OVHC and Telehealth: Can You Claim Online Doctor Visits?

Yes, most Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) policies in Australia allow you to claim telehealth consultations with a doctor, provided the consultation is with a Medicare-registered practitioner and meets the policy’s specific conditions. Telehealth claims typically work the same as in-person GP visits, covering a portion of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for eligible services. However, coverage varies by insurer and policy tier, so it’s essential to check your product’s terms for limitations on consultation types, provider networks, and any out-of-pocket costs.

Understanding Telehealth Under OVHC

Telehealth has become a standard part of Australia’s healthcare system, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic expanded access to remote medical consultations. For overseas visitors holding a valid visa with condition 8501 (adequate health insurance), OVHC policies must cover services that are clinically necessary and provided by a recognised healthcare professional. Telehealth—where you consult a doctor via video or phone—is generally classified as an equivalent service to an in-person GP visit, but not all consultations are automatically eligible.

The key requirement is that the telehealth service must be with a doctor who is registered with Medicare Australia. This includes GPs, specialists, and some allied health professionals, but only if the service is listed on the MBS. For example, a standard GP telehealth consultation (item number 91790 for a video call) is typically covered, while phone-only consultations may have stricter rules. Most OVHC policies follow the MBS guidelines, meaning if the service is bulk-billed by a doctor, you may have no out-of-pocket cost, but if the doctor charges above the MBS fee, you’ll pay the gap.

How OVHC Covers Telehealth Consultations

OVHC policies generally cover telehealth under the same benefits as in-person consultations, but with some nuances. Below are the main factors that determine whether you can claim an online doctor visit.

Eligible Telehealth Services

• GP consultations: Standard video or phone consultations with a GP are covered, provided the GP is registered with Medicare and the service is clinically appropriate. For example, a routine check-up, prescription renewal, or minor illness advice is usually eligible.
• Specialist consultations: Telehealth with a specialist (e.g., dermatologist, psychiatrist) is covered if the specialist is Medicare-registered and the consultation is initiated by a GP referral. Some policies require prior approval for specialist telehealth.
• Mental health services: Telehealth psychology or psychiatry sessions are often covered, but may have limits on the number of sessions per year (e.g., 10 sessions under some policies). Check your policy for specific mental health telehealth provisions.
• Allied health: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or dietitian telehealth consultations may be covered, but this is less common. Most OVHC policies only cover allied health if it’s part of a hospital-substitute program or a specific outpatient benefit.

Services Typically Not Covered

• Phone-only consultations without video: Some policies exclude phone-only consultations unless they are for specific purposes (e.g., follow-up after a hospital discharge). Video consultations are more likely to be covered.
• Non-Medicare-registered providers: If you use an international telehealth service or a doctor not registered with Medicare Australia, the consultation is not claimable under OVHC.
• Preventive or non-urgent consultations: Telehealth for cosmetic advice, travel health advice, or routine health checks without a clinical need may not be covered.
• After-hours or premium services: Some telehealth platforms charge higher fees for after-hours or immediate consultations. OVHC only covers the MBS fee, so you’ll pay the difference if the doctor charges above this amount.

Claiming Telehealth: Step-by-Step

The process for claiming a telehealth consultation is similar to claiming an in-person visit. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Book a telehealth appointment: Choose a doctor who offers telehealth and is Medicare-registered. Many clinics list their telehealth services online.
2. Attend the consultation: The doctor will provide a consultation via video or phone. Ensure you have a valid Medicare card (if you have one) or your OVHC membership details ready.
3. Receive an invoice: After the consultation, the doctor will issue an invoice. If the doctor bulk-bills, you may not need to pay anything upfront. If they charge a fee, you’ll need to pay and then claim.
4. Submit a claim: You can claim online through your insurer’s app or website, by mail, or in some cases, the doctor may submit the claim directly to your insurer. You’ll need the invoice, a receipt, and your policy number.
5. Receive reimbursement: Your insurer will reimburse you based on the MBS fee for the service, minus any gap. For example, if the MBS fee for a standard GP telehealth consultation is AUD 40.85 (2026 reference figure), and your policy covers 100% of the MBS, you’ll get that amount back. If the doctor charges AUD 60, you pay the AUD 19.15 gap.

Important: Always check your policy’s waiting periods. Some OVHC policies have a 2-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions, which may apply to telehealth consultations for ongoing issues. For emergency telehealth, no waiting period usually applies.

Policy Variations by Insurer

Not all OVHC policies are created equal. Below are common differences among major insurers regarding telehealth coverage:

• Bupa OVHC: Covers telehealth GP consultations at 100% of the MBS fee, including video and phone calls. Specialist telehealth is covered with a GP referral, but you may need to use Bupa’s preferred provider network for full benefits.
• Medibank OVHC: Offers telehealth coverage for GP and specialist consultations, with a focus on video consultations. Phone-only consultations are only covered if the doctor determines it’s clinically appropriate.
• Allianz Care OVHC: Covers telehealth under its standard outpatient benefits, but phone consultations are limited to 10 minutes per call. Video consultations have no time limit.
• nib OVHC: Includes telehealth for GP and specialist visits, but requires prior approval for specialist telehealth. Some policies offer a telehealth app with no gap fees if you use nib’s partner network.
• AHM OVHC: Covers telehealth at the same rate as in-person visits, but only for consultations with a Medicare-registered doctor. Phone-only consultations are not covered.

