Patient guide
What does an online doctor consultation cost in South Africa?
Online doctor prices are not directly comparable unless you check what sits behind the headline fee. Appointment length, after-hours pricing, follow-up rules and document charges can all change the final cost.
Updated 20 September 2026 · 4 minute read
What to compare
Start with the consultation length and whether the price changes after hours. Check whether the service charges separately for prescriptions, sick notes, referrals or repeat appointments. Also confirm when payment is taken and what happens if the doctor decides that video is not appropriate.
hiDoc pricing
hiDoc’s current patient prices are shown on the booking screen before a request is submitted. The platform is built around short scheduled or next-available GP video consultations, with payment requested after the call. A repeat-prescription review has its own lower price when that service is suitable.
A consultation fee pays for the doctor’s assessment. It does not buy a guaranteed prescription, antibiotic, sick note or referral.
Medical aid and invoices
Ask whether the provider supplies the information your medical scheme needs for a claim. hiDoc does not currently claim directly from medical aid, and its present invoice is a payment receipt rather than a promise that your scheme will reimburse it.
The less obvious costs
Travel, time away from work and waiting-room time make an in-person visit more expensive than the fee alone. Online care can avoid those costs for suitable problems. It is not cheaper if you still need an examination immediately afterwards, which is why honest triage matters.