MDLIVE

As of September 2026, my short list for a U.S. consumer is:

Best telehealth services people actually use in the U.S.

If I had to choose quickly

• Have insurance or employer benefits? Start with your insurer’s app/portal first; you may already have Teladoc, MDLIVE, Amwell, Doctor On Demand/Included Health, CVS Virtual Care, or a plan-branded option at a low or $0 copay.
• No insurance or high deductible? Try Sesame, Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit, GoodRx Care, or CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care because pricing is relatively transparent.
• Want ongoing primary care? Consider Amazon One Medical, PlushCare, or a virtual primary-care option inside your insurance plan.
• Want therapy/psychiatry? Check Talkspace, Teladoc/BetterHelp, Amwell, MDLIVE, or your insurer’s behavioral-health network; Talkspace is particularly worth checking if you want insurance-covered online therapy. (talkspace.com)
• Want a prescription for a simple issue like UTI, sinus infection, pink eye, cold/flu, rash, or refill? Teladoc, MDLIVE, Amwell, CVS MinuteClinic, Sesame, Amazon One Medical, GoodRx Care, and PlushCare are all realistic options.

My top 5 “safe bets” for most U.S. adults

1. Teladoc — most broadly useful if covered.
2. MDLIVE — especially strong if you have Cigna or an employer plan that includes it.
3. Sesame — best no-insurance value.
4. Amazon One Medical — best if you want virtual + in-person primary care and already use Prime.
5. CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care — best retail-clinic backup with straightforward cash pricing.

Important caveats

Telehealth is best for non-emergency issues, routine follow-ups, mental health, medication refills, and many common infections; it is not appropriate for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, major injuries, suicidal crisis, or anything that needs an exam, imaging, labs, or emergency care. HHS describes direct-to-consumer telehealth as a quick way to access urgent care and mental health support, but it may still direct you to in-person care when needed. (telehealth.hhs.gov)

Also, rules around controlled substances are in flux: HHS/DEA extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through December 31, 2026, but prescriptions still must comply with federal and state law, and many telehealth companies choose not to prescribe certain controlled medications online. (hhs.gov)

Based on current data, here's a breakdown of the top telehealth services Americans actually use, organized by what you need:

General Medical Care / Urgent Care

Teladoc Health is consistently ranked as the top overall pick. Teladoc is the largest telehealth provider in the US and accepts more insurance plans than any competitor, with over 200 commercial plans covering visits at copays typically ranging from $0 to $75. Without insurance, a general medical visit runs about $89, and the platform covers general medicine, dermatology, mental health, nutrition, and chronic condition management, with wait times usually under 10 minutes for urgent care.

Amazon One Medical is the go-to if you want an ongoing doctor relationship rather than one-off urgent care. If Amazon One Medical is available and you want ongoing primary care relationships rather than on-demand urgent care, it is the stronger long-term primary care option.

Amwell and PlushCare are also widely used, especially for insurance-based visits — commonly recommended alongside Teladoc and MDLIVE for people checking insurance coverage first.

Mental Health / Therapy

• BetterHelp – the largest online therapy platform, though it does not prescribe medications, making it best for straightforward talk therapy.
• Talkspace – the best insurance-covered option for therapy, useful if you want your plan to help cover costs.
• Talkiatry and Cerebral – go-to options if you need psychiatric medication management, not just talk therapy. For mental health specifically involving medication, Cerebral and Talkiatry lead.

Men's & Women's Health / Weight Loss

• Hims & Hers and Ro – serve men's health, women's health, and weight management with more clinical depth than any general platform.
• Maven Clinic – best for family planning, guiding people through fertility, pregnancy, and parenting.
• For GLP-1 weight loss drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy), it's worth being cautious: the 2025–2026 surge in GLP-1 telehealth prescribers has produced a wildly variable market, so choose a platform that includes regular follow-up visits, lab monitoring, and provider oversight rather than one that just issues a prescription.

