10 of the Best Telemedicine Companies
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It can be difficult to make time to see a doctor at the best of times, and even more so if the ongoing pandemic creates more concerns. See which telemedicine company could be the best fit for you.
- Best overall:Sesame Care | Skip to Review
- Most affordable:PlushCare | Skip to Review
- Best for nonurgent medical care:Teladoc | Skip to Review
- Best for fast, straightforward service:MeMD | Skip to Review
- Best for consistent care provider:HealthTap | Skip to Review
- Best for general medical care:Amwell | Skip to Review
- Best comprehensive telemedicine company:MDLive | Skip to Review
- Best platform for choosing doctors:Doctor on Demand | Skip to Review
- Best for custom treatment plans:LiveHealth Online | Skip to Review
- Best for quick response time:Virtuwell | Skip to Review
The best telemedicine provider for you can vary based on your needs, price point, and level of urgency. Certain companies may be covered by some insurance plans. Some help you find the doctor who is best for you.
The problem isn’t a shortage of people wanting to be doctors, but rather, too few opportunities for training. Medical schools have increased class sizes by 30% since 2002, but federal funding for residency training – an essential step in the process of becoming a practicing physician – has not increased since 1997, according to Inside Higher Ed.
It can be difficult to make time to see a doctor at the best of times, and even more so if the ongoing pandemic creates additional concerns. Between busy schedules and limited appointment availability, staying healthy can lead to extra stress.
Telemedicine allows you to discuss non-emergency medical issues with a doctor by phone or online at a time that’s convenient for you.
Telemedicine offers access to licensed medical professionals for people who may not have access otherwise. It often provides lower costs for services.
It also can be a cost-effective way for people who do not have insurance, or whose insurance does not cover certain costs, to get care.
Though telemedicine can be beneficial for a number of reasons, it should not replace in-person doctor visits.
It’s important to keep in mind that telemedicine healthcare professionals do not have the ability to take your blood or urine samples, heart rate, blood pressure, or other important medical tests. For example, with the lack of physical touch in telemedicine, the results of a physical exam could be greatly hampered.
We chose the following telemedicine options based on:
- Ratings: We carefully considered customer reviews to find out what it’s really like to use these telemedicine companies.
- Types of services offered: We looked for companies that can help with a variety of medical issues, and many also offer lab testing and mental health services.
- Pricing: We chose companies that offer different payment options to suit a variety of budgets.
- Accessibility: We considered how services and results are delivered — via phone call, video, apps, and more — and whether you’ll have access to 24/7 care.
- Vetting: The companies on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Austra Health’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
Best overall
Sesame Care Telehealth
4.3 (512+) from Trust Pilot
- Specialties: comprehensive, mental health, dental (symptom assessment), skin care, sexual health, and others
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: no
Austra Health’s review
Price: varies by medical professional
You can book a same-day appointment for an initial health visit. Prices vary by location, and reviewers say prices are overall affordable.
Sesame Care providers are often less expensive than your health insurance copay. However, depending on your coverage, you might be eligible for reimbursement of healthcare fees for professionals not usually covered by your insurance network.
If you have medication prescribed at a local pharmacy, you can use your insurance to pay for the medication, and you will only owe your copay or deductible costs for that medication.
Sesame Care offers a number of treatments for medical issues like:
- skin care
- dental care
- mental health
- wellness and disease prevention
- chronic condition care
- diabetes care
- men’s health
- sleep issues
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video
- Subscription required : no
Most affordable
PlushCare Telehealth
4.9 (74k+) from App Store
- Specialties: primary care concerns
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: with insurance, pay an estimated cost; without insurance, $129 for copay and $69 for repeat visits
PlushCare books video appointments online or via its app. You can book ahead for when it’s convenient or find a same-day appointment if you need one. The company says it offers treatments from head to toe.
PlushCare can also refill many common prescriptions and send them to your local pharmacy, although that list does not include controlled substances.
PlushCare is in-network with many insurers. If your insurance is accepted, PlushCare will charge an estimated amount for your visit. Without insurance, the copay is $129, and every repeat visit is $69. It is not required to have insurance to use PlushCare.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video
- Subscription required : yes
Best for nonurgent medical care
Teladoc Telehealth
4.8 (404k+) from App Store
- Specialties: primary care needs, smoking cessation, dermatology, and mental health
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: general medical visits can be $0 with insurance or $75 without insurance
Teledoc was one of the first telehealth companies in the United States. The company has maintained a highly favorable rating among physicians and patients.rnrnTeladoc’s team helps by connecting you to your choice of an in-network lab or facility. Your healthcare professional reviews your results with you, which are uploaded to your account once ready.rnrnIf you have insurance, general medical visit fees can be as low as $0 with insurance, and are $75 if you do not have insurance. Pricing varies based on your insurance plan and your medical care needs. Contact Teladoc for more details.
