Seeking medical care in the United States without health insurance can be a complicated and extremely expensive journey.
But with the increasing popularity of telemedicine, care options are becoming more accessible and more affordable — especially for people who don’t have health insurance.
Using a computer or smartphone, you can call up a doctor as needed and have your issues addressed quickly and easily via a virtual consultation.
From wellness visits to urgent care, connecting with a doctor online can help you save money.
Here are the best options for pursuing telemedicine without insurance coverage. Plus, how much it costs to use each one. Telehealth visits may even be free with insurance.
When Insurance Falls Short…
Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover everything. These resources can help you manage those unexpected expenses.
How Much Is Telemedicine Without Insurance?
Just like in-person care, the cost of telemedicine without insurance varies. Health care providers each have their own pricing tiers and options. How much you pay depends on the type of care provider you see and the length of the visit.
The average cost for basic or urgent care is $68 per visit among the eight telehealth providers we picked. You can see a doctor virtually with our top pick, GoodRx Care, for $49.
Some providers, such as GoodRx Care, also offer subscriptions to help you save on ongoing care.
Plus, studies show that virtual visits don’t just cost less. Telemedicine services can dramatically reduce health care’s carbon footprint, cut transportation costs, lower fatalities and save time and money for patients and health care providers alike.
What You’ll Pay for Care at These 8 Providers
| Company | Cost | Services | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodRx Care | $19-$49 | General care | LEARN MORE |
| MDLive | $0-$299 | Urgent care, general, mental health, dermatology | LEARN MORE |
| Teladoc | $89-$119 | General care, mental health, dermatology | LEARN MORE |
| Doctor On Demand | $99-$299 | General, mental health, preventative, chronic care | LEARN MORE |
| Amwell | $79 | General, mental health, pediatrics, women’s health | LEARN MORE |
| Sesame | $37–$70 | General, mental, dental, skincare, sexual health | LEARN MORE |
| PlushCare | $129 | General, urgent care, mental health, sexual health | LEARN MORE |
| HealthTap | $44-$129 | Primary and urgent care, sexual health, pediatrics | LEARN MORE |
8 Affordable Options for Telemedicine Without Insurance
Key Features
- General medical care
- Flexible family plan
- Cheaper prices with membership
Cost
$49 per visit
without membership
$19 per visit
with Gold membership
$9.99/mo
Gold membership for individuals or $19.99/mo for families
GoodRx can do more than help you save money on prescriptions. Since launching in 2019, GoodRx Care has offered affordable telehealth care without insurance.
From general questions to quick refills, GoodRx Care offers appointments for preventative care, sexual wellness, lab tests and aspects of chronic disease management.
With GoodRx Care, you can see a health care provider for only $49 per visit. No insurance required. You may save even more with a Gold Membership. That brings the cost down to only $19 per visit and offers access to over 1,000 prescriptions for less than $10.
Gold memberships cost $9.99 a month for an individual or $19.99 a month for a family. You can have up to five people on your family plan and you can include kids, grandparents, even pets.
MDLive
Key Features
- Care within 15 minutes 24/7/365
- Treatment for 80-plus conditions
- Upfront pricing
Cost
$89 per visit
Urgent/General Care
$179 per visit
Mental Health Therapy
$299 per visit
Mental Health Psychiatry
$95 per visit
Dermatology
Many insurance companies offer options for telehealth without insurance in their plans, and MDLive is one company that is frequently included. MDLive also serves those with insurance.
After a simple sign-up process, you can access providers working in urgent care, general care, mental health and dermatology right from home.
Pricing for MDLive varies depending on the type of care. But all costs are shown upfront before you begin your sessions, so there are no surprises. You’ll pay anywhere from $89 to $299 for an initial visit.
An MDLive provider — who has an average of 10 years experience — can help with allergies, birth control, cold and flu symptoms, coughing, addiction, anxiety, depression, acne, alopecia, cysts and more.
Teladoc
Key Features
- Providers available 24/7/365
- No time limit on appointments
- Access to specialists
Cost
$89 per visit
General Medical
Up to $119 per visit
Therapy
$89
Nutrition or dermatology
When you need telemedicine without insurance, one option to call is Teladoc.
Patients can book appointments for general and urgent care, as well as to see mental health professionals, primary care doctors and specialists. For those without insurance, Teladoc also provides access to dermatologists, nutritionists, mental health and back and joint care providers.
To begin with Teladoc, all you need to do is set up your account and provide your information. Based on what you share, Teladoc will let you know which services you can utilize — even if you don’t have health insurance — and send prescriptions to your local pharmacy if needed.
We Dare You to Take Control of Your Debt
Up for a debt challenge?
In 10 days, these 10 practical steps could help you get back on the right financial track.
Doctor On Demand
Key Features
- Diverse team of providers
- Treats 90% of common ER complaints
- 24/7 access to mental health care
Cost
$99 per 15-minute visit
Certified Clinician
$134-$184 per visit
Psychologist
$299 initial, $129 follow up
Psychiatrist
Back in the day, a doctor who was on demand provided house calls with a black bag in tow. Now with Doctor on Demand, you can summon a medical professional to your home for a virtual visit.
From everyday care to skin conditions and mental health services, Doctor on Demand provides an array of medical experts available around the clock — including therapists and psychiatrists.
