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Whether you are trying to save time or money, using an online doctor visit can be huge way to save both! We’ve come so far in what can be treated with virtual visits, but that also means there are now tons of telemed companies to sort through.
Virtual doctor visits are perfect for non-emergency issues like sinus infections, ear infections, UTI, and pink eye. Many services also now cover birth control, mental health and even weight loss services.
We pretty much do online doctor visits for everything except well visits. Not only is the cost significantly cheaper for online visits, my kids (and I) never get sick during normal business hours! All online telemed companies offer 24/7 visits, so even at 3 am I can go ahead and get something called in to be ready at the pharmacy in the morning.
As a RN, I will say that you should still go to a local physician for a yearly physical or to help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Comparing Online Doctor Visits
I’ve looked at 30+ different online virtual doctor companies. Many are very similar, so focusing on just the top options, lets look at costs, types of services, insurance options and other facts to help you narrow down your options.
Best Option for Children:
Sesame
Per Visit Cost: Starts at $38 or $28 with Sesame Plus, no insurance accepted. Each doctor sets their own rate.
Membership: No membership required, however signing up for Sesame Plus at $99 a year gives you $10 off every telehealth visit and 1 free lab or blood test per year (a $65 value). Sesame Plus is free for Costco members.
Able to Treat: Urgent care needs for Pediatric and Adult patients, plus Weight Loss (for Costco members only), Mental Health and Sexual Health
Medications: Sent to your local pharmacy
Our Thoughts:
You’ll find lots of doctors with availability right away. This is a great service if you really already know the issue and just want to get meds (like a UTI or sinus infection). They are hesitant to treat anything that is ongoing and will refer you to your local physician if anything appears to be a chronic condition. It’s very rare to get the same doctor twice.
Cheapest option for Adult’s:
Dr. B
Per Visit Cost: $15 for every type visit
Membership: none
Able to Treat: most non-emergency conditions for adults only, 18+
Medications: sent to local pharmacies, also includes service to show you cheapest options in your area for the prescribed medication
Our Thoughts:
This is by far the cheapest option online. They keep costs low by having you answer all medical questions and history and having a doctor review your case without a video call needed. This could be a huge plus if you are good at sharing all the information needed, but if a face to face video call makes you feel better this would not be a right fit.
Best for Ongoing Care:
HealthTap
Per Visit Cost: Starts at $44 to $59 before insurance. They will file with your insurance to see if any costs can be reduced.
Membership: $15 a month, required to access service. Fee is waived for members with select insurance plans.
Able to Treat: Urgent and chronic conditions for kids 2+ and adults. Also provides primary care services, weight loss, and mental health.
Medications: Sent to your local pharmacy
Our Thoughts:
Their goal is that you have access to the same doctor every time you use their service. Rather than a different face, you get someone that knows about you and can follow up on chronic conditions. Also great for urgent needs if you need an appointment right away. Also available from anywhere in the world if you are traveling.
Teladoc
Per Visit Cost: Varies depending on insurance. Without insurance, visits are $89 each.
Membership: none
Able to Treat: Non-emergency conditions for children and adults, Mental health visits starting at age 13, also offers dermatology services.
Medications: Sent to your local pharmacy
Our Thoughts:
The main reason you would use Teladoc is that they work directly with your health insurance. Many will find that visits are free if they do work with your insurance. If your insurance doesn’t work with them it’s best to find another provider, the cost is just too high compared to other services. You are assigned a doctor based on availability, rare to get the same doctor twice.
MD Live
Per Visit Cost: Varies depending on insurance. Without insurance, visits are $82 each.
Membership: none
Able to Treat: Urgent Care, Primary Care, Mental Health, and Dermatology designed to handle non-emergency medical and mental health conditions. Primary Care services are for patients 18+. Pediatric services available for kids 3+
Medications: Sent to your local pharmacy
Our Thoughts:
Just like Teladoc, MD Live works directly with health insurance companies and the cost will depend on your insurance plan. They work with our family’s insurance, but with our high deductible plan visits are still $63 each. Depending on your plan, services could be free. For our family it’s still too expensive even with our insurance. You are also assigned a doctor based on availability.
GoodRX Care
Per Visit Cost: only $19 with GoodRX Gold or $49 for non-members, does not file with insurance.
Membership: No membership required, however GoodRX gold is only $9.99 to get lowest price appointments as well as significant medication discounts at your local pharmacy.
Able to Treat: Non-emergency urgent care needs and refills for chronic conditions. Only treat adults at this time.
Medications: Sent to a local pharmacy or can be delivered straight to your door at a discounted rate.
Our Thoughts:
The medication savings is already significant, if your needs are just adult telemedicine visits this is the cheapest option if you go with the Gold membership. You will not get to select the doctor and it is rare to get the same doctor twice (similar to most of the other providers).