Bottom Line Recommendations

1. Have insurance & want an all-purpose service? → Teladoc (widest coverage, most services in one app)
2. Want a long-term primary care doctor? → Amazon One Medical
3. Need therapy on a budget? → BetterHelp
4. Need therapy covered by insurance? → Talkspace
5. Need psychiatric meds? → Talkiatry or Cerebral
6. Men's/women's health or weight loss? → Ro or Hims & Hers

One important note: the telehealth field shifted significantly in 2025 and 2026 — several well-known platforms got acquired, merged, or went through bankruptcy, so the list of who is still operating as a standalone consumer platform is shorter than it was two years ago. It's worth double-checking that whichever service you pick is still actively operating and accepting your insurance before signing up.

The telehealth landscape in the United States is mature, highly regulated, and deeply integrated into the healthcare system. There is no single "best" telehealth provider because the right platform depends heavily on what you need treated and whether you have health insurance.

The top, most trusted telehealth services that Americans actually use are categorized below by their strengths to help you find the best fit.

1. Best for Cash-Pay & Uninsured: Sesame Care

If you do not have health insurance, or if you have a high-deductible plan, Sesame is widely considered the best out-of-pocket option.

• How it works: It operates like an open marketplace. Doctors, specialists, and nurse practitioners list their own prices for virtual (and sometimes in-person) appointments, allowing you to compare prices and book directly.
• The Costco Connection: If you are a Costco member, Sesame is incredibly valuable. Costco partners with Sesame to offer members virtual primary care visits for just $29 and virtual therapy for $79. They also offer an exclusive fertility care partnership to help members save up to 80% on fertility medications.
• Best for: Transparent, upfront pricing; quick one-off prescriptions; and budget-friendly specialist care.

2. Best for Insurance Coverage & 24/7 Urgent Care: Teladoc or Doctor on Demand

These are the legacy heavyweights of U.S. telehealth. If you want to use your employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, these should be your first stops.

• Teladoc: The largest telehealth provider in the U.S.. It is accepted by almost every major insurance carrier. You can open the app and be connected to a board-certified physician for urgent care (like flu, sinus infections, or rashes) in minutes, 24/7.
• Doctor on Demand (by Included Health): If you want virtual primary care that feels like a traditional doctor’s office, this is the most polished platform. Unlike other platforms that assign you a random on-call doctor, Doctor on Demand allows you to browse provider profiles and book ongoing appointments with the same doctor to build a relationship.
• Best for: Traditional urgent care, routine physicals, and using your standard insurance copay.

3. Best for Lifestyle & Specialty Care: Hims & Hers or Ro

For specialized, everyday treatments—such as hair loss, sexual health (ED/birth control), skincare, and weight management—the direct-to-consumer (DTC) giants are incredibly popular.

• Hims & Hers: A household brand known for its seamless, discreet, and highly tailored approach to clinical care. They offer subscriptions that bundle virtual provider consultations with home-delivered medications.
• Ro (formerly Roman): A direct competitor to Hims, Ro is highly rated for its specialized care pathways. Both Hims and Ro have become primary destinations for Americans seeking medically supervised weight loss programs (such as compounded GLP-1s or brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy).
• Best for: Hair regrowth, erectile dysfunction, acne/anti-aging, anxiety, and weight-loss management without the need for an in-person pharmacy run.

4. Best for Mental Health & Therapy: Talkspace or BetterHelp

Online therapy has become the preferred way for millions of Americans to see a therapist, bypassing long local waiting lists.

• Talkspace: If you want your health insurance to cover therapy, Talkspace is the top choice. It partners with major insurers (like Cigna, Aetna, and Optum) to make therapy cost the same as an in-person copay. They offer text, audio, and video therapy.
• BetterHelp: If you are paying out-of-pocket, BetterHelp is the largest and most flexible network. It charges a flat weekly subscription (billed monthly) for unlimited messaging and weekly live video sessions.
• Brightside Health: If you need medication management specifically for clinical depression or anxiety, Brightside uses targeted clinical tools to match you with psychiatric providers who can prescribe and manage your medication safely.

