Is it possible to get bulk-billed for a telehealth appointment if I didn't go to the clinic physically before?

Typically, the answer is no. You must have a sufficiently long, face-to-face clinical relationship with the practice to bulk-bill under the '12-month rule'. On the other hand, for a first-time appointment, you can be bulk-billed for designated services, such as mental health support or sexual health services.

Does Medicare make no difference between a phone call and a video call when it comes to billing?

In 2026, Medicare, indeed, distinguishes between the two modes. On a video call, more MBS numbers can be used, and rebates can be higher than on an audio-only phone call, especially when the consultation is long and/or complex.

What exactly is the triple bulk billing incentive?

It is a government payment, which serves as a motivation to GPs to bulk bill the vulnerable patients (children, pensioners). By 2026, this financial motivator will be significantly strengthened, enabling these patient groups to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs when seeking essential care.

During a video call, how am I supposed to "assign my benefit"?

While talking to your doctor, they will ask for your consent. Starting July 2026, if you consent, a digital message will be sent to you, or you will have a button 'Accept' on the screen, which you will use to legally assign the Medicare benefit to the doctor for that particular consultation.

How to Claim Bulk Billing for Telehealth GP Visits| 13CURE

Key Takeaways

The $0 Consultation: When a GP bulk-bills you, the consultation is billed at $0, and the Medicare benefit is accepted as full payment, with patients typically not paying out-of-pocket.
Expanded Eligibility: Since November 2025, the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) has enabled many bulk-billing after-hours clinics to serve more patients.
The "Established Relationship" Rule: To receive rebates for general telehealth, you must have met the GP (or their clinic) in person at least once in the last year, with major exceptions for mental health and sexual health.
Digital Claiming: If your visit is not bulk-billed, you can use the Express Plus Medicare app or myGov to lodge the claim and receive your rebate, which is usually processed within 7 days.

Australia's digital healthcare revolution has reached its peak. Telehealth is no longer a "stop-gap" measure but a key element of the national health plan. Yet, for a majority of patients, the money aspect, especially how to claim bulk billing for telehealth, remains confusing.

In 2026, the Medicare rebate rules were changed to prioritise care continuity and digital efficiency. This article will guide you through the eligibility criteria, the "MyMedicare" connection, and how to make your telehealth online consultation as cost-effective as possible.

Part 1: What Does "Bulk Billing" Actually Mean in 2026?

Bulk billing is often mistaken for free healthcare. It is a payment method in which the doctor agrees to accept the Medicare benefit amount as full payment for the consultation.

How it works: You 'assign' your benefit to the doctor.
Outcome: You do not need to pay anything.
Doctor's claim: The doctor will dispatch the claim to Medicare directly. You don't need to do anything.

Important Update: From 1st July 2026, the Assignment of Benefit process will be upgraded to the new standard. For telehealth, you may now provide consent digitally (typically via a secure link the clinic sends you) rather than verbally, making the bulk-billing process more secure, easier to complete, and legally valid.

Part 2: Who is Eligible for Bulk-Billed Telehealth?

While any doctor can bulk-bill, the government's Triple Bulk Billing Incentive targets high-priority groups to ensureafter-hours urgent care remains accessible.

1. Priority Groups (The "Triple Incentive" Cohort)

Medicare provides additional incentives to support bulk billing for certain patient groups:

Children aged below 16 years are ideal forafter-hours care for kids
Holders of Pensioner Concession Cards.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders.
Health Care Card holders.

2. The Impact of MyMedicare

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration system in Australia. When you register your favourite clinic in MyMedicare, you get:

The facility can offer longer telehealth appointment lengths (C and D) to qualify for bulk billing incentives.
Continuity of care with a home doctor who has comprehensive knowledge of your medical history.

3. General Eligibility for All Australians

Thanks to the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), which commenced in late 2025, some BBPIP-participating practices may offer bulk billing for home doctors to a broader group of Medicare-eligible patients, regardless of concession card status, provided the clinic is BBPIP-registered.

Part 3: The "12-Month Rule" Why Your Rebate Might Be Denied

To receive a general telehealth rebate, you must have had at least one face-to-face consultation with that practice within the last 12 months. This encourages a medical home model and discourages "doctor shopping."

Critical Exemptions to the 12-Month Rule:

You do NOT need to have seen the doctor in person in the last year if you are seeking telehealth for:

Mental Health Services: Including Mental Health Treatment Plans.
Sexual and Reproductive Health: Including blood-borne virus management.
Pregnancy Counselling: Non-directive support.
Natural Disasters: If you live in an area officially declared a natural disaster zone at the time of the service.
Infants: Children under 12 months of age.

Part 4: How to Claim Your Rebate Digitally (For Non-Bulk Billed Visits)

If your doctor does not bulk-bill, you must pay the full fee upfront and then request a rebate. Ensure you understand thefees and billing guide before your session. Later, you can request a Medicare rebate for the government-paid portion only.

Step 1: Obtain a Tax Invoice

On the invoice, which the doctor must issue to you, the following details should appear:

The Provider Number (the doctor's identification).
The Item Number (which indicates the type of telehealth visit).
The total amount paid.

Step 2: Here Comes the Digital Claiming

You can get your money back more quickly by using myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app.

First, log in to your myGov account and select 'Medicare'.
Now, choose 'Make a Claim'.
You will then be asked to verify whether the claim is for you or a child on your card.
Next, enter the Provider Number and Item Number from your receipt.
Take a photo of your receipt, scan it as a PDF, and upload it to the website.
After submission, you wait.

Rebates are usually processed within 7 days. Ensure your bank details are updated in accordance with the medical record access policy.

Part 5: Troubleshooting Your Medicare Claim

It is extremely frustrating when your claim is declined or your rebate is lower than you anticipated. Here are a few things you might want to cross-check:

Bank Details: Is your profile already linked to a bank account? Remember that Medicare no longer mails cheques.
Item Number: If the doctor marked the visit as a telephone consultation, but it was a video consultation, the rebate may be lower.
MyMedicare: If you had a long session with the doctor, but the clinic is not registered in MyMedicare, your claim may be refused under the 2026 rule changes.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Digital Health

The knowledge of how bulk-billing Medicare and Medicare rebate claims work is not only about saving money but also about gaining control over access to your healthcare. By using the MyGov app and signing up for MyMedicare, you ensure your GP care is always accessible, physically and financially.

At 13CURE, we take pride in compliance and quality. We are dedicated to providing documentation and administrative support to help patients understand billing processes.