Numan

Shortlist: best telehealth options people actually use in the UK

My practical ranking, if you’re in the UK:

My top picks by situation

• Best free first step: NHS App + your GP practice’s online system.
• Best standalone private GP app: Kry / Livi.
• Best if your GP practice offers it: Push Doctor or Kry/Livi via NHS partnership.
• Best if you have private medical insurance: AXA Doctor at Hand / Doctor Care Anywhere, Bupa Digital GP, Aviva Digital GP, or Vitality GP — use whichever is included in your policy.
• Best for routine prescriptions and common conditions: Boots Online Doctor, Superdrug/Zava, or Pharmacy2U.
• Best for urgent but non-emergency advice: NHS 111 online in England, or the relevant 111/NHS 24 service in your nation. NHS 111 online is for symptom assessment and advice, not emergencies. (nhs.uk) |

Important UK caveats

For chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, suspected stroke, seizure, heavy bleeding or other emergencies, use 999/A&E, not a telehealth app. For private services, check that the provider is regulated appropriately — the CQC advises checking online healthcare services carefully, especially where prescriptions are involved. (bupa.co.uk)

Also note: private telehealth appointments often issue private prescriptions and private referrals, not NHS ones. If you want care fully integrated with your NHS record and referral route, your registered NHS GP practice remains the safest route.

Here's a breakdown of the telehealth services UK residents most commonly actually use, grouped by how you'd typically access them:

1. Free, NHS-backed options (start here first)

• NHS App – lets you book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP record, and access 111 online triage. It's the default "telehealth" tool for most people in England.
• NHS 111 online – for urgent (non-emergency) advice and triage.

2. Private medical insurance "virtual GP" add-ons

If you have private health insurance through work or personally, you likely already have access to one of these, and they're among the most-used telehealth services in the country:

• Bupa – offers 24/7 access, video consultations, a prescription service, and open referrals, with strong integration with Bupa's health network.
• AXA Health – provides 24/7 access, choice of GP, secure storage of consultation notes, and international access for travellers.
• Aviva – Aviva Digital GP (powered by Square Health) offers 24/7 access, up to 5 appointments per member per year, a prescription service, with family members often included.

If you're insured, check your policy app first — it's usually the cheapest route to a virtual GP.

3. Pay-as-you-go private online GP (no insurance needed)

These are the brands people turn to for quick, same-day consultations without going through insurance:

• DocTap – London-based clinics plus online, with online appointments from £55, follow-ups from £35.
• MedicSpot – a widely recognised brand that operates from within pharmacy consulting rooms, allowing instant and on-demand GP consultations using diagnostic devices and secure video calling to connect patients with a UK-based doctor.
• London Doctors Clinic and tapGP – both typically offer same-day appointments if booked early enough.
• Higher-end Harley Street-adjacent services exist too, offering phone, video, and in-person appointments with prescriptions and referral letters included in the fee — useful if you want fast escalation to in-person care when needed, since rapid escalation to in-person appointments when remote assessment is insufficient matters, as online-only services without this fallback create clinical risk.

4. Online pharmacy & prescription-led services

Very popular for repeat medication, weight management, and common conditions without needing a full GP visit:

• LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor / Boots Online Doctor – household names on the high street with an online prescribing arm.

In the UK, the telehealth landscape is divided into two main categories: free, NHS-integrated services (which are now standard across most of the country) and private, pay-as-you-go or insurance-backed online GP services.

Finding a same-day GP appointment at your local surgery can often feel like a challenge. The top telehealth services and digital GP brands that people in the UK actually use are broken down below to help you access care quickly.

1. The NHS Route (100% Free)

If you want to stick with the NHS, telehealth is now deeply integrated into standard general practice.

• The NHS App (using eConsult or PATCHS):

  • How it works: Your first port of call should always be the official NHS App. GP surgeries in England are required to keep their online consultation tools open from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Depending on your surgery, when you click "Ask your GP for advice" in the NHS App, you will be directed to form-based systems like eConsult or PATCHS. You fill out your symptoms, and a GP from your actual surgery will text, call, or email you with advice or a prescription, usually within 24–48 hours.
  • Cost: Free.

