Telemedicine: See a Doctor by Phone or Video
Need help with a non-emergency medical issue without sitting in a waiting room? Telemedicine can connect you with a licensed medical provider by phone or video for many common health concerns.
Depending on the service, virtual care may be available during evenings, weekends, or around the clock. When medically appropriate, a provider may also be able to send a prescription to your pharmacy.
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Two Ways to Get Telemedicine
Telemedicine Through Your Health Plan
Many health insurance plans include access to virtual medical visits.
Depending on the plan, a visit may have a copay, be subject to the deductible, or have another cost-sharing arrangement.
If your existing health plan already provides affordable telemedicine, you may not need separate coverage.
Standalone Telemedicine Membership
A standalone telemedicine program can provide access to virtual medical care separately from your health insurance.
Depending on the program, it may include general medical visits and discounted or separately priced access to services such as dermatology or behavioral health.
Costs, visit limits, provider availability, and services vary by program.
What a Standalone Telemedicine Program May Include
General Medical Visits
Virtual visits may be available for common, non-emergency health concerns such as respiratory symptoms, allergies, minor infections, or other routine issues.
Extended Access Hours
Some programs provide evening, weekend, holiday, or 24/7 access to virtual medical providers.
Prescription Support
When medically appropriate and legally permitted, a provider may be able to send a prescription to your pharmacy.
Dermatology
Some telemedicine programs offer virtual dermatology services for concerns such as acne, eczema, rashes, or other skin conditions.
Mental Health
Certain programs may offer access to therapists, psychiatrists, or other behavioral-health professionals for an additional or discounted fee.
Scheduled or On-Demand Visits
Depending on the program, you may be able to request the next available provider or schedule an appointment for a later time.
How Telemedicine Works
Create Your Account
Register through the telemedicine website or app and complete the basic member information required by the service.
Request a Visit
Choose the type of care you need and request the next available provider or schedule a visit, depending on the program.
Talk With the Provider
The provider reviews your symptoms, discusses treatment options, and may recommend medication or in-person care when appropriate.
What Telemedicine Can Be Useful For
Telemedicine can be convenient for many routine, non-emergency medical concerns, depending on the provider and service.
Cold, Flu & Respiratory Symptoms
Coughs, sore throats, sinus symptoms, allergies, and other routine respiratory concerns may be appropriate for a virtual visit.
Minor Infections
Some urinary symptoms, pink eye, ear complaints, and other minor conditions may be evaluated virtually when appropriate.
Skin Concerns
Rashes, acne, eczema, insect bites, and other skin concerns may be appropriate for telemedicine or virtual dermatology.
Behavioral Health
Depending on the program, virtual therapy or behavioral-health visits may be available for concerns such as stress, anxiety, grief, or depression.
Important Things to Know
It Is Not Health Insurance
A standalone telemedicine membership provides access to virtual medical services.
It does not replace comprehensive health insurance for hospital care, surgery, specialists, lab work, imaging, or other major medical expenses.
Prescriptions Aren't Guaranteed
The provider decides whether medication is medically appropriate. Prescription availability also depends on applicable laws, medical standards, and the rules of the telemedicine service.
Some Problems Need In-Person Care
A virtual provider may recommend that you visit an urgent-care center, primary-care physician, specialist, or emergency department when an in-person examination or testing is needed.
Availability Can Vary by State
Provider access, service availability, and prescription rules can vary depending on your location and the telemedicine program.
Who May Want a Standalone Telemedicine Plan?
Self-Employed Workers
Virtual visits can reduce the time spent driving to a clinic or sitting in a waiting room when the issue can be handled remotely.
People With High-Deductible Coverage
If virtual visits through your medical plan are expensive before the deductible, a separate telemedicine membership may be worth comparing.
Families
Access to virtual care can be convenient for routine illnesses that happen outside normal office hours.
People Who Travel or Work on the Road
Truckers, contractors, travel professionals, and others who spend significant time away from home may value easier access to virtual care when available in their location.
Common Questions About Telemedicine
What's the difference between telemedicine through my health plan and a standalone program?
Telemedicine through your health insurance follows that health plan's network and cost-sharing rules.
A standalone telemedicine program is separate from your health insurance and has its own monthly cost, visit fees, services, and eligibility rules.
How many virtual visits can I have?
It depends on the program.
Some plans may offer unlimited general medical visits while others may limit visits or charge separately for certain services. We'll verify the current benefits before you enroll.
How quickly can I see a doctor?
Wait times vary by service, demand, specialty, and time of day.
Some programs offer on-demand visits while others allow you to schedule an appointment.
Can a telemedicine doctor prescribe medication?
In many situations, yes, when the provider determines that a prescription is medically appropriate and permitted under applicable rules.
Some medications may not be prescribed through telemedicine, and an in-person evaluation may sometimes be required.
Is telemedicine the same as health insurance?
No. A standalone telemedicine service gives you access to virtual medical providers but does not provide comprehensive medical insurance.
Can my family use a telemedicine plan?
It depends on the program.
Some memberships include eligible household members while others charge separately or have different family pricing. We'll confirm the rules for the plan you're considering.
Can I use telemedicine while traveling?
Often, but provider availability and services can depend on where you are physically located at the time of the visit.
We'll check the geographic availability of the program you're considering.
Do I need standalone telemedicine if my health plan already includes it?
Maybe not.
We'll compare what your existing health plan includes, what you would pay per visit, and what the standalone program adds before suggesting additional coverage.
Can telemedicine replace my primary-care doctor?
Telemedicine can be convenient for many routine concerns, but it does not eliminate the need for in-person medical care.
Physical exams, testing, procedures, vaccinations, imaging, and certain ongoing conditions may still require in-person care.
Looking for Other Supplemental Benefits?
We can also help you compare dental, vision, accident, critical illness, disability, and other supplemental coverage.
See Supplemental Coverage OptionsFind the Right Telemedicine Option
We'll check what your current health plan already includes, compare available telemedicine options, and help you avoid paying for benefits you don't need.
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