5. Best for Fast, Cheap Prescriptions: GoodRx Care

If you know exactly what is wrong (e.g., you have a UTI, need a birth control refill, or need a short-term refill of a routine blood pressure medication) and just need a doctor to send a script to your local pharmacy, GoodRx Care is the fastest option.

• How it works: Visits start around $19. You fill out an online medical questionnaire, a US-licensed provider reviews it (often without needing a live video call), and sends the prescription to your local pharmacy within hours.
• Best for: Simple, minor medical issues where you want to bypass the waiting room and get your medication immediately.

Important Things to Know Before Booking:

1. Check your insurance portal first: Before paying out-of-pocket, log into your health insurance account (Aetna, Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, etc.). Most insurance companies have a preferred partner (usually Teladoc or MDLIVE) where your telehealth visits may be 100% free.
2. Controlled Substance Restrictions: Due to federal regulations (such as the Ryan Haight Act and updated DEA/Medicare rules), virtual-only platforms are heavily restricted from prescribing Schedule II controlled substances—including ADHD stimulants like Adderall or anxiety medications like Xanax—without an established in-person relationship. Be skeptical of any platform claiming otherwise.
3. Emergency Care: Telehealth is designed for non-emergency issues. If you are experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or any other medical emergency, bypass these apps and call 911 or visit the nearest ER.

For most people in the United States, the strongest all-around telehealth brands are Teladoc Health, Amwell, MDLIVE, and Doctor On Demand; for more specialized needs, Sesame, Nurx, Ro, Hims, Wisp, Curology, Maven Clinic, and Talkiatry are the names that show up most often in recent rankings and roundups.

If you want the best telehealth services people actually use, I’d shortlist them like this:

• Teladoc Health — best overall for broad coverage, insurance acceptance, and all-in-one care; multiple recent sources describe it as the largest or most comprehensive U.S. telehealth platform with 24/7 access and wide state coverage.
• Amwell — strong general-purpose option, often ranked highly for primary care and mental health, and frequently listed among top telehealth platforms.
• MDLIVE — commonly recommended for general care and behavioral health, and cited as a top option for treatment variety.
• Doctor On Demand — popular for online primary care and psychiatry, and often highlighted for employer-sponsored access.
• Sesame — best if you want cash-pay or lower-cost on-demand visits, and it repeatedly appears in “best overall” and urgent-care comparisons.
• Ro — one of the better-known consumer telehealth brands for weight loss and related ongoing treatment programs.
• Nurx — a common choice for birth control and other women’s health prescriptions.
• Hims — widely used for men’s health and sexual health care.
• Wisp — commonly used for women’s sexual health.
• Curology — a recognized option for dermatology/acne treatment.
• Maven Clinic — well known for fertility and pregnancy-related virtual care.
• Talkiatry — a notable option for psychiatry.

A practical way to choose:

If you want, I can also give you a ranked top 10 based on your exact use case: insurance-covered care, cheapest cash pay, urgent care, mental health, or specialty care.

If you’re in the U.S. and looking for telehealth, the “best” option depends on whether you need everyday urgent care, ongoing primary care, mental health support, or prescription-based services. These are the brands people actually use most, based on scale, reputation, and real-world reviews:

1. Teladoc – Best overall / most widely used

• The biggest telehealth provider in the U.S., often included in employer health plans and health insurance.
• Covers general medicine, dermatology, mental health, sexual health, and specialists like cardiology.
• Wait times are usually minutes, and visits average around $0–$89 depending on insurance.
• Good if you want a one-stop shop and broad coverage.

2. MDLIVE – Best for insurance users and after-hours care

• Another major telehealth network accepted by many major insurers, including Cigna, Humana, and some BlueCross plans.
• Strong for urgent care, pediatrics, dermatology, and behavioral health.
• Very reliable for getting a board-certified physician quickly, often within 15 minutes.

