Best telehealth services 2026: online doctor reviews
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns. Telehealth services may not be appropriate for all conditions. Individual experiences may vary. See our full Medical Disclaimer for more information.
Telehealth is mainstream now. Millions of patients use video calls, phone consultations, and app platforms to see a doctor without leaving home, and most major insurers have caught up to cover it. This guide compares five leading platforms on pricing, insurance coverage, specialties, prescription capabilities, and user experience. For men’s health services, see our Hims vs Roman vs Keeps comparison.
Quick comparison
| Service | Visit cost (no insurance) | Insurance accepted | Specialties | Prescription service | Wait time | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teladoc | $75-$89 (general) | Yes (extensive network) | 450+ specialties | Yes (e-prescribe) | 10-20 min | 4.5/5 |
| Amwell | $79-$129 | Yes (major insurers) | Primary, therapy, specialty | Yes (e-prescribe) | Under 15 min | 4.3/5 |
| Doctor on Demand | $79-$149 | Yes (Medicare, major insurers) | Primary, psychiatry, therapy | Yes (e-prescribe) | Under 15 min | 4.4/5 |
| MDLive | $82-$129 | Yes (Cigna, Aetna, others) | Primary, dermatology, therapy | Yes (e-prescribe) | Under 15 min | 4.2/5 |
| PlushCare | $119-$149 | Yes (select insurers) | Primary, therapy, weight mgmt | Yes (e-prescribe) | Same-day | 4.4/5 |
Teladoc
Teladoc is the largest U.S. telehealth provider, serving over 90 million members through employer plans, insurance partnerships, and direct-to-consumer access. The network spans 450+ specialties from general medicine to dermatology, psychiatry, and cardiology, and it’s available 24/7/365 including weekends and holidays.
The app has secure messaging and straightforward scheduling. General visits cost $75-$89 without insurance, with copays often $0-$40 with coverage. Insurance acceptance is the broadest in this comparison: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana. Providers e-prescribe most medications; controlled substances follow federal and state regulations. Average wait time is 10 to 20 minutes.
It’s the most versatile option here, good for families and individuals who want reliable access to a wide range of specialties. The size of the network does mean provider quality varies more than on a smaller, more curated platform.
- Largest provider network (450+ specialties); 24/7 access including holidays; broadest insurance acceptance; competitive pricing with insurance
- Provider quality varies across the large network; psychiatry and therapy pricing is higher than some competitors; not all specialties available in all states; customer service can be slow at peak times
Pricing: General visit $75-$89 | Psychiatry (initial) $199-$299 | Therapy $99-$149/session | With insurance: copay often $0-$40
Amwell
Amwell is Teladoc’s closest competitor, with strong partnerships among major health systems and insurers. Board-certified physicians, therapists, and specialists come from reputable health systems. One thing that sets Amwell apart is telehealth kiosks at select retail and employer locations, which is genuinely unusual in the space.
The platform has specialized programs in behavioral health, chronic condition management, and nutrition counseling. General visit pricing runs $79-$129 depending on provider tier. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including some Medicare Advantage plans. Average wait time is under 15 minutes.
For most people, Amwell lands as a good all-around alternative to Teladoc. The kiosks are a nice option for people who want a more structured setting, and the health system partnerships add some confidence on provider credentials. The app is less polished than some competitors, and the network is smaller.
- Strong health system partnerships; flexible pricing tiers; telehealth kiosk options; good behavioral health programs; reliable video technology
- Smaller network than Teladoc; pricing can be higher at the top tier; kiosk availability is limited to certain regions; specialty availability varies by state
Pricing: General visit $79-$129 | Therapy $99-$149/session | Psychiatry (initial) $179-$279
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand is now part of the Included Health platform, and its main selling point is provider vetting. Each physician, therapist, and psychiatrist goes through background checks, credential verification, and patient feedback reviews before joining the network. The Included Health merger also brings integrated primary care alongside mental health services, which makes for a more coordinated experience than bouncing between separate platforms.
General medical visits cost $79 without insurance. Medicare acceptance is broad and uncommon among major telehealth platforms, making this a standout option for the 65+ population. On-demand general visits connect within 15 minutes; mental health appointments are scheduled in advance, usually within 1 to 3 days. Providers e-prescribe to any pharmacy.
If you’re on Medicare or care a lot about provider credentials, this is probably your best bet here. The psychiatry initial visit is on the pricier end at $299, and the network is smaller than Teladoc’s, but the vetting and integrated model justify the trade-off for many patients.