• Livi (NHS-Partnered):

  • How it works: Livi is one of the most popular digital GP apps in the UK. It partners directly with thousands of NHS GP surgeries across the country. If your local surgery is partnered with Livi, you can book a free video appointment with a GMC-registered GP through the Livi app. They can write prescriptions (which go to your local pharmacy) and write NHS referral letters.
  • Cost: Free if your local GP practice partners with them. (If they don't, you can still use Livi as a private, pay-as-you-go service for around £40–£50).

• Push Doctor (NHS-Partnered):

  • How it works: Similar to Livi, Push Doctor partners with NHS practices to offer free video consultations. If you are registered with a participating surgery, you can book an appointment online and see a doctor via your phone or tablet.
  • Cost: Free via NHS partnership, or around £45 for private, self-pay consultations.

2. Private & Insurance-Backed GP Services (For Instant/Same-Day Video Calls)

If you cannot wait for an NHS appointment or prefer the convenience of choosing your own appointment time, these private telehealth services are the market leaders.

• Doctor Care Anywhere (Best Overall Private Option):

  • How it works: This is one of the largest and most widely used private telehealth providers in the UK. They offer 24/7 video or phone consultations with UK-based, GMC-registered GPs. They are highly efficient at issuing private prescriptions, fit notes (sick notes), and specialist referral letters.
  • How to get it: It is the standard virtual GP provider included for free with many corporate health policies and private medical insurance plans (such as AXA Health’s Doctor at Hand or through Ramsay Health Care).
  • Self-Pay Cost: If you don't have insurance, appointments can be booked on a pay-as-you-go basis (typically starting around £39.50 to £49).

• Bupa Blua Health:

  • How it works: If you have Bupa private health insurance, this is their dedicated digital GP app. It offers 24/7 access to video calls with GPs, symptom checkers, and mental health support.
  • Self-Pay Cost: Non-Bupa members can use it on a pay-as-you-go basis. A 15-minute weekday video call starts at £59.

• DocTap (Best Hybrid Online/In-Person Service):

  • How it works: DocTap is highly popular for people who want the speed of an online consultation but appreciate having physical backup. You can speak to a GP via a secure video link, but if they decide they need to listen to your chest, take a blood test, or perform a physical examination, they can seamlessly transition you to one of their physical walk-in clinics (heavily concentrated in London).
  • Cost: Video consultations start at around £55.

3. Asynchronous "Online Doctors" (Best for Quick Prescriptions)

If you don't actually need a face-to-face video call and just need a prescription for a common, non-emergency issue (e.g., hair loss, erectile dysfunction, asthma inhalers, the contraceptive pill, or travel medication), these are the most widely used platforms in the UK:

• Boots Online Doctor & Superdrug Online Doctor:

  • How it works: These are massive, highly trusted services run by the UK’s two biggest pharmacy chains. Instead of booking an appointment, you simply go online, choose the treatment you need, and complete a digital questionnaire about your health history. A UK-registered clinician reviews your form. Once approved, your prescription is sent to your local Boots or Superdrug for same-day collection, or delivered to your door.
  • Cost: You only pay the cost of the private prescription medication itself (prices vary by treatment). There is no separate "consultation fee."

• Zava:

  • How it works: Zava is one of the largest independent online doctor and prescription platforms in Europe. Like Boots, it relies on online questionnaires reviewed by GMC-registered doctors to issue and ship prescriptions directly to your home.

Summary: Which one should you use?

• If you want a free, standard GP service: Open your NHS App and use the built-in online consultation/triage tool (or download Livi to see if your local NHS practice partners with them).
• If you have private health insurance (AXA, Bupa, Aviva, Vitality): Check your policy; you almost certainly have free, 24/7 access to Doctor Care Anywhere or Bupa Blua Health.
• If you want a fast, paid private GP video call today: Use Doctor Care Anywhere, Livi (Private), or Push Doctor (Private).
• If you just need a routine prescription fast: Skip the video call and use Boots Online Doctor or Superdrug Online Doctor.