3. Amwell – Best for strong integration with hospital systems

• Backed by many large U.S. health systems, so you may already have access through your local provider.
• Offers urgent care, therapy/psychiatry, nutrition, and lactation consulting.
• Great if you want continuity with your existing health system’s doctors.

4. PlushCare – Best for ongoing primary care and prescriptions

• Focuses on “virtual primary care” with real doctors who can manage chronic conditions, order labs, and write refills.
• Accepts many insurance plans and also offers same-day appointments.
• Popular with people who want a dedicated physician rather than a random on-call doctor.
• Often used for weight loss, thyroid management, and ADHD treatment (with caveats).

5. GoodRx Care – Best for affordable self-pay visits

• GoodRx, known for prescription discounts, also runs a telehealth service.
• Cheap cash-pay visits (often $49 or less) without insurance.
• Good for sinus infections, UTIs, cold/flu, allergies, birth control, and skin issues.
• You get a treatment plan and prescription sent to a pharmacy easily.

6. Hims / Hers / Ro – Best for lifestyle and prescription-based care

• These direct-to-consumer brands are hugely popular for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, acne, cold sores, weight loss, and mental health.
• Subscription-based; no insurance required.
• Convenient if you want a discreet online consult with a provider who prescribes medications shipped to your door.

7. BetterHelp / Talkspace – Best for mental health / therapy

• For talk therapy specifically, these are the most-used online platforms in the U.S.
• BetterHelp: Unlimited messaging plus weekly video/live sessions.
• Talkspace: Often covered by employer EAPs and some insurance plans; also provides psychiatry.
• Note: They’re not for emergencies. For crisis support, call or text 988.

8. Amazon Clinic / Amazon One Medical – Best for convenience and integrated pharmacy

• Amazon Clinic allows quick episodic visits by text, video, or phone, often for under $50.
• Amazon One Medical (if available in your area) gives you subscription-based primary care with same-day/next-day virtual visits and in-person clinic access.
• Very strong if you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem and want prescriptions filled quickly.

9. CVS MinuteClinic / Walgreens Healthcare Clinic – Best if you want a bridge between virtual and in-person

• Many CVS and Walgreens locations now offer virtual visits through their clinic platforms.
• Good for common illnesses, minor injuries, and screenings, with the option to walk into a physical pharmacy/clinic if needed.

Quick recommendation:

• If your insurance covers it, Teladoc or MDLIVE is the easiest, most dependable choice.
• If you need primary care that continues over time, use PlushCare or Amazon One Medical.
• If you’re paying out of pocket, GoodRx Care or Amazon Clinic gives you full transparency and low flat fees.
• For mental health only, BetterHelp is the most common; Talkspace is also great if insurance is available.

Just make sure to check coverage before you book, because in-network vs. out-of-network pricing can change everything.

Top telehealth services in the US that people actually use include Teladoc Health, Amwell, Sesame Care, PlushCare, MDLIVE, and specialized options like Ro or Hims for targeted needs.

These stand out based on market presence (e.g., massive user bases and memberships), insurance integration, consumer reviews/ratings, app usage data, and mentions across 2026 reviews from sites like Forbes Health, U.S. News, and others. Telehealth utilization has stabilized post-pandemic, with mental health driving a large share of claims, followed by urgent/primary care.

Top General/Overall Recommendations

• Teladoc Health — Often cited as the largest and most established platform, with over 100 million members and broad coverage for urgent care, primary care, mental health, dermatology, and more across all 50 states. Many employer or insurance plans cover it at $0–$50 copay (cash pay around $75–$99 per visit). Strong for 24/7 access and reliability.
• Amwell — A close competitor with high user ratings (often 4.9/5 on apps), enterprise/insurance partnerships, and services for urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and specialties. Similar pricing to Teladoc; good for polished app experience and hospital-system integrations.
• Sesame Care — Frequently tops consumer review lists (e.g., best overall in some 2026 roundups) for affordable cash-pay visits (starting ~$29–$55), transparent pricing, and a marketplace model where you choose doctors. Ideal if you lack insurance or want flexibility; offers primary/urgent care and some psychiatry.

