How much does a telehealth visit cost without insurance?

Telehealth visit cost without insurance

Telehealth visits cost $40 to $100 without insurance for conditions that do not need a physical exam, per CoveredUSA.^[4] Solv Health gives a similar $50 to $100.^[5] The table above lists each service’s self-pay price, from Amazon One Medical’s $29 message visit to Teladoc’s $119 mental health visit. Prices change, so confirm the price for your condition on the service’s site before you start.

What is LiveHealth Online and what does it cost?

LiveHealth Online is a video visit service offered through an arrangement with Amwell. Video visits are a covered benefit for most Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, and anyone in the 50 states can use it without insurance by paying the full visit cost by credit or debit card before the visit.^[7] Its listed prices:^[7]

• Urgent care or allergy visit: $59 or less, depending on your insurance
• Therapy: $95 per visit with a therapist, $105 with a psychologist
• Psychiatry: $190 for the first evaluation, $85 for each follow-up

Prescriptions are not included in the visit price, and LiveHealth Online does not offer emergency care.^[7]

What telehealth visits treat

• Amazon One Medical: 30 or more common adult conditions, such as cold, flu, UTI, acne and pink eye. For kids ages 2 to 11, messaging starts at $29 and video at $49.^[6]
• CVS MinuteClinic: mental health concerns, strep or sore throat, minor injuries and medication refills, among other eligible services. Paying cash means the visit is not sent to your insurer and does not count toward your deductible.^[2]
• Teladoc: 24/7 urgent care and mental health. Teladoc says primary care is not available on a self-pay basis.^[3]

Pay per visit vs membership

If you expect several visits a year, compare per-visit prices with a membership. Amazon One Medical membership costs $99 a year for Prime members, plus $66 a year for each added family member up to five, and $199 a year without Prime.^[1] Eligible Prime members using Amazon’s Health AI can also get up to five message-based treatments from a One Medical provider at no extra cost.^[6]

Telehealth vs urgent care cost

A basic in-person urgent care visit costs $150 to $280 without insurance, against $40 to $100 for telehealth.^[4] If the problem needs a test, X-ray or exam, the telehealth provider will send you in person, so you may pay for both. The urgent care cost guide lists in-person test and X-ray prices, and the doctor visit cost guide covers primary care office visits.

Is it cheaper to pay cash for a doctor visit?

Often, if you ask. Most urgent care centers give 10% to 30% off for paying at the time of service, though the discount is often not advertised.^[5] CVS MinuteClinic’s $89 cash rate means the visit is not sent to your insurer and does not count toward your deductible, so if you have a high deductible, compare the cash price with what your plan would charge.^[2]

How to pay less for telehealth

1. Pick message-based care for simple problems. Message-only visits start at $29 at Amazon One Medical, below video visit prices.^[1]
2. Check eligibility rules. CVS’s $89 cash rate is not open to Medicare or Medicaid enrollees.^[2]
3. Ask the price for your condition before you start. Amazon says its prices vary by condition and visit type.^[1]
4. Compare a membership. If you need care often, a yearly membership can cost less than paying per visit. Care Anytime’s Virtual Physician Access benefit gives members phone and video doctor visits 24/7 for non-emergency care, with all visits included in the membership.