Telehealth has become a routine part of how millions of Australians access GP care. A phone or video consultation with your general practitioner in Brisbane can handle a wide range of health needs without the time and cost of travelling to a clinic.
However, since late 2025, changes to how Medicare handles telehealth rebates have left many patients unsure about their entitlements. This article breaks down the current 2026 framework clearly and practically.
The Medicare Telehealth Rebate
The Medicare telehealth rebate is a government subsidy that reduces the cost of GP consultations conducted by phone or video call. For equivalent consultation types, the rebate structure matches in-person visits.
For most patients at a private billing practice:
- Standard Consultation (approx. 15 mins): The current Medicare rebate is $43.90. With a typical fee of $103, the out-of-pocket cost is approximately $59.10.
- Long Consultation (approx. 30 mins): The rebate is $84.90, bringing the cost down from $180 to approximately $95.10.
- Extended Consultation (approx. 45 mins): The rebate is $125.10, reducing the cost from $260 to approximately $134.90.
Key Eligibility Rule in 2026
The updated framework introduced the eligible telehealth practitioner requirement. To receive a Medicare rebate for a remote consultation, a patient must satisfy one of two conditions:
- Attendance based: You have had at least one face-to-face service at the same GP practice within the preceding 12 months.
- Registration based: You are actively registered with the practice under MyMedicare.
It is important to note that eligibility is practice-specific. If you switch to a new clinic, you generally cannot claim a telehealth rebate until you have either visited in person or completed your MyMedicare registration at that specific location.
How MyMedicare Registration Affects Your Entitlements
MyMedicare formalises the relationship between a patient and their regular GP clinic. For many patients, it offers benefits beyond basic eligibility. Patients registered with MyMedicare can often access rebates for longer telehealth consultations and certain care plan appointments that might not otherwise be subsidised.
From 1 July 2025, the framework for Chronic Condition Management Plans was also updated. Eligible patients can now access up to five allied health services per calendar year with a rebate of $61.80 per session. For those in Brisbane’s inner north, One Health Clinics Albion assists with this registration via HotDoc or MyGov.
Mental Health Telehealth Changes
A significant change that took effect on 1 November 2025 is the removal of previous exemptions for mental health. Now, mental health telehealth consultations follow the exact same eligibility rules as standard GP appointments. You must have visited the clinic in person within the last 12 months or be registered via MyMedicare to claim your rebate. You can find more details on these requirements at the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Things to Remember
- Two pathways to qualify: You need either a face-to-face visit within 12 months or active MyMedicare registration. Both satisfy the requirement equally.
- Eligibility is not portable: If you move to a new clinic, you must re-establish your eligibility there before rebates apply to telehealth.
- Mental health is no longer exempt: All phone or video mental health sessions now require the patient to meet the standard eligibility criteria.
- Medicare Safety Net: Out-of-pocket costs for eligible telehealth appointments count toward your annual Safety Net threshold, just like in-person visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare rebate for a GP telehealth consultation in 2026?
For a standard 15-minute consultation, the rebate is $43.90. For a long 30-minute consultation, it is $84.90. You must meet the eligibility requirements to claim these amounts.
What is the 12-month rule for telehealth?
To claim a rebate, you must have seen a doctor at the same practice in person within the last 12 months, unless you are registered there via MyMedicare.
Do I lose my rebate if I change GP clinics?
Yes, eligibility is tied to the practice. You will need to visit the new clinic in person at least once before you can claim rebates for their telehealth services.
How do I book at One Health Clinics Albion?
Appointments can be booked online through HotDoc or by calling 1300 689 133. Our team can help confirm your eligibility and assist with MyMedicare registration during the booking process.
