We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Telemedicine allows you to access doctors’ appointments, therapy, and some treatments from the comfort of your home. Here are some popular options and how the services, costs, and more compare.
Telehealth, also called telemedicine, aims to make healthcare more accessible and a lot more convenient. No taking time off work, waiting weeks for an appointment, or circling the block to find parking required.
Telehealth allows you to meet with a doctor about a medical issue, speak with a therapist about your emotions, and even receive some treatments, including prescription medications, from the comfort of your home.
Sometimes, these platforms are more affordable if you don’t have insurance. They can also lower the barrier to seeking medical or mental health support if you don’t feel comfortable going in person.
Read on to learn more about telehealth and the types of services offered by the best platforms.
• $99 annual or $10.99 monthly Sesame Plus membership may reduce costs
We chose these 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. Many also offer lab testing and mental health services.
- Pricing: We chose companies that offer 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 Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
Telehealth allows you to receive healthcare services online, using a computer or a smartphone app. It supports a range of communication methods, including audio or video calls, emails, and chat.
It allows you to consult with clinicians for services that don’t require a physical examination, including prescription refills, symptom checks, and initial health discussions.
While not a replacement for in-person visits, telemedicine can effectively determine when such visits are necessary. It also plays a crucial role in providing mental health services and enhancing the accessibility of healthcare.
Telehealth offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Fits easily into busy schedules, allowing appointments from home or work.
- Accessibility: Opens up access to medical specialists you might not otherwise reach, and removes physical barriers for people with disabilities.
- Safety: By reducing the need to visit medical facilities, telemedicine helps safeguard people with weakened immune systems or chronic health issues from potential infections.
However, telehealth does require access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable device. Privacy can also be a concern if sessions are conducted in public places.
Telehealth can lower the barriers for receiving healthcare for many people, but it can be particularly useful for people in:
- rural or remote areas without many options for healthcare
- people who may be reluctant to see a doctor or seek medical care in person
- people without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover certain types of care
It’s particularly useful for the following:
- getting regular check-ups for ongoing or recurring health conditions
- treating infectious conditions, like a cold, flu, or COVID-19
- treating minor conditions, like a cough, allergies, minor back pain, sprains, or strains
- getting mental health care services, including counseling and medication management
- monitoring a new medication
- having conversations about results from tests your doctor ordered
- consulting with a specialist, especially one outside of your area
Telehealth doesn’t replace in-person doctors’ appointments
Healthcare professionals on telemedicine platforms can’t take blood or urine samples, listen to your heart, take blood pressure readings, or conduct other important medical tests typically done in person.
While telemedicine can be a convenient, useful tool, you’ll still want to see a doctor in person for these tests.
Don’t use telemedicine if you’re experiencing a medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency services.
Choosing the best telemedicine service can depend on several factors, including your specific health needs, budget, and how quickly you need to access care. Here are some steps to help you find the right service:
- Identify key features: Which features are most important for your telemedicine experience? This could be the availability of specialists, the ease of scheduling, or the range of services offered.
- Healthcare professionals: Some platforms offer a wide selection of clinicians, allowing you to choose someone who best fits your personal health needs or preferences.
- Cost and accessibility: Evaluate your budget and prioritize cost-effective services. Additionally, consider how quickly you can access healthcare professionals to ensure prompt care.
- Specialized care: If you have a specific health condition, look for telemedicine services with professionals experienced in that area. Also, consider your preferred style of communication and ensure the service can accommodate it.
- Additional services: Check if you need lab work or prescriptions as part of your treatment, and ensure the service can handle these requirements.
- Payment options: How do you prefer to pay for services? Whether you need documentation for insurance reimbursement or prefer using a debit card, make sure the service meets your payment needs.
Free and low cost health services
- The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s Find a Health Center directory of health clinics that operate on a sliding scale. If you do not have insurance or are unable to pay, you can still get care.
- Planned Parenthood offers many discounted and free services, including a pregnancy test, birth control, or services related to sexual health
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a confidential, free service for anyone needing assistance with substance and mental health concerns.
Basically, yes.
Originally, telehealth referred to the overall shift from in-person-only healthcare to the use of personal technology (computers, video services, phones, and messaging apps) to access healthcare.
It meant that people had options, other than going to a doctor’s office or clinic in order to receive healthcare.
Those specific companies and services providing healthcare through technology platforms were said to be offering telemedicine.
These days, the terms “telehealth” and “telemedicine” are often used interchangeably. We use both in this article.
Teladoc Health is the largest telemedicine service, with $1.09 billion in revenue and more than 1,800 employees.
It’s difficult to say which telemedicine company is the best. What’s “best” for you depends on your preferences, healthcare requirements, and financial considerations.
The telemedicine services on our list are all recognized for their quality of service and reliability, making them excellent choices depending on your specific criteria.
The best telemedicine service for people without insurance depends on specific healthcare needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
However, if you’re seeking affordability and comprehensive coverage, Sesame Care stands out with its Sesame Plus membership.
Sesame Plus is a cost-effective way to receive care and manage healthcare expenses more predictably. Membership is $10.99 per month or $99 annually. You can then access medical visits from $29.
The three types of telehealth that are commonly discussed are:
- synchronous
- asynchronous
- remote monitoring
Synchronous means speaking with a healthcare professional in real time. This could be a video consultation at home, or in a clinic with diagnostic equipment available but the healthcare professional is located at a different facility.
Asynchronous means either you or a healthcare professional gather a broad range of your health data and forward it to a specialist for review.
Remote monitoring is when a healthcare professional continually reviews your health information and journey. This can be by ordering and remotely viewing test results and arranging video consultations to follow up.
Telemedicine makes it easier than ever to get medical treatment and information. It can also be a more affordable alternative for people without insurance.