Compare online pharmacy services

Finding the time to visit, or being able to access a pharmacy isn't easy for everyone. Whether you live rurally, struggle with mobility, or you feel too under the weather to leave home, online pharmacy services can help by delivering the goods you need, straight to your door.

What is an online pharmacy?

An online pharmacy, sometimes called a mail-order pharmacy, is just like any other pharmacy, except it operates over the internet. Instead of going to the store to pick your order up in person, the pharmacy will send it to you by post. Easy.

How does it work?

Online pharmacies work like any other online shop. You order what you want online – whether that's medicine, vitamins and health supplements, or even just everyday toiletries – and it's usually delivered to you within a few days.

If you want to order prescription medicine, the process is slightly different. You still order and pay online, but you'll have to post your prescription to the online pharmacy's physical address, and include your order information, before the pharmacy will send your medicine back to you.

If you don't want to do that, then don't worry. You can use an online pharmacy that also offers a telehealth service or an online GP. You'll speak to a doctor over the phone or via video chat and they'll write up a prescription for you and pass it on to the online pharmacy. That way, you won't have to post your prescription as it'll all be handled in the same place.

Remember, getting a prescription from an online GP usually comes at an extra cost, but you might be able to bulk bill through Medicare, or claim money back through your health insurance.

Compare online pharmacy services

Provider	Offers an online GP service	Average delivery price	Estimated delivery time	Next day/express delivery available?	Minimum spend for free delivery
		$4.95	3-6 business days		$99
		$7.50	5 business days		$89
		$8.99	2-8 business days		$99
		$8.90	2-8 business days		$99
		$8.95	1-2 business days		$50
		$8.95	1-2 business days		$50
		$8.95	Will depend on Australian Postage		Not stated
		$8.95	1-2 business days		$50
		$8.99	2-8 business days		$99
		$9.95	Refer to Australia Post website.		$99
		$9.95	2-10 business days		$99
		$9.95	3-7 business days		$149
		$9.95	1-2 business days		Not stated
		$11.19	5-7 business days		Not stated

How can I get a prescription online?

If your doctor has already written the prescription. You'll usually have to post your prescription to the online pharmacy before it can fill the order and send it back to you.

Just buy the medicine you need online and post the prescription to the physical address provided by the online pharmacy, and you'll get the medicine you need delivered to your door in a few days.

If you haven't had a chance to visit a doctor yet. You might want to consider an online GP service, which can issue prescriptions over the internet and then post the medicine to you.

Online GPs may come at an additional cost, but you might be able to claim some of the money back from Medicare or through your private health insurance.

Can I use an online pharmacy with no prescription?

Absolutely, but you won't be able to buy prescription medication. You'll still be able to order over-the-counter medication though. This includes things like cold and flu relief, allergy and antihistamine tablets and low-level anti-inflammatories or painkillers.

If you need a prescription but can't make it to a doctor, consider an online GP service.

How much can I expect to pay?

If you buy prescription medication through an online pharmacy, you shouldn't expect to pay any more for your medicine than if you went to a physical store. In fact, you might even pay less, as online pharmacies have lower operating costs and can pass those savings on to you.

However, you will have to pay for delivery. Delivery costs vary depending on which online chemist you choose and how heavy your parcel is, but you should expect to pay around $7 to $15 for standard delivery, or around $10 to $20 for express delivery.

Online pharmacies will provide free shipping if you spend a certain amount of money. Again, this varies between different pharmacies, but is typically close to $100.

What are some key things to consider?

Online pharmacies are convenient and can be cheaper than physical stores. However, there are a few things to be wary of when choosing an online pharmacy.

Overseas, fake or rogue pharmacies. Pharmacies which aren't licensed and regulated by Australian authorities may not be able to provide accurate advice or quality products.

You may have to post your prescription. If you don't want to use an online GP service, you may still have to post your prescription in order to receive your medication.

Written by

Nicola Middlemiss

Senior writer

Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds. See full bio

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