Inside Medibank’s Big Bet on Digital Nursing

A $31.2M Medibank and Amplar Health trial tests virtual nursing to transform aged care

16 Oct 2025

Medibank and its health services subsidiary Amplar Health have launched a $31.2mn virtual nursing pilot, backed by the federal government, to test new models of digital care in Australia’s aged care sector.

The trial, operating across 30 aged care homes, allows registered nurses to provide remote support via live video and diagnostic tools. Rather than replacing on-site staff, the virtual nurses collaborate with local teams to advise on wound management, medication, and escalation procedures, in a move designed to ease workforce shortages.

Telehealth equipment from Visionflex enables real-time clinical assessments, including in regional and remote areas. La Trobe University researchers will evaluate the program’s impact on care outcomes, efficiency, and patient experience. If successful, it could serve as a framework for broader use of digital health services across the country.

Health policy experts say the initiative reflects a growing shift toward insurer-led healthcare ecosystems. “This is not just a technology investment; it reflects a deeper shift in how healthcare may be organized and delivered,” said analyst Sarah Donnelly. By linking insurance, clinical services, and data management, companies such as Medibank are positioning themselves as more active participants in healthcare delivery.

Analysts have also pointed to challenges surrounding regulatory oversight, data privacy, and competition among smaller care providers. Nonetheless, the program is seen as a test case for how digital and remote models might help meet Australia’s rising demand for accessible, high-quality care as its population ages.

Medibank’s trial underscores the increasing integration of technology into frontline services, a development that could reshape both aged care and the broader healthcare landscape.