Introducing Sonder GP Connect: more affordable expert medical care in minutes

Access to timely medical care is becoming increasingly difficult for Australians across the board, with rising out-of-pocket costs and long wait times forcing many to delay or skip GP visits. This affects both individual health outcomes and organisations, driving increased absenteeism, poorer wellbeing outcomes, heightened workplace health and safety risks, and escalating long-term healthcare costs.

For employers and leaders in People & Culture, HR, and Workplace Health & Safety functions, keeping up with modern workforce demands across medical, mental health, and personal safety has never been more challenging.

At Sonder, we believe that getting the right care early should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we’re introducing Sonder GP Connect (Australia-only) to make medical support faster, more affordable, and simpler for your workforce, on their terms.

Data from the Australian Healthcare Index 2024 highlights a concerning rise in Australians postponing or skipping GP appointments due to a lack of accessibility:

• 60% of patients have delayed a GP visit, 32% postponed diagnostic tests, and 28% have skipped medication purchases. These delays in seeking medical care can cause small issues to escalate into more serious healthcare concerns.
• For regional or remote employees living outside major cities, the lack of access is even more pronounced. Regional respondents identified difficulty in booking appointments (47%) as the main reason for not seeing a GP.

For further insights into the GP access block issue, read our full report here.

By directly addressing these blockers, Sonder helps prevent minor health concerns from escalating into serious issues—ensuring your people receive the right care at the right time and avoiding unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

Sonder GP Connect offers your people a pathway to speak with a GP quickly and conveniently on their terms. Through the Sonder app, our clinically trained nurses can refer members to a telehealth appointment, helping them receive the right care quickly and more affordably (at a 20% discounted rate) within minutes.

By removing critical blockers to medical access, Sonder GP Connect supports businesses in building a healthier, more engaged workforce. 

Here’s how it works:

1. A member contacts Sonder’s support center via call or chat for themselves or a family member
2. One of Sonder’s clinically-trained nurses assesses the concern and, if needed, recommends a GP telehealth appointment. Emergencies are referred to the ER
3. With consent from the member, details of the case are shared with our telehealth provider, and the member will receive a booking confirmation link via SMS. A 20% discounted rate is automatically applied*
   •  Members may choose to opt-out or see their preferred GP instead
4. Once confirmed, the member is waitlisted and contacted by the next available GP—typically within minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume and demand)

*The out-of-pocket cost for GP telehealth appointments are covered by the member at the 20% discounted rate. Sonder does not retain any portion of this payment. Rates may vary. 

Sonder GP Connect is available to all Sonder members, and included in our Essential Care and Total Care plans at no additional subscription cost.

With the release of Sonder GP Connect, Sonder is taking a big step forward in transforming businesses to adopt a proactive and holistic approach to workforce health and wellbeing – one that traditional narrow and reactive approaches cannot solve for. 

Unlike conventional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which are limited in scope, Sonder addresses the diverse and complex needs of your workforce, across medical, mental health, and safety concerns.

Reduce health-related costs, disruptions, and improve engagement

• Unaddressed medical issues lead to higher absenteeism, presenteeism, and increased employer costs.
• Faster, more affordable access reduces unplanned sick leave and prevents minor health concerns from becoming costly claims
• Early intervention means reductions in risk, potential costs 

Enhance employee benefits and attract top talent with holistic 

• On-demand GP access strengthens employee trust, wellbeing, and engagement
• In a competitive talent market, a strong health and wellbeing differentiator can enhance your company’s employer value proposition (EVP)
• Provide a single point of entry into a holistic care ecosystem, across medical, mental health, and safety

Ensure compliance and reduce workplace risks

• Earlier medical intervention prevents minor injuries or illnesses from worsening, resulting in extended absenteeism and poorer health outcomes
• Evidence-based triage support ensures employees receive the right care at the right time, aligning with best-practice health & safety strategies

With the introduction of Sonder GP Connect, Sonder offers your workforce a single access point to the right care at the right time, covering medical, mental health, and safety— all through one app.

Want to learn more? Speak with our sales team or request a demo to see Sonder in action.

Sonder is a technology company that helps organisations improve the wellbeing of their people so they perform at their best. Our mobile app provides immediate, 24/7 support from a team of safety, medical, and mental health professionals – plus onsite help for time-sensitive scenarios. Accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), our platform gives leaders the insights they need to act on tomorrow’s wellbeing challenges today.