Best for Primary/Ongoing Care or Membership Models

• PlushCare — Popular for longitudinal primary care with in-network acceptance from major insurers (UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, etc.). Low monthly membership (~$17–$20) plus visit copays; strong for ongoing relationships rather than one-off visits.

Other Notable Options

• MDLIVE — Good for urgent care and behavioral health with relatively fast availability.
• Specialized platforms (e.g., Ro, Hims, or GoodRx Care/Lemonaid) — These see heavy real-world use for specific issues like weight management (GLP-1 meds), sexual health, hair loss, or simple refills/prescriptions at lower cash prices (~$19–$60). Ro and similar options often rank well for customer satisfaction in weight-loss telehealth.
• Mental health-focused — Talkspace, BetterHelp, or Brightside (or integrated options via Teladoc/Amwell) for therapy/psychiatry. Mental health accounts for over half of telehealth claims in recent data.

Key Tips for US Users

Many people access these through insurance or employer benefits (often low/no cost), while cash-pay users favor Sesame or subscription models for affordability. Always verify coverage, state licensing (most operate nationwide but providers must be licensed in your state), and wait times. Convenience is the top reason for use, though connectivity or service limitations can be barriers.

Check recent app store ratings, your specific insurance portal, or sites like GoodRx for deals. Prices and availability can change, so confirm directly on the platform. For complex or ongoing needs, these often supplement (rather than replace) in-person care. If you have insurance, start there—it frequently unlocks the best deals on the big platforms.

The strongest all‑around telehealth options in the U.S. are Sesame Care, Teladoc, PlushCare, MDLIVE, Amwell, and Amazon One Medical, with specialized standouts like Talkiatry and LifeMD for mental health and weight management.

Below is a structured, evidence‑based guide to the top platforms people actually use, based on cost, insurance acceptance, specialties, and real‑world availability.

🏆 Best Overall: Sesame Care

Why it stands out: Affordable, wide specialty range, same‑day visits Price: Starts at $37 Healthline Insurance: Does not accept insurance Healthline Strengths:

Urgent care, mental health, dermatology, sexual health, pediatrics, chronic care 1 Often cheaper than insurance copays 1 Same‑day appointments and referrals in many states 1 Best for: People wanting low-cost, fast access without dealing with insurance.

💳 Best for Insurance Coverage: Teladoc

Price: As low as $0 with insurance, or $89 without Healthline Insurance: Accepts most major insurers Healthline+1 Strengths:

One of the first and largest telehealth networks in the U.S. 1 Primary care, dermatology, mental health, pediatrics 1 AI-powered triage and chronic care support 1 Best for: People who want broad coverage and minimal out-of-pocket costs.

👨‍⚕️ Best for Primary Care: PlushCare

Price: $19.99/mo + copay, or $129 without insurance Healthline Insurance: Accepts many major plans Healthline Strengths:

Full-spectrum primary care, mental health, urgent care 1 Same-day appointments Prescription refills (excluding controlled substances) 1 Best for: Ongoing primary care with insurance integration.

🧠 Best for Mental Health: Amwell & Talkiatry

Amwell

Therapy from $109, psychiatry higher 1 CBT, couples therapy, psychiatry, women’s health 1 Accepts many insurers Talkiatry (from 1 and 1 ) In-network psychiatry with board-certified psychiatrists 1 Strong for medication management Best for: People needing structured therapy or psychiatric care.

🩺 Most Treatment Variety: MDLIVE

Price: Urgent care $89, dermatology $95, therapy $179 Healthline Insurance: Accepted by many plans Healthline Strengths:

Urgent care, dermatology, therapy, psychiatry 1 AI symptom assessment tools 1 Best for: Users wanting a single platform for many specialties.

⚖️ Best for Weight Management: LifeMD

Price: $39 first month, then $149/mo (medications extra) Healthline Strengths:

GLP‑1 prescriptions (Ozempic, Wegovy) 1 Nutrition guidance + long-term support Best for: Medically supervised weight loss.