If you want the most-used telehealth brands in the UK, the names that come up most often are Doctor Care Anywhere, Babylon Health, Livi, Push Doctor, and Qured. For insured virtual GP access, Aviva Digital GP is also a major option, powered by Square Health and commonly bundled with insurance benefits.

A practical shortlist for people in the UK would be:

• Doctor Care Anywhere — one of the most widely used UK telehealth services, especially for private GP-style consultations.
• Livi — widely used for video GP appointments and commonly seen in UK telehealth comparisons.
• Push Doctor — another major UK virtual GP brand with broad recognition and usage.
• Babylon Health — still one of the best-known names in UK telehealth, though availability and service structure have changed over time.
• Qured — used for remote health services and often appears among the better-known UK telehealth providers.
• Aviva Digital GP — a strong choice if you already have Aviva health or employee cover, with 24/7 access and prescription support.
• NowPatient — useful if you want a mix of online doctor + online pharmacy + NHS prescription support.
• Medelit — a solid option for private online GP/video consultations, with same-day or next-day appointments often available.

If you mean NHS telehealth rather than private services, the NHS says video consultations are now offered by many GP surgeries, hospitals, mental health services, and community care services. For simple remote monitoring and messaging-based support, Florence is used by some NHS services and is described by East London NHS Foundation Trust as a telehealth text messaging service.

For most people in the UK, the best choice depends on what you need:

• Fast private GP appointment: Livi, Push Doctor, Doctor Care Anywhere, or Medelit.
• Insurance-covered virtual GP: Aviva Digital GP.
• Online pharmacy plus doctor: NowPatient.
• NHS-connected care: your GP surgery’s video consultations or NHS-linked services.

If you want, I can also rank these by price, NHS/private access, or best for prescriptions, mental health, or family use.

Since you’re in the UK, the honest answer is: the most-used “telehealth” is mostly NHS digital services, plus a handful of private brands for faster access, prescriptions, mental health, ADHD assessments, skin, weight loss and men’s/women’s health.

Best depends on what you need. For most people, start with NHS options because they’re free at the point of use and linked to your GP record. Go private only if you want speed, out-of-hours access, or a service the NHS isn’t providing quickly.

If I had to name the top brands people in the UK actually use:

1. NHS App – prescriptions, appointments, records, 111.
2. NHS 111 Online – urgent advice when you’re not sure what to do.
3. eConsult / AskMyGP / Patient Access – whichever your GP practice uses.
4. Livi – popular online GP, used by some NHS regions and privately.
5. Push Doctor – private online GP.
6. Pharmacy2U – biggest NHS repeat prescription delivery.
7. Boots Online Doctor – contraception, STIs, hair loss, ED, weight loss, acne.
8. Superdrug Online Doctor – similar, now includes the old LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor service.
9. Zava – online doctor and pharmacy for common conditions.
10. Psychiatry UK – huge for ADHD/autism via NHS Right to Choose.
11. BetterHelp / NHS Talking Therapies – private vs free mental health support.
12. Dermatica / Skin+Me – prescription skincare.

Practical UK notes:

• For emergencies, call 999.
• For urgent but not life-threatening issues, use 111 online or call 111.
• Private telehealth costs money and is not a replacement for your GP for complex or long-term care.
• Check private providers are CQC-registered.
• If you have health insurance, check whether remote GP is already included — Bupa, AXA, Vitality and Aviva often include it.
• Babylon/GP at Hand is no longer the safe default it once was; its UK operations were absorbed into eMed, so check current availability before signing up.

Popular telehealth services in the UK focus on online GP consultations, prescriptions, referrals, and sometimes mental health or specialist support via apps or web platforms. These are typically used for non-urgent issues when NHS waits are long, with GMC-registered doctors and CQC-registered providers being key for legitimacy.

People commonly turn to private options for speed (often same-day or within hours vs. NHS waits of days/weeks). Many integrate with pharmacies for e-prescriptions (you pay separately for meds). Always use for non-emergencies—call 111/999 or visit A&E for urgent care. Check current pricing, availability, and reviews, as they change.