Teladoc can be used for a wide range of medical issues, including
- pediatric services
- nonemergency medical issues
- dermatological conditions
- mental health consultations for conditions such as depression and substance use disorders
- sexual health consultations
Teladoc physicians can also send prescriptions to your pharmacy or analyze lab results. Your primary care physician can order lab work, imaging studies, vaccinations, and referrals.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : phone, video
- Subscription required : no
Best for fast, straightforward service
MeMD Telehealth
2.5 (41+) from App Store
- Specialties: medical concerns, mental health services
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: no
Austra Health’s review
Price: from $67 for medical care; from $85 for therapy services
Creating an account on MeMD is simple. Once your account is set up, you can speak with a nurse practitioner or physician directly via webcam.
You and your healthcare professional can discuss one symptom or condition, or you can discuss multiple symptoms or conditions during a single consultation without paying an additional fee.
Lab tests cannot be ordered through MeMD, but healthcare professionals can answer questions about an existing lab report.
MeMD healthcare professionals can also send needed prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy.
Urgent care services are $67, as are men’s and women’s health visits. A talk therapy session can cost up to $85.rnrnFor psychiatry, an initial 45-minute visit is $229. Follow-up visits to manage medications and evaluate progress are $99. It’s not clear on their website if you need a referral before booking a psychiatry appointment.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video
- Subscription required : no
Best for consistent care provider
HealthTap Telehealth
4.6 (3k+) from App Store
- Specialties: urgent care, general medical care, primary care relationship building
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: $15/month
HealthTap claims to have 90,000 U.S.-licensed physicians to answer your health questions. Doctors are available for video chats or to answer text messages. They can also order lab tests and write or refill prescriptions.
Memberships cost $15/month to provide users with specialized telemedicine care, including primary care.
Notably, a free account can still access an automated symptom checker and get personalized answers to anonymous health questions within a day.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video, talk, and text message
- Subscription required : yes
Best for general medical care
Amwell Telehealth
4.9 (35k+) from App Store
- Specialties: urgent care, general medical care, therapy, psychiatry, women’s health, pediatrics
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: varies (urgent care visits start at $79 before insurance)
Two brothers who are both doctors founded American Well, which was rebranded as Amwell. They wanted to make basic healthcare more affordable and eliminate barriers, such as distance, mobility, and time.
In addition to the website, Amwell’s mobile application, available on iOS and Android, can also connect you with a doctor.
When using the service, you’ll be matched with doctors in your state. Appointment costs vary by type, with urgent care visits starting at $79 before insurance.
In addition to urgent care and general medical questions, Amwell also has a variety of other video medical services available, such as:
- widely acclaimed therapy
- psychiatry
- breastfeeding support
- nutrition counseling
- pediatrics
- women’s health
- second opinions
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video
- Subscription required : no
Most comprehensive telemedicine company
MDLIVE Telehealth
4.7 (65k+) from App Store
- Specialties: nonurgent medical care, dermatology, therapy, psychiatry
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: $82 or less, depending on insurance
MDLive was founded in 2009. The company is continually building partnerships with healthcare systems across the United States.
Urgent care visits are $82 or possibly less, depending on your insurance. The same goes for dermatology at $95 and counseling at $108. An initial psychiatric visit is $284, with follow-ups at $108. Insurance is accepted for all visits, including behavioral health, so the costs will depend on your insurance plan.
Board certified physicians and other healthcare professionals are available by phone or online video 24 hours per day. They can help answer your questions about non-emergency medical conditions, such as:
Mental health professionals are also available.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : phone, video
- Subscription required : no
Best platform for choosing doctors
Doctor on Demand Telehealth
4.9 (105k+) from App Store
- Specialties: urgent care, preventative health, chronic care, therapy, psychiatry
- Prescriptions: no
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: from $75
One thing that sets Doctor on Demand apart from its competitors is that it allows people to add a doctor to their “favorites.” After your first consultation, you can select that doctor again if they’re available when you’re scheduling future appointments.
Doctor on Demand also offers new parents online assistance from board certified lactation consultants.
Connecting with a doctor for 15 minutes costs $75. For mental health services, the price scales up to $299 for an initial 45-minute psychiatric consultation. Video visits under this service are covered by Medicare Part B.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video
- Subscription required : no
Best for custom treatment plans
LiveHealth Online Telehealth
4.9 (63k+) from App Store
- Specialties: nonurgent medical care, allergy, therapy, psychiatry
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: from $59
LiveHealth Online lets members select their doctors. Once you sign up, you can see who’s available in your state and then request a video consultation.
The platform says you should be connected with the doctor you’ve chosen within a few minutes.
