In 2025, telehealth services in Australia have become a vital part of the healthcare system, especially for those living in rural and remote areas. As geographic barriers and limited access to specialists continue to challenge regional communities, digital health solutions are stepping in to bridge the gap — transforming how Australians receive medical care.
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Telehealth — the delivery of health-related services using telecommunications technology — has seen a dramatic rise since the pandemic accelerated its adoption. However, it is in rural Australia where its impact is most profound. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 40% of telehealth consultations in 2024 were conducted in non-metropolitan regions, highlighting the growing reliance on virtual care outside major cities.
One of the key drivers behind this trend is improved internet connectivity , particularly through the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and satellite-based services like SkyMesh and Starlink. These advancements have made high-quality video consultations possible even in some of the most isolated parts of the country, from outback Queensland to the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Government support has also played a crucial role. The extension of Medicare-subsidized telehealth appointments beyond the initial pandemic-era policies has ensured that Australians in rural areas can access affordable specialist care without having to travel long distances. In 2025, the federal government announced an additional $120 million investment into digital health infrastructure, with a specific focus on expanding mental health, chronic disease management, and maternity services via telehealth platforms.
eHealth platforms such as My Virtual Medical Centre, Coviu, and HealthEngine have expanded their offerings to include not only general practitioner (GP) visits but also allied health services like physiotherapy, dietetics, and psychology. Many rural clinics now integrate these tools into daily operations, allowing patients to book follow-up appointments online and receive prescriptions and referrals electronically.
For Indigenous communities, telehealth is proving to be a powerful tool in addressing long-standing health disparities. Programs like Healthy Under Two , which connects Aboriginal families in remote communities with pediatricians and nutritionists, have reported improved early childhood health outcomes due to timely interventions enabled by virtual consultations.
Mental health services have particularly benefited from telehealth expansion. Platforms such as eheadspace , MindSpot , and Lifeline Direct offer Australians in rural areas confidential therapy sessions and crisis support, reducing the stigma often associated with seeking help in small communities. A recent survey by Beyond Blue found that 70% of respondents in rural regions felt more comfortable accessing mental health services remotely than in person.