Top Recommended Services (Based on Mentions, Reviews, Partnerships, and Usage)

These stand out across recent comparisons, Trustpilot ratings, insurer ties, and market reports for actual user adoption:

• Push Doctor — One of the most frequently recommended for general online GP access. App-based video/phone consultations (typically 10-15 mins), available 8am–8pm daily. Users praise speed (appointments often within an hour) and GMC-registered GPs with NHS experience. Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy. Self-pay around £45–£49 per appointment; subscriptions available. Good for quick, one-off needs like minor illnesses or fit notes.

• Doctor Care Anywhere (DCA) — Strong for reliability and 24/7 access (video/phone). Partners with insurers (e.g., AXA) and providers like Ramsay. One-off appointments from ~£45 (or membership options around £25/month in some cases). Includes prescriptions and referrals. Popular via corporate or insurance schemes; solid Trustpilot feedback for convenience.

• Babylon (including GP at Hand elements) — Established player with a large user base, often highlighted as a market leader. Offers app-based consultations, symptom checkers, and private or NHS-linked options in certain areas. Competitive pricing (~£35–£49 range in tests); focuses on accessibility. Some users note it feels similar to a standard GP visit.

• Livi (now Kry in parts of Europe) — App-focused service popular for video consultations, prescriptions, and referrals. Pay-as-you-go around £60; also NHS-backed in some regions. Users like the straightforward interface for everyday issues.

• Bupa Digital GP (e.g., Blua Health or remote appointments) — Trusted brand with strong integration for policyholders (often included or low/no extra cost). Video consultations, 24/7 or extended hours depending on plan, prescriptions, and referrals. Self-pay options around £59+. Appeals to those wanting brand reliability and potential in-person follow-up.

Other Notable Options

• Boots Online Doctor or Superdrug Video GP — Pharmacy-linked for easy prescription follow-through; convenient if you already shop there. Competitive pricing (~£49) and decent user feedback for simplicity.
• The Vesey Virtual GP — Frequently noted as one of the most affordable (£25 for 15 mins, including prescription/fit note/referral in some cases). Browser-based (no app needed), CQC-registered, with Sunday availability and a physical clinic option if needed. Good for budget-conscious users.
• DocTap or similar (e.g., tapGP/Circle) — Around £55 for 15 mins; solid for quick consults with follow-up discounts sometimes available.

Specialist or niche services like Numan (men's health) or mental health-focused platforms also see use but are narrower.

Quick Tips for Choosing and Using

• Cost: Expect £25–£70 for a typical 15-min self-pay GP consult (cheaper via insurance bundles or memberships). Prescriptions/meds extra.
• Insurance: Many private health policies (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva) include digital GP access—check your policy first for "free" or low-cost options.
• NHS alternatives: Use the NHS App for some online services, repeat prescriptions, or GP access where available. Babylon GP at Hand or similar may be free in eligible areas.
• What to look for: CQC registration, GMC doctors, clear pricing, data security (UK/EU servers), and what’s included (e.g., prescriptions, referrals, fit notes). Read recent Trustpilot/Doctify reviews.
• Limitations: Not a full replacement for in-person care or ongoing conditions needing exams/tests. Services can signpost or refer if needed.

Start with Push Doctor or Doctor Care Anywhere for broad appeal, or compare via insurer if covered. Verify the latest details directly on provider sites, as offerings evolve. If you have a specific need (e.g., mental health, ADHD assessment, or prescriptions), let me know for more tailored suggestions.

The strongest UK telehealth services people actually use include Doctor Care Anywhere, Babylon Health, Livi, Push Doctor, and Qured, with Pabau, Carepatron, and SimplePractice leading on the clinic‑side software used by private practices.

If you’re a patient, the top consumer telehealth brands are Doctor Care Anywhere, Babylon, Livi, Push Doctor, and Qured Live Like Loyalty. If you’re a clinic, the top telehealth platforms are Pabau, Carepatron, SimplePractice, Cliniko, and Zenoti Pabau.

🩺 Top UK Telehealth Services for Patients

These are the services ordinary UK users rely on for virtual GP appointments, prescriptions, and medical advice.

