Australian telehealth providers
For many Australians, telehealth changed the way we access healthcare. Not only did it make it more accessible and convenient, but now we have greater flexibility and choice and control when it comes to choosing the healthcare professionals we engage with.
But, what happens if your healthcare professional doesn’t provide telehealth services? Can you still access telehealth?
Well, let’s explore your options.
Types of telehealth providers
Telehealth isn’t just limited to GP consultations - specialists, allied health providers, mental health professionals and nurses are just some of the healthcare professionals who provide telehealth services.
Accessing telehealth through medical providers
Generally, the best way to access telehealth is simply to ask your healthcare provider whether they offer it. Or, use nib’s find a provider tool to search for healthcare professionals who offer telehealth services.
To be eligible for telehealth consultations, you must have seen your medical doctor in person, or another clinician from the same practice, within the past year. This rule also affects your ability to claim Medicare benefits for your telehealth appointment; if your clinician doesn’t offer telehealth services and you have to access telehealth through an alternative provider, you might not be able to claim Medicare benefits for that appointment.
If your medical professional doesn’t offer telehealth, you can also access services through online-only companies like our health partner hub.health.
nib and hub.health: GP telehealth
At nib we’re committed to being your partner in health, which means making it easier for you to access healthcare when you need it. We’ve partnered with hub.health to give you access to a wide network of experienced Australian-based medical doctors or nurse practitioners. You can enjoy the privacy and security of a phone appointment from anywhere in the country.
Whether you need a medical certificate1, recommended treatments2, pathology or radiology requests or just general health advice, you can speak with a medical doctor or nurse practitioner at a time that suits you. All you need is your phone and your eight-digit member number located on the front of your member card.
How do I get started with GP telehealth if I'm an nib member?
nib members can book an appointment via the nib App or head to our telehealth page to learn more. Overseas students and workers on a policy that includes out-patient GP services can book a telehealth appointment with a doctor using the nib App and it will be billed to nib directly.3
Ready to get started? Head to the nib App, or find out more about accessing telehealth.
The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.
1The provision of a medical certificate is not guaranteed and will depend on the information provided during your consultation and whether the medical doctor or nurse practitioner deems it to be appropriate.
2The provision of treatments is not guaranteed. It will be based on the information you provide during your consultation and whether the medical doctor or nurse practitioner deems it to be appropriate for the care of your individual health needs. Please note that treatments which have high potential for misuse, abuse or addiction cannot be recommended via telehealth.
3nib will cover appropriate treatment using telehealth for eligible members with recognised providers. This is subject to your chosen level of cover, availability at your chosen clinic, policy exclusions, waiting periods and limits. May not be appropriate for all consultations. Only individual telehealth consultations are covered, groups and classes are currently not funded for telehealth. nib Fund Rules and Policy Booklet Terms apply.