How to See a Doctor Without Leaving Your Couch

The Medibank perk you probably didn’t know about 👀

This article is in partnership with Medibank.

Trying to fit a doctor’s appointment in with a student schedule can feel almost impossible.

Between classes, work and studying, it can be so hard to actually go and see a doctor about a runny nose or rash.

Thankfully, there’s a solution.

If you’re an ahm or Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover member (OSHC) and over the 16-years-old, you can book an online consultation with a doctor anywhere in Australia through the OSHC app at no extra cost for the consultation.*

If you’re feeling unwell, Online Doctor is available on the OSHC App, 24/7.

What does that mean exactly? It means seeing Australian registered doctors with multilingual support whenever you need. Book the first available or your preferred doctor.

Best of all, there’s no out-of-pocket costs – the consultation is billed directly to Medibank.

Get safe, confidential and convenient support when you’re feeling not feeling your best.

How does it work?

Online Doctor is delivered through Medibank’s healthcare business Amplar Health. Student members (Medibank and ahm) have access to book a video or phone consultation, 24/7 with a doctor qualified in general medical practice (AKA a General Practitioner or GP), directly through the OSHC app.

1. Simply log in to the Medibank OSHC app.
2. Tap the ‘Online Doctor’ tile on the home screen.
3. Answer some quick questions about your symptoms.
4. Select your preferred doctor and appointment time.
5. Speak with a doctor by phone or via video.

The doctors can provide support any time day or night for cold and flu symptoms, Covid, sinus-related conditions, migraines and more.

You can also use the Online Doctor service for prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals, imaging and pathology.

Download the Medibank OSHC App or ahm OSHC App from the app store and book an appointment today.

What if I need to see a GP face to face?

Not all illness or conditions can be managed virtually. If you need a physical examination - for example your blood pressure taken or need a rash or cut examined - you'll need to visit a face to face GP.

If you, or someone nearby, are seriously injured or in need of urgent medical attention, you should call 000 and ask for an ambulance.

Online Doctor is only suitable for certain conditions and your online GP may suggest you need to see a doctor face to face.

Luckily, Medibank and ahm have a large network of face to face GP doctors you can access

You can find OSHC face to face GP direct billing clinics^ here:

• Medibank OSHC members 
• ahm OSHC members 

This article does not constitute personal medical advice. Before acting on any information in this article, you should consider your personal health circumstances and ensure it is appropriate to you. For more information, contact your personal health practitioner.

* Available to members 16 years and over only. Medibank may pay benefits towards video/audio doctor consultations. Waiting times may vary depending on doctor availability. Online Doctor is offered on a trial basis and may be discontinued at any time.  Online Doctor is provided through the Medibank OSHC app, which is currently not available to dependants (partners and children) on a policy; appointments for dependants on a policy must be booked by the primary policyholder, who will need to obtain consent to make the booking. 

^ These clinics have an agreement to send the bill directly to us. This is to help reduce or eliminate the upfront payment you would normally be required to make at the time of your appointment. Depending on the doctor you see, you may on occasion experience an 'out-of-pocket' expense which is not covered by Medibank. Please ensure you confirm any 'out-of-pocket' expenses you may have to pay prior to your consultation by contacting the direct billing clinic. Remember to have your OSHC membership card and photo identification available.