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Online Doctor Consultations in Australia: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about seeing a doctor online.
5 min read
Updated 23 January 2026
Doctor Reviewed
AHPRA Verified
Medical Information Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatment decisions are made by an AHPRA-registered doctor after reviewing your individual circumstances.
Online doctor consultations have become a standard part of Australian healthcare. Whether you need a prescription, medical certificate, health advice, or specialist referral, telehealth lets you access care without the waiting room. Here's everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Online consultations are provided by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors
- Telehealth is suitable for many common health needs — but not emergencies
- You can receive prescriptions, certificates, referrals, and health advice online
How Online Consultations Work
Online doctor consultations can happen via video call, phone call, or asynchronous messaging (where you submit information and a doctor reviews it). The format depends on the service and your specific needs. Regardless of format, you're consulting with a real, registered doctor who makes clinical decisions just as they would in person.
What Can Online Doctors Help With?
- Medical certificates for work or study
- Prescription renewals and new prescriptions (for appropriate medications)
- Cold, flu, and minor infections
- Skin conditions (via photo assessment)
- Mental health support and referrals
- Sexual health consultations
- Referrals to specialists
- General health advice and second opinions
Choosing a Telehealth Service
- AHPRA-registered doctors (check their registration)
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Transparent about what they can and can't help with
- Willingness to refer you in-person when needed
- Secure, privacy-compliant platforms
- Good reviews from other patients
Avoid services that promise to prescribe specific medications upfront or guarantee approvals. Legitimate telehealth involves proper clinical assessment, not rubber-stamping requests.
How InstantMed Helps
InstantMed provides online consultations with AHPRA-registered Australian doctors. Our services include medical certificates, prescription requests, and general consultations. Every request is reviewed by a real doctor who makes an independent clinical decision.
When to See a Doctor In Person
- Emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury)
- Conditions requiring physical examination
- Ongoing care for complex conditions
- When your regular GP's continuity of care matters
- Any situation where the online doctor recommends it
For medical emergencies, call 000 immediately. Telehealth is not equipped for emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online doctors real doctors?
Yes. Legitimate telehealth services use AHPRA-registered medical practitioners — the same registration required for in-person practice. You can verify a doctor's registration on the AHPRA website.
How much does an online doctor consultation cost?
Costs vary by service and consultation type. Some consultations may be bulk-billed through Medicare, while others have a fee. InstantMed's services start from $19.95.
Can online doctors prescribe any medication?
Most common medications can be prescribed online. However, controlled drugs (Schedule 8), medications requiring physical examination, and some other categories have restrictions.
Is telehealth private and secure?
Reputable services use encrypted platforms and comply with Australian privacy laws. Your health information is protected just as it would be with an in-person consultation.
Can I see my regular GP online?
Many GP clinics now offer telehealth appointments. Contact your clinic to see if they provide this option. Services like InstantMed are useful when your regular GP isn't available.
Need a medical certificate?
Reviewed by an AHPRA-registered doctor and delivered to your inbox. No appointment needed.
Get your certificateFrom $19.95
How InstantMed Can Help
Our AHPRA-registered doctors are available to assess your situation and provide appropriate care.
Need a Medical Certificate?
Get assessed by an Australian-registered doctor. Most requests reviewed within an hour.
Start a requestFrom $19.95 · AHPRA-registered doctors
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