The 24/7 service means that whenever you need to speak to a medical provider, you are only a few clicks away from personalized care. It’s a great way to access telemedicine without insurance.
Providers can help with most ER complaints along with allergies, mental health, acne, UTIs, colds, flus, medication refills, rashes, sinus infections and IBS. Preventive health is also available, including diet and nutrition guidance and medication management.
Amwell
Key Features
- Women’s health
- Breastfeeding support
- 24/7 access
Cost
$79 per visit
Urgent Care
Using the Amwell app, you can see care providers — including mental health professionals — 24/7 to easily address your concerns without needing to leave home. Patients can also use Amwell by calling in from a mobile device or landline.
Once you create an account with Amwell, you can provide any relevant medical information and instantly begin speaking with online doctors.
The mobile app provides access to video call sessions. You can also have a voice-only medical consultation over the phone.
Amwell’s services include urgent care visits, mental health services, nutritional counseling, pediatrics, women’s health and more.
Sesame
Key Features
- Membership to save more
- More than 80 specialties
- Access to dental care
Cost
$37 per visit
General Medical
$37+ prescription refills (varies by provider)
Pharmacy
Sesame has a unique approach that combines a telemedicine appointment with options for in-person visits.
Skip the waiting room with same-day appointments online, affordable care options for common medical services available locally and heavily discounted prescription refills. For instance, if you’re seeking urinary tract infection treatment, Sesame might follow up a telehealth visit with a referral for affordable lab work near your own home and a prescription for antibiotics.
Many are surprised to find that Sesame’s on-demand health care is cheaper to treat general health issues than their health plan co-pay, with virtual visits starting as low as $37 for Sesame Plus members.
Sesame providers can help with mental health, dental evaluations, skincare, sexual health, diabetes care and men’s health, too.
PlushCare
Key Features
- Same-day appointments
- Board-certified providers
- Discount for veterans
Cost
$129 for first visit
General Medical
$99 for follow-up visits
General Medical
$129 online therapy
Psychologist
PlushCare might seem a little steep compared to others. But they specialize in same-day appointments for both mental and sexual health. It offers appointments for general and urgent care, therapy and weight loss, too.
Whether you’re looking for birth control prescriptions, erectile dysfunction treatment or help with a mental health crisis, the availability of PlushCare’s highly qualified and experienced doctors will be appreciated.
Just one catch: Only members get that level of service. You can use it without a membership but access is limited and you’ll have to call to make an appointment. Membership costs $19.99 a month or $99 a year, whether you have insurance or not.
HealthTap
Key Features
- Appointments with same provider
- Anonymous Q&A
- 24/7 care team chat
Cost
$44 members
General Medical
$129 non-members
General Medical
Ever wish you had primary physicians on speed dial instead of waiting around a day or two for the doctor’s office to call you back? HealthTap puts 90,000 licensed physicians at your fingertips for video chats or text messages. They can order labs and treat a wide array of general health issues — including managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes — in both primary and urgent care.
While accounts are technically free, membership benefits start at $55 for three months or an annual charge of $180, a value of $18.33 and $15 a month respectively. This can really pay off with discounts on a telehealth appointment that cut costs 50% or more. Free accounts still get access to an automated symptom checker and doctors respond within 24 hours to anonymous medical questions submitted by computer.
Other Ways to Get Mental Health Care Without Telemedicine
Prevention techniques and affordable, ongoing mental health care are vital. But if you’re in crisis, you shouldn’t wait for a telemedicine appointment.
Visit SAMHSA’s mental health hotline for online treatment options available immediately, or call 1-800-662-4357 for help. You can also dial 988 for the national suicide and crisis lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7.
Need a Hand With Bills?
Listen, we know it’s tough out there. But there’s no shame in asking for help.
These companies make it easy to help yourself and your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Cheapest Telemedicine Without Insurance?
GoodRx Care provides care for $49, one of the lowest-priced options for anyone who doesn’t have insurance. GoodRx Care offers a membership for even more savings, including $19 visits and more than 1,000 medications under $10.
Is There a Free Telehealth App?
No, every telemedicine app charges you to see a provider. You can also look for a sliding-scale clinic in your area. Virtual visits may not be an option but what you pay is based on your income.
Are There Free Options for Mental Health Services?
Most telehealth without insurance requires a small fee and disclosure of medical history to access ongoing mental health treatment. Anonymous online treatment options are available for those in crisis who need immediate care. Contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), visit the online treatment locator or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
Do You Have to Pay for Virtual Visits with a Doctor?
Yes, just like seeing a doctor in-person, there will be a charge to see a doctor virtually. However, telemedicine appointments can be cheaper and there are lots of options, even if you don’t have insurance. Our top pick is GoodRx Care.
Can Telehealth Doctors Prescribe Antibiotics?
In many cases, yes, telemedicine doctors are able to send prescriptions to your local pharmacy for pickup. Depending on what you need, these medications may include antibiotics or something more routine, like blood pressure medication or birth control.
Kaz Weida is a former senior staff writer at The SS covering saving money and budgeting. As a journalist, she has written about a wide array of topics including finance, health, politics, education and technology for the last decade.
Michael Archambault is a former senior writer for The SS specializing in technology.
Freelancer William Fewox contributed to this report.