Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a remote medical consultation via video call, phone, or chat with a licensed doctor.
Telemedicine is a remote medical consultation via video call, phone, or chat with a licensed doctor.
Also known as
Telehealth, Virtual consultation, Online doctor, Remote consultation, E-health
Why travellers need to know
Telemedicine solves the two biggest problems travellers face: finding a doctor and the language barrier. Many travel insurance policies now include telemedicine with English-speaking doctors who can diagnose, prescribe, and refer you to local providers. It's particularly valuable in rural areas, countries with language barriers, and for conditions where a physical examination isn't strictly necessary.
Real-world example
You're on a road trip through rural Portugal and develop a skin rash. The nearest clinic is 90 minutes away. You open your travel insurance app, which includes a telemedicine service. A doctor video-calls you, identifies the rash as an allergic reaction, and sends a prescription to a pharmacy in the next town you'll pass through. Total time: 15 minutes.
Country-specific notes
🇪🇺 European Union
Cross-border telemedicine prescriptions vary by country
EU telemedicine is growing but fragmented. A prescription issued via telemedicine in one EU country may not be accepted in another. In practice, most telemedicine providers work with local pharmacies in your current location to ensure prescriptions are fillable.
🇺🇸 United States
Telehealth visits: $50-75 without insurance
US telehealth platforms (Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell) charge $50-75 per visit without insurance and can prescribe most non-controlled medications. They're available 24/7 and particularly useful for avoiding expensive ER visits for non-emergency conditions.
🇦🇺 Australia
Medicare-funded telehealth in Australia covers eligible visitors — UK and Irish citizens can access it under the bilateral health agreement
Australian telehealth is video-first and well-regulated, with prescriptions issued electronically and collectible at any pharmacy. Bulk-billed (free) consultations are available to eligible Medicare cardholders including British citizens.
UK citizens visiting Australia should enrol in Medicare on arrival — a 10-minute process that gives immediate access to bulk-billed telehealth at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can a telemedicine doctor prescribe medication abroad?
It depends on the platform and country. Most travel insurance telemedicine services can arrange prescriptions at local pharmacies in your current location. Standalone telehealth apps may be limited to prescribing in specific countries. Always confirm prescription capability before your consultation.
Does travel insurance include telemedicine?
Increasingly, yes. Many comprehensive travel insurance policies now include 24/7 telemedicine as a standard benefit. Check your policy documents or app. Allianz, AXA, and World Nomads are among the insurers offering built-in telemedicine.
Share your Nomedic health record with a telemedicine doctor before the call, so the consultation focuses on your current problem rather than your background history.