One of telehealth's most cited advantages is cost. But the actual cost comparison is more nuanced than "telehealth is cheaper." Costs depend on the type of service, whether you have insurance, and which platform or care model you use. This guide gives you a realistic picture of what you will actually pay.
General Telehealth Visit Costs
| Visit Type | Telehealth (Self-Pay) | In-Person (Self-Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care visit | $50–$100 | $150–$350 |
| Urgent care (minor) | $75–$150 | $150–$250 |
| Specialist consultation | $100–$250 | $250–$500+ |
| Mental health therapy (50 min) | $80–$200 | $100–$300 |
| Psychiatry medication management | $100–$200 | $200–$400 |
Subscription and Program Models
Many telehealth platforms use subscription pricing that bundles visits, clinical oversight, and sometimes medication into a monthly fee. This can be highly cost-effective for conditions requiring ongoing management.
- Direct primary care (DPC) memberships: $50–$150/month for unlimited virtual and in-person visits with your primary care physician
- Mental health subscriptions: $100–$350/month for weekly therapy sessions
- Specialty programs (weight loss, TRT, HRT, ED): $50–$200/month including consultation, medication, and follow-ups
- Urgent care telehealth (annual membership): $100–$200/year for unlimited minor acute care visits
Insurance and Telehealth
Insurance coverage for telehealth has expanded significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most commercial insurance plans now cover telehealth visits at the same cost-sharing as equivalent in-person visits (same copay). Medicare covers telehealth for a broad range of services.
Key considerations:
- Check your specific plan — coverage varies by insurer and plan type
- Some insurers require telehealth providers to be in-network for coverage to apply
- Specialty telehealth programs (weight loss medication programs, hormonal health programs) may or may not be covered depending on the diagnosis and your plan
- Mental health parity laws require most plans to cover mental health telehealth at equivalent rates to medical visits
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Lab fees billed separately from consultations
- Prescription fees not included in quoted visit cost
- Follow-up visits charged separately despite initial "all-in" marketing
- Medication shipping fees
- Cancellation or membership pause fees
When Telehealth Is NOT Cheaper
With good insurance coverage, in-person care may cost similar to telehealth after insurance processing. Some specialty telehealth programs charge premium prices that exceed what an in-person visit with insurance would cost. Always compare total cost including all fees, not just the headline visit price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance always cover telehealth?
Most major insurers cover telehealth, but not universally and not always at parity with in-person. Always verify coverage with your insurer before assuming it is covered, particularly for specialty programs and mental health.
Is it cheaper to pay cash for telehealth vs use insurance?
Sometimes. If your insurance has a high deductible and you have not met it, paying cash directly may cost less than the insurance rate applied to your deductible. Compare the self-pay price offered by the telehealth platform against your actual out-of-pocket cost through insurance.
Find Affordable Telehealth Care
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