Telehealth is an increasingly common way for Australians to access healthcare, letting you consult a healthcare provider by secure phone or video call instead of visiting in person. For many people, it makes healthcare more convenient and easier to access, although it is not suitable for every medical situation.
Telehealth has become a mainstream part of the Australian healthcare system. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, more than 100 million telehealth services were delivered to around 17 million Australians between March 2020 and March 2022. More recently, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 22.5% of people aged 15 and over had at least one telehealth consultation in 2024 to 2025, and of those, 90.3% said they would use telehealth again if it were offered.
This article explains the main benefits of telehealth in Australia, how phone and video consultations work, and what to keep in mind, so you can understand why online healthcare has become such a widely used option. It is general information only and does not replace advice from your own healthcare provider.
Key Benefits of Telehealth Services in Australia
1) Access Healthcare Without Travelling
One of the clearest benefits of telehealth is that it removes the need to travel to a clinic for many appointments. This can be especially valuable for people in regional and rural communities. The National Rural Health Alliance notes that around 30% of the population, roughly 7 million people, live in rural, remote and regional areas, where seeing a healthcare provider can mean long distances. Telehealth also helps people balancing work, family or caring responsibilities, and those with mobility limitations, by allowing them to seek care from home or another suitable location. It does not replace every face-to-face appointment, but it can make routine access more convenient.
2) Flexibility Around Your Schedule
Telehealth can make it easier to fit healthcare into a busy routine. Attending an appointment from home or another private space can reduce travel and waiting time and cause less disruption to work, study or caring responsibilities. Availability still depends on the provider and the type of service, so telehealth offers added flexibility rather than a guarantee of immediate or same-day appointments.
3) Choose Between Phone or Video Consultations
Many telehealth providers offer consultations by either phone or video, so care can be adapted to your circumstances and the technology you have available. Services Australia notes that video consultations are generally preferred, with phone consultations used when clinically appropriate. Either way, telehealth consultations are expected to meet the same clinical standards as an equivalent in-person appointment.
4) Continuity of Care Through Ongoing Follow-Up
Telehealth can support ongoing communication with your healthcare provider where follow-up is appropriate. This may include reviewing how you are going, asking questions and arranging future appointments. As Healthdirect explains, virtual care is offered when it is safe and suitable, and providers keep proper records so your care can continue over time. Telehealth is not suited to every stage of care, and there will be times when an in-person visit is the right option.
5) Access to Different Healthcare Professionals
Telehealth is now an established part of Australia's healthcare system. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing explains that telehealth consultations can provide access to different types of healthcare professionals, including GPs, specialists and allied health professionals, where appropriate. Availability depends on the provider and the type of appointment, and an in-person visit may still be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
In short, the main benefits of telehealth include easier access to healthcare without travelling, greater flexibility around your schedule, a choice of phone or video consultations, and support for continuity of care through follow-up. The questions below cover how it works in practice.
How do telehealth appointments work?
A telehealth appointment lets you consult a healthcare provider by phone or video call instead of attending in person. You usually book or register in advance, then join at the appointed time, often through an online waiting room, and the provider confirms your identity and checks that it is safe and suitable to continue the appointment virtually. If it is not suitable, they can help you arrange an in-person visit instead.
What should I prepare before a telehealth appointment?
Before a telehealth appointment, have a charged device with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private space, along with your Medicare card, a current list of any medications and the questions you want to ask. It also helps to test your camera, microphone and connection beforehand, and to join a few minutes early. Remember that telehealth is for non-urgent concerns; if you or someone else has life-threatening symptoms, call triple zero (000).
Is telehealth available throughout Australia?
Yes, telehealth services are available across Australia, although the specific services on offer differ between providers and depend on what is clinically appropriate for you. Whether a particular consultation is suitable, and whether it attracts a Medicare rebate, depends on the provider, the type of appointment and your individual circumstances. Telehealth is not suitable for emergencies or situations that need a physical examination.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Telehealth is not suitable for every situation, and whether it is appropriate for you depends on your individual circumstances and the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. If you or someone else is experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, call triple zero (000) immediately.
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