Doctor Care Anywhere (24/7 private GP access)

24/7 GP appointments, same‑day availability 1 Digital prescriptions sent to local pharmacies 1 Included in many employer and insurer benefits 1 Strong Trustpilot presence (4.2/5) 1 Best for: people wanting fast, always‑available private GP care.

Babylon Health (AI‑enhanced GP access)

24/7 GP access via app 1 AI symptom checker and health monitoring tools 1 Some services available free via NHS partnerships 1 Best for: users who want digital tools alongside GP access.

Livi (NHS‑integrated GP video appointments)

NHS‑approved and integrated with many GP practices 1 Free if your NHS practice partners with Livi 1 Seven‑day availability Best for: people who want NHS GP video appointments at no cost.

Push Doctor (NHS + private options)

Works with NHS surgeries and private clinics 1 Evening and weekend appointments 1 Prescriptions and referrals included 1 Best for: users needing flexible scheduling with NHS linkage.

Qured (telehealth + home visits)

Same‑day virtual appointments 1 Optional in‑home doctor visits 1 Travel and COVID testing services 1 Best for: travellers and people wanting hybrid virtual + in‑person care.

🏥 Best Telehealth Platforms for UK Clinics & Private Practices

These platforms are used by UK healthcare providers to deliver telehealth securely and compliantly.

Pabau (Best all‑in‑one for private clinics)

Combines telehealth, EMR, billing, scheduling, and marketing in one system 1 Browser‑based video with no app required 1 Strong CQC and GDPR alignment 1 Rated 4.6/5 on Capterra 1 Best for: multi‑specialty private clinics, aesthetic practices, private GPs.

Carepatron (Best free option for solo practitioners)

$0 Free plan includes telehealth and AI scribe 1 Ideal for therapists, counsellors, and small allied health teams 1 Best for: solo clinicians starting telehealth with minimal cost.

SimplePractice (Best for mental health providers)

Telehealth included on all plans 1 Popular with UK therapists despite US‑based pricing Rated 4.6/5 on Capterra 1 Best for: mental health professionals needing integrated telehealth.

Cliniko (Best for physiotherapy & allied health)

Built‑in telehealth with UK data storage 1 Rated 4.7/5 1 Best for: physio, chiro, and allied health teams.

Zenoti (Enterprise telehealth for wellness chains)

Telehealth via Zoom integration 1 Used by large spa and salon groups Best for: wellness and aesthetics chains needing enterprise tools.

🧭 How to choose the right service

Ask yourself:

Are you a patient or a clinic? Do you need NHS‑linked care (Livi, Push Doctor) or private GP access (Doctor Care Anywhere, Babylon)? Do you want all‑in‑one practice software (Pabau) or low‑cost telehealth only (Carepatron)?

If you tell me whether you’re choosing for personal use or a clinic, I can narrow this to a short, tailored recommendation.

The UK telehealth landscape consists of a mix of private pay-as-you-go platforms, corporate insurance provisions, and digital tools integrated directly with the National Health Service (NHS). All legitimate services operating in the UK are regulated by national watchdogs like the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The top, most frequently used telehealth brands and platforms in the UK are structured below by how patients typically use them:

1. General Practice & Video Consultations (Private & Pay-As-You-Go)

These platforms are used by patients who want to skip NHS waiting times to see a General Practitioner (GP) for advice, private referrals, or sick notes.

Doctor Care Anywhere: One of the largest and most established digital health platforms in the UK. It offers 24/7 video or phone consultations with UK-registered clinicians, often within hours. It is widely used by individuals directly and is the primary virtual provider built into major corporate healthcare policies (such as AXA Health). Bupa Remote GP: Provided by the UK's leading health insurer, this pay-as-you-go service allows anyone—even non-Bupa members—to book 15- to 45-minute digital appointments with a private GP. It provides smooth continuity if you eventually need to be referred into Bupa’s physical hospital network. Push Doctor: A pioneer of UK telemedicine, Push Doctor operates a dual model. It offers a "self-pay" private video appointment app for £20–£50, but it also partners directly with specific local NHS GP practices to offer free, digital triage and consultations to their registered NHS patients. The GP Service: A highly popular, no-subscription platform where patients can secure video consultations (roughly £49) or request simple repeat private prescriptions online within minutes. : Excellent for patients who want flexibility; it offers affordable video consultations online, but connects seamlessly to its physical clinics across London if a patient requires a physical examination or blood test.

