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Hobart and Southern Tasmania have limited after-hours doctor options. InstantMed lets you submit medical-certificate requests and repeat-prescription review requests online without leaving home.
240K+
Greater Hobart area
4–8 days
Tasmania has significant GP shortages
~55%
Well below national average
Critical
Tasmania has the oldest GP workforce in Australia
Tasmania faces some of Australia's most acute healthcare challenges. The state has the oldest population and the oldest GP workforce of any Australian state or territory. As GPs retire and practices close, Tasmanians are finding it increasingly difficult to access primary care. Hobart's bulk-billing rate hovers around 55%, and in some suburbs, finding a GP accepting new patients is nearly impossible.
Greater Hobart stretches from Bridgewater in the north to Kingston in the south, with the CBD, Sandy Bay, and the Eastern Shore making up the core. Traffic across the Tasman Bridge can add significant time to any cross-city GP visit. For residents of the Northern Suburbs (Glenorchy, Moonah, New Town), GP options are better, but wait times remain long.
Tasmania's healthcare workforce shortage extends beyond GPs. The Royal Hobart Hospital's emergency department - the state's largest - regularly reports long wait times for non-urgent presentations. InstantMed's online pathway is limited to medical-certificate requests, eligible repeat-prescription reviews for a regular medicine already taken, and its named specialty assessments; other primary-care needs require appropriate local care.
Hobart's growing tourism and hospitality sector - fuelled by MONA, the city's restaurant scene, and Tasmania's broader appeal - employs thousands of workers with irregular schedules. When an adult hospitality worker in Salamanca or the waterfront calls in sick, getting a same-day GP appointment can be difficult. They can submit a medical-certificate request online, with issue depending on the clinical assessment.
University of Tasmania (UTAS) students at the Sandy Bay and Inveresk campuses need certificates for academic support during exam periods. The UTAS medical service is stretched, and external GP availability near campus is limited. TasTAFE students face similar challenges across their Hobart and Launceston campuses.
Tasmania's public service is the state's largest employer, and workers may need medical documentation for sick leave. If approved, the standard certificate confirms the absence dates and does not include a diagnosis or symptom details. Issued by an Ahpra-registered doctor. Employer policies may vary.
Tasmanian employers apply their own workplace evidence policies under the Fair Work Act 2009 or relevant state industrial instruments. Issued by an Ahpra-registered doctor. Employer policies may vary.
Hospitality, tourism, aquaculture, forestry, and agriculture employers may require medical documentation for absences. Workers should check the current evidence policy that applies to their workplace.
UTAS sets its own policy for medical certificates used for academic support. Adults aged 18+ should check current institution requirements before submitting a request.
Hobart and Greater Hobart have approximately 60 community pharmacies, with the majority concentrated in the CBD (Elizabeth Street, Liverpool Street), Sandy Bay, Glenorchy, and Kingston. All pharmacies accept eScripts. If approved, your eScript goes straight to your phone.
Extended-hours pharmacy options are more limited in Hobart than in mainland capitals, but several locations in the CBD and at Eastlands Shopping Centre (Rosny) operate until 8–9pm. For urgent medication needs, the Royal Hobart Hospital pharmacy provides 24-hour dispensing for emergency prescriptions.
Tasmania follows national AHPRA standards for telehealth. The Tasmanian Government has been a strong advocate for telehealth, recognising its critical role in addressing the state's GP shortage and geographic challenges. Tasmania's Digital Health Strategy includes telehealth as a priority area for healthcare access improvement.
Prescribing in Tasmania follows the TGA national framework. InstantMed accepts eligible prescribing requests only through repeat-prescription reviews for a regular medicine the patient already takes and its erectile dysfunction, hair loss, women's health, and weight-management assessment pathways. Every prescribing request requires an individual doctor review, and an eScript is sent only if approved. The Tasmanian Poisons Act aligns with national scheduling for controlled substances, and Schedule 8 medications require Tasmanian Department of Health authority. InstantMed does not prescribe Schedule 8 medications.
The Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania oversees complaints about health services including telehealth. InstantMed maintains a formal complaints process at complaints@instantmed.com.au. We acknowledge complaints within 24 hours. Clinical complaints target resolution within 14 days.
Complete the secure form with your symptoms, relevant history and requested dates. You will receive an outcome or a request for more information. Prescriptions require an individual doctor decision.
Answer the service-specific questions
Your request follows the pathway required for that service
We'll let you know the outcome and any next steps.
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