Doctors are available for appointments 24/7.
LiveHealth’s offerings include allergy visits, in which you can map out a treatment plan and get a prescription if needed.
Several major insurance companies cover LiveHealth visits, which start from $59 without insurance.
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : video
- Subscription required : no
Best for quick response time
Virtuwell Telehealth
4.8 (67k+) from Virtuwell
- Specialties: nonurgent medical care, dermatology, sexual health, allergies, and more
- Prescriptions: yes
- Insurance coverage: yes
Austra Health’s review
Price: $59
Virtuwell handles the diagnostic part of telemedicine by asking you to describe your symptoms in an online interview.
If the symptoms and condition sound like something Virtuwell can treat, a nurse practitioner will receive the report. They can then look at a visible symptom, if necessary, and create a treatment plan.
The service costs $59 without insurance. Virtuwell says it guarantees satisfaction or will provide a refund.
Conditions eligible for virtual consultations include:
- colds and flus
- acne
- birth control
- skin conditions
- certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- allergies
- other basic nonemergency health issues
Pros and cons
Product details
- Service delivery : online form
- Subscription required : no
| Company | Best for | Price | Prescrip- tions |
Service delivery | Mental health services | Lab testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Care | range of services | varies by medical professional | yes | video | yes | yes |
| PlushCare | affordability | with insurance, pay an estimated cost; without insurance, $129 for co-pay and $69 for repeat visits | yes | video | yes | yes |
| Teladoc | nonurgent care | general medical visits can be $0 or $75 without insurance | yes | phone, video | yes | yes |
| MeMD | quick, no-fuss service | from $67 without insurance; varies by insurance plan | yes | video | yes | no |
| HealthTap | consistency | $15 per month for a year | yes | video, chat | yes | yes |
| Amwell | general care | varies (urgent care visits start at $79 before insurance) | yes | video | yes | yes |
| MDLive | comprehensiveness | urgent care starts from $82 or less, depending on insurance | yes | phone, video | yes | yes |
| Doctor on Demand | choice of doctor | from $79 | yes | video | yes | yes |
| LiveHealth Online | custom treatment plans | from $59 | yes | video | yes | no |
| Virtuwell | response time | $59 | yes | online form | no | no |
Prices last updated March 2023
Telemedicine is great and very convenient for anyone with a busy job, hectic life, or otherwise jam-packed schedule.
Attending an appointment virtually, either at your home or office, can make all the difference. For some people, it can reduce — or even eliminate — the need to find and pay for child care, or take time off from work.
Plus, it’s a great option for people who may not otherwise have access to certain physicians or physician types, or who cannot afford, or prefer not to pay, the price of standard medical visits.
Additionally, people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying health conditions could be at greater risk when in a doctor’s office.
Telemedicine is also a very accessible way to see a physician for certain purposes, like refilling a prescription or sharing preliminary information, checking symptoms, or bringing up concerns about a health issue that does not require a physical examination.
This is especially true for people with disabilities or who have limitations getting around physically, or those who are geographically isolated or incarcerated .
That said, telemedicine is inaccessible to anyone without computer or smartphone access or a reliable internet connection. It’s also important to keep in mind that there can be safety concerns, both physical and otherwise, when you have the ability to be on the go. Driving while taking a telemedicine appointment is not recommended at all — both tasks require your full attention, and it would be better if you were in a safe space to take your appointment.
While telemedicine makes appointments easier and more mobile, be careful not to take your appointment in public places, as privacy could be an issue. Whether it’s privacy concerns regarding the internet, or how much you say in a public space, it’s safer for you to talk to your doctor in a secluded, secure space for you to discuss any concerns you have openly without an audience.
With so many telemedicine options to choose from, you might not know where to begin. By focusing on which companies specialize in or accommodate what you need, you can narrow down the right options for you.
For example, if you have a specific health condition or communication style preference, look into telemedicine companies that have experience with similar ailments or work the way you want.
You should also consider whether you’ll need lab work or prescriptions, and ensure the company or medical professional you’re considering can arrange for those.
Lastly, it’s important to consider your preferred payment method. Maybe you need a company that can provide documentation for your health insurance reimbursement, or maybe you prefer to pay by debit. Find out in advance if the company you choose can accommodate different payment options.
Telemedicine services allow people to get healthcare services digitally, usually with a computer or smartphone app. Some telemedicine platforms also provide services through phone calls and emails.
Telemedicine should not be used in place of an in-person doctor visit. Instead, services can be used to:
- assess when an in-person visit is necessary
- prescribe and refill certain medications
- treat minor medical conditions
- provide mental health services
Many telemedicine services accept insurance plans from major providers, but one benefit of telemedicine is that most services are made to be cost-effective for people who do not have insurance.