2. Specialized Asynchronous Care & Digital Pharmacies

Many UK users prefer "asynchronous" telehealth platforms. Instead of a live video call, you complete a thorough, text-based medical questionnaire that is manually reviewed by a General Medical Council (GMC) registered doctor before medication is discreetly dispatched.

Hims UK & Hers: Highly popular platforms focused specifically on men's and women's wellness, providing streamlined, questionnaire-based consultations and home delivery for hair loss, sexual health, and dermatology. The Online Clinic: Operating since 2004 with a "Good" CQC rating, this platform offers round-the-clock remote questionnaire screenings for over 30 categories of general ailments, respiratory conditions, and sexual health. Boots Online Doctor / LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor: Mainstay high-street brands that transitioned heavily into telehealth. They are heavily utilized for targeted needs like travel medicine, weight management, and routine contraception.

3. Corporate & Enterprise Virtual Care

Teladoc Health UK: While everyday consumers don't typically buy Teladoc directly, it is the absolute dominant backend provider for major UK employers, life insurance policies, and global corporate packages, offering 24/7 mental, physical, and musculoskeletal virtual tracking.

4. Mental Health Telehealth

BetterHelp UK: The global app has a massive footprint in the UK for individuals seeking private, out-of-pocket remote therapy via text, audio, or video, matching users with credentialed counsellors within 48 hours.

Directly Comparing the Top Live GP Services

If you are looking to address a specific issue, please let me know:

Are you looking for a one-off general check-up or management for a chronic/ongoing condition? Do you require an actual live video call, or is an online medical questionnaire acceptable? Do you have private health insurance (like AXA, Bupa, or Vitality) through your employer?

Telehealth services in the United Kingdom span a hybrid landscape of free NHS-backed virtual care, pay-as-you-go private digital clinics, and app-based services bundled with private health insurance.

The top telehealth brands and platforms used across the UK feature distinct options depending on accessibility and payment preference:

Kry (formerly Livi) What it is: One of the UK's most widely adopted video GP services. It operates on a dual model: it partners with the NHS in specific regional commissioning areas to offer free appointments to registered local practices, while also providing nationwide, pay-as-you-go private appointments. Best for: General consultations, repeat prescriptions, and referrals with GMC-registered doctors, regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Push Doctor What it is: A pioneer in the UK digital consultation space, Push Doctor connects millions of NHS patients through partnered local NHS surgeries, but also facilitates direct private online appointments. Best for: Quick, smartphone-based video or text consultations where local surgery integration is supported, or straightforward private pay options. Doctor Care Anywhere What it is: A major private telehealth provider frequently embedded as a perk or digital benefit within corporate health insurance packages and personal plans (such as through AXA Health). It offers 24/7 access to video GP appointments, instant private prescriptions, and digital referrals. Best for: Individuals or employees covered via corporate or private medical insurance policies wanting zero out-of-pocket per-visit costs. Bupa Digital GP / Bupa TeleHealth What it is: Integrated directly into Bupa’s private health insurance framework, allowing members to book fast virtual appointments with private GPs through their digital portal or app. Best for: Bupa insurance holders looking to bypass NHS waiting lists for primary care, diagnostics, and specialist referrals. Aviva Digital GP (Powered by Teladoc Health) What it is: Included as part of Aviva’s health and wellbeing policy packages, this service gives policyholders remote access to UK-registered doctors via phone or video, even while traveling abroad, alongside second-opinion services. Best for: Aviva policyholders seeking integrated general practice and mental health backing. DocTap What it is: A popular private, transparently priced online and physical walk-in clinic provider centered around fast, affordable individual video consultations without needing a subscription. Best for: Patients looking for straightforward, low-cost individual private appointments with clear per-consultation fees.