A real GP, by video call
An online doctor is a qualified general practitioner (GP) who consults with you by secure video call instead of in a consulting room. With VDOC, every doctor is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and follows the HPCSA telehealth guidelines.
During a virtual consultation, the doctor takes your history, asks about your symptoms, looks at what can be seen on camera and talks you through a diagnosis and treatment plan. Where it is clinically appropriate, they can issue a prescription, a sick note, or a referral for blood tests, X-rays or a specialist.
You choose your doctor, the time and the language you are most comfortable with: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa and more. You see the doctor's fee before you book.
What an online doctor can help with
Many everyday health problems don't need a physical examination. These are some of the most common reasons South Africans book a VDOC consult:
Colds, flu & Covid-like symptoms
Sore throat, cough, fever, sinus pain and blocked nose.
Infections
Urinary tract infections, eye infections, ear ache and gastro.
Skin conditions
Rashes, eczema, acne, allergies and insect bites, assessed on camera.
Chronic conditions
Blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and cholesterol check-ins and repeat scripts.
Stress & mental health
Anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and burnout. Get support and a plan.
Aches & minor injuries
Back pain, headaches, sprains and muscle strain.
Women's health
Contraception advice, period problems and UTI symptoms.
Tests & referrals
Pathology, radiology and specialist referrals when you need them.
Read more: UTIs · flu · diarrhoea & vomiting · children with fever · STIs · PrEP · PEP
See an online doctor in 3 steps
Choose a doctor & time
Search by date, time, price, rating and language on the website, or message "Hi" to our WhatsApp assistant, Vee.
Doctor accepts, you pay
Tell the doctor why you're booking. Once they accept, pay securely by card or instant EFT, or choose medical aid if your scheme is supported.
Join your video consult
Open the secure link at your appointment time. There is no app to download. Any scripts or notes are sent to you after the consult.
Online doctor vs. a walk-in GP visit
| VDOC online doctor | Walk-in GP | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Some doctors from 5am to 10pm, incl. Sundays & public holidays | Usually weekday business hours |
| Travel | None — consult from home or work | Drive, park, sit in a waiting room |
| Cost | From R250, price shown upfront | Varies, often higher |
| Prescriptions | Yes, at the doctor's discretion | Yes |
| Sick notes | Yes, at the doctor's discretion | Yes |
| Medical aid | Discovery-administered schemes & GEMS billed directly | Depends on the practice |
| Physical examination | No — referred if needed | Yes |
| Exposure to other sick patients | None | Waiting room |
How much does an online doctor cost?
Each VDOC doctor sets their own consultation fee, with GP consultations starting from R250. The exact fee is shown before you book, and there are no hidden charges. You can pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or instant EFT.
If you are a member of a Discovery-administered medical scheme (including Bankmed, Anglo Medical, Sasolmed, Netcare, Remedi and more) or a supported GEMS option, we can submit the claim directly to your scheme while you wait. See which medical aids we bill.
Open early, late, on Sundays and public holidays
Brick-and-mortar practices keep fixed opening hours. VDOC doctors consult by video, and many work outside office hours: some from as early as 5am, others until 10pm, including Sundays and public holidays. See an after-hours doctor.
Available across South Africa
Because consultations happen by video, VDOC is available wherever you have an internet connection: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Mbombela or a small town far from the nearest practice.