may not suit complex medical needs that require in-person care or bulk billing services. While many Instant Scripts reviews highlight speed and simplicity, users should always consult a qualified healthcare professional when in doubt.  

Note: Use InstantScripts.com.au responsibly to support, not replace, proper medical care. 

The information provided here is for general purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Medicompare strives to ensure accuracy, but users should consult their regular healthcare provider for personalised care. Always use telehealth services responsibly and in conjunction with proper medical guidance. 

[1] https://aestheticmedicalpractitioner.com.au/news-events/instantscripts-fined-742k-for-telehealth-ads-re-prescription-drugs/ 
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/13/instantscripts-patient-data-ownership-links-pharmacies-kmart-bunnings-wesfarmers 
[3] https://www.instantscripts.com.au/privacy-policy/