- Rigorous provider vetting; Medicare accepted; integrated care model; competitive general visit pricing ($79); strong patient satisfaction
- Smaller network than Teladoc; psychiatry initial visit costs $299; not available in all states for all services; platform changes from mergers have caused occasional disruptions; limited specialist options beyond primary care and mental health
Pricing: General visit $79 | Therapy $129/session | Psychiatry (initial) $299 | Follow-up psychiatry $149
MDLive
MDLive operates under the Evernorth umbrella (a Cigna subsidiary) and has particular strengths in behavioral health and dermatology. The dermatology option is worth calling out: patients submit photos of skin conditions for review by a board-certified dermatologist, which none of the other platforms here offer. Evernorth also enables chronic condition management for diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Cigna members typically see the best value through preferential pricing. The platform also accepts Aetna, BCBS, Humana, and regional insurers. General visits cost $82 without insurance; dermatology consultations run $75-$129. On-demand general visits connect within 15 minutes, though dermatology is asynchronous (24 to 48 hours for photo review).
If you have a skin concern or you’re a Cigna member, MDLive is worth a look. The asynchronous dermatology model is different from what most people expect from telehealth, but it works well for conditions that don’t need real-time evaluation.
- Dermatology telehealth option (photo-based); strong behavioral health programs; chronic condition management; competitive general visit pricing; Cigna members get lower costs
- Best value mainly for Cigna members; dermatology is asynchronous, not real-time video; platform interface is less modern than competitors; limited specialist network beyond behavioral health and dermatology; customer support can be difficult to reach
Pricing: General visit $82 | Dermatology $75-$129 | Therapy $108/session | Psychiatry (initial) $284
PlushCare
PlushCare requires all physicians to be graduates of the top 50 U.S. medical schools, which is a meaningful quality signal. The platform focuses on primary care, urgent care, and mental health, with an emphasis on ongoing patient-physician relationships rather than one-off visits. A structured weight management program with medical consultations and prescription management (where clinically appropriate) has become a significant part of what they offer in 2026.
PlushCare runs primarily on scheduled appointments with same-day availability, which differs from the on-demand model of other platforms here. General visits cost $119-$149 without insurance, making it the most expensive option for uninsured patients. The appointments tend to be longer and more thorough, which partly justifies the premium. Insurance acceptance is narrower: select Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare plans.
It’s probably overkill if you just need a quick sick visit. But if you want an ongoing relationship with a highly credentialed doctor and are happy to pay more for unhurried appointments, PlushCare makes a reasonable case for itself.
- Physicians from top 50 medical schools; structured weight management program; emphasis on ongoing patient relationships; same-day appointments; thorough, unhurried visits
- Most expensive for uninsured patients ($119-$149); narrower insurance acceptance; no on-demand instant visits; limited specialty options beyond primary care and mental health; smaller provider network
Pricing: General visit $119-$149 | Therapy $149/session | Weight management consultation $129 initial
How to choose
General medical needs: Teladoc offers the broadest access and 24/7 availability. Amwell and Doctor on Demand are strong alternatives.
Mental health: Doctor on Demand and MDLive have strong behavioral health programs. Teladoc has the largest network of therapists and psychiatrists. For an ongoing provider relationship, Doctor on Demand or PlushCare.
Seniors: Doctor on Demand stands out for its Medicare acceptance, which is uncommon among telehealth platforms.
Budget-conscious: Teladoc and MDLive offer the best value, especially with insurance. PlushCare is the most expensive for uninsured patients.
Skin concerns: MDLive is the only platform here offering dermatology consultations.
Frequently asked questions
Can telehealth doctors prescribe medication?
Yes, most medications can be prescribed electronically. Controlled substances are subject to federal and state regulations that may limit telehealth prescribing. Each platform follows these regulations, which vary by state.
Is telehealth covered by insurance?
Most major health insurance plans now cover telehealth visits, often with lower copays than in-person visits. Verify coverage with your specific insurer before scheduling.
Are telehealth doctors real doctors?
Yes. All five platforms employ licensed, board-certified physicians, therapists, and specialists credentialed in the states where they practice. PlushCare further requires physicians to be graduates of top 50 U.S. medical schools.
What conditions cannot be treated via telehealth?
Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies (chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing), conditions requiring hands-on physical examination, or procedures requiring in-person treatment. Platforms direct patients to emergency services when appropriate.
Is my health information secure?
All legitimate telehealth platforms comply with HIPAA regulations, using encryption, secure data storage, and access controls. Review each platform’s privacy policy for specific details.
Written by the Complete Wellness Hub Editorial Team. Last updated April 2026.