Note: Prices and coverage details are 2026 reference figures. Always verify with your insurer, as terms can change.

Telehealth vs. In-Person: What’s the Difference?

While telehealth is convenient, it’s not always a perfect substitute. Here are key considerations:

• Cost: Telehealth may be cheaper if you use a bulk-billing doctor, as you avoid travel costs. However, if you choose a private telehealth platform, fees can be higher.
• Coverage: In-person visits are almost always covered, while telehealth may have restrictions on phone-only calls or non-Medicare providers.
• Clinical suitability: Telehealth is ideal for minor illnesses, prescription renewals, and mental health support, but not for physical exams, diagnostic tests, or emergencies. If you need a physical examination, you’ll still need an in-person visit.
• Visa condition 8501: Your OVHC must meet visa condition 8501, which requires coverage for medical and hospital care. Telehealth qualifies as medical care, but you must ensure your policy covers the specific type of consultation you’re using.

Common Questions About OVHC and Telehealth

What is the difference between a video and phone telehealth consultation for claiming?

Video consultations are almost always covered under OVHC, as they are considered equivalent to an in-person visit. Phone-only consultations may have restrictions. For example, many insurers only cover phone calls if the doctor deems it clinically necessary (e.g., for follow-up after a video consultation). Check your policy’s terms—some list specific MBS item numbers for phone consultations (e.g., 93758 for a phone call under 6 minutes) that may not be covered.

How does telehealth coverage work if I’m traveling in Australia?

Your OVHC covers telehealth consultations regardless of your location within Australia, as long as the doctor is Medicare-registered. This is useful for overseas visitors who are traveling and need medical advice without visiting a clinic. However, if you’re in a remote area, ensure you have a stable internet connection for video calls. Phone-only consultations may be a backup, but coverage is not guaranteed.

Can I claim telehealth for a pre-existing condition?

Yes, but you may need to wait out the policy’s waiting period for pre-existing conditions (typically 2–6 months, depending on your insurer). If you have an emergency related to a pre-existing condition, telehealth may be covered without a waiting period if it’s deemed urgent. For ongoing management, you’ll need to check your policy’s specific pre-existing condition clause.

Tips for Maximizing Telehealth Claims

• Use bulk-billing doctors: If you choose a telehealth service that bulk-bills, you won’t have any out-of-pocket costs. Many online platforms like Healthengine or HotDoc list bulk-billing doctors.
• Keep digital records: Save all invoices and receipts. Most insurers allow you to upload documents directly through their app for faster reimbursement.
• Check MBS item numbers: Before booking, ask the doctor which MBS item number they’ll use. You can then verify with your insurer if that item is covered.
• Avoid after-hours or premium services: If you use a 24/7 telehealth service, the doctor may charge a premium. Your OVHC will only cover the standard MBS fee, so you’ll pay the difference.
• Understand your policy’s annual limits: Some policies have caps on outpatient benefits, including telehealth. For example, if your policy has a AUD 500 annual limit on GP visits, exceeding this will mean you pay fully.

When Telehealth Is Not Enough

Telehealth is not suitable for all medical needs. If you experience symptoms that require a physical examination, such as chest pain, severe injury, or a lump, you should visit a clinic or hospital. Additionally, telehealth cannot replace emergency care—if you have a medical emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Your OVHC will cover emergency hospital treatment, but you’ll need to present your membership card.

For ongoing conditions, telehealth can be a convenient way to manage health, but you may still need periodic in-person check-ups. Always follow your doctor’s advice on the most appropriate mode of consultation.

Compare OVHC Policies for Telehealth Coverage

Choosing the right OVHC policy for telehealth depends on your health needs, budget, and travel plans. Some policies offer higher benefits for outpatient services, including telehealth, while others focus on hospital cover. To find a policy that meets visa condition 8501 and covers online doctor visits, use the CohortGo comparison tool. It allows you to compare OVHC plans from multiple insurers side-by-side, including telehealth benefits, waiting periods, and out-of-pocket costs. Start your comparison today to ensure you’re covered for telehealth consultations during your stay in Australia.

Internal Resources

• For a full overview of OVHC requirements, see our guide on OVHC and Visa Condition 8501.
• Learn about outpatient benefits and what’s covered under OVHC.
• Understand how to claim medical expenses under OVHC.

Final Thoughts

Telehealth is a valuable benefit under OVHC, offering convenience and accessibility for overseas visitors. While most policies cover online doctor visits, the extent of coverage depends on the type of consultation, provider, and policy terms. Always verify your policy’s telehealth provisions before booking, and keep documentation for claims. By understanding the rules, you can make the most of telehealth while ensuring your health insurance meets visa requirements.

Last updated: June 2026