🤖 Best Tech-Forward Experience: Amazon One Medical & K Health

From MDTalks: Amazon One Medical

$9/mo membership + copays AI documentation + same-day appointments K Health $49/visit or $49/mo AI-first symptom assessment Best for: Users who want fast, AI-enhanced primary care.

Comparison Table (Top Platforms)

Platform | Best For | Price (No Insurance) | Insurance Accepted | Key Strengths Sesame Care | Overall value | From $37 1 | No | Wide specialties, low cost Teladoc | Insurance users | $0–$89 1 | Yes | Broadest network, strong coverage PlushCare | Primary care | $129 1 | Yes | Same-day visits, full primary care MDLIVE | Variety | $89–$299 1 | Yes | Urgent care + mental health Amwell | Mental health | $69–$109+ 1 | Yes | Therapy + psychiatry LifeMD | Weight loss | $39–$149/mo 1 | Some | GLP‑1 programs Amazon One Medical | Tech-forward care | $9/mo 1 | Select | AI-enhanced primary care K Health | Fast, AI-first | $49 1 | Limited | Very fast, low cost

How to Choose the Right Telehealth Service

Based on Healthline and MDTalks:

Urgent care: Teladoc, Amwell, MDLIVE Primary care: Amazon One Medical, PlushCare Mental health: Talkiatry, Amwell, MDLIVE Weight management: LifeMD Low-cost visits: Sesame Care AI-enhanced experience: Amazon One Medical, K Health

If you want, I can help you choose the best platform based on your insurance, budget, and health needs.

The best and most widely used telehealth services in the United States span major multi-condition virtual care networks like Teladoc Health, Amwell, and Sesame Care, alongside specialized providers for mental health, chronic disease, and prescription access.

The market divides into comprehensive generalist platforms (best for urgent care, primary care, and insurance alignment) and specialized direct-to-consumer networks.

General Urgent Care & Primary Care Telehealth

Teladoc Health: Best For: Broad insurance acceptance, employer-sponsored benefits, and 24/7 on-demand urgent care. Key Features: Offers nationwide coverage across all 50 states, virtual primary care via Primary360, mental health care, and dermatology. Amwell: Best For: Integrated healthcare systems, hospital network partnerships, and robust specialist care. Key Features: One of the oldest telehealth providers in the U.S., heavily integrated into major health plans with strong behavioral health and urgent care options. Sesame Care: Best For: Out-of-pocket, uninsured, or transparent flat-rate cash care. Key Features: Connects patients to local or virtual clinicians with clear up-front pricing, same-day appointment booking, and optional membership discounts. MDLIVE: Best For: Full virtual clinic experience, including dermatology, pediatric urgent care, and psychiatry. Key Features: Frequently covered by major health insurers with low copays and rapid 5–to-10-minute average wait times.

Specialized Mental Health & Therapy Telehealth

BetterHelp: Best For: Continuous text-based and scheduled video therapy. Key Features: The largest network of licensed online therapists, utilizing a flat-rate subscription model that includes messaging options alongside live sessions. Talkspace: Best For: Combining ongoing psychiatric medication management with therapy under major health insurance plans. Key Features: Offers structured messaging and live interactive video sessions with a high density of credentialed clinical specialists.

Lifestyle, Prescription, & Specialty Telehealth

Hims & Hers: Best For: Men's and women's wellness, dermatological care, hair loss, sexual health, and weight management prescriptions. Key Features: Asynchronous consultations combined with discreet direct-to-door subscription pharmacy delivery. Ro: Best For: Medically supervised weight loss (Ro Body), metabolic health tracking, and foundational prescription access. Key Features: Integrates lab testing, insurance concierge services for GLP-1 approvals, and ongoing provider coaching.

If you'd like to narrow down the best service for your specific situation, tell me:

Are you looking to use health insurance or pay out-of-pocket? Is the visit for urgent care, mental health, or a specific prescription/condition?