Sick at Home? Australians Turn to Simple, Affordable Online Doctor Access as GP Wait Blow Out

As winter viruses surge across Australia, thousands of patients are turning to fast, affordable online doctors to avoid long waits and overwhelmed clinics.

Medmate, Australia’s leading digital health service, has recorded a 40% surge in cold and flu consultations over the past month, with influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 driving a sharp uptick in demand.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in how Australians want to access care,” said Dr Ganesh Naidoo, Medmate Founder and practising GP. “When you’re unwell at home, the last thing you want is to wait two weeks for a GP appointment or spend hours in an emergency department.”

Medmate provides real-time telehealth consultations with credentialed Australian doctors with backgrounds in general practice, urgent care, and emergency medicine. Patients speak to a doctor in as little as 15 minutes, with services starting from just $19.90 for eligible consultations.

“Our service is designed to be simple , safe and clinically sound,” said Dr Naidoo. “Our doctors know when a patient can be safely managed at home, and when escalation is required. That keeps people out of hospital and supports a more efficient health system.”

Medmate operates 7 days a week, allowing patients to access prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals and clinical advice from anywhere in Australia — all without leaving home.

As GP wait times stretch beyond 10–14 days in many parts of the country, and emergency departments report rising presentations for minor respiratory illness and fever, services like Medmate are filling a critical gap in the healthcare system.

“This is about smart, accessible care,” said Dr Naidoo. “We’re giving Australians a trusted clinical alternative that’s safe, affordable, and aligned with robust national telehealth standards — and we’re doing it at a time when the system needs it most.”

Data from Medmate’s national heatmap shows the biggest surges in demand are in colder southern states — including Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales — where flu season is peaking and traditional clinics are under strain.