Does insurance cover telehealth?
A plain-English guide to how private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid handle telehealth – and how to see an online doctor if you have no insurance at all.
Private health insurance
Most private and employer health plans cover some telehealth visits, but what you pay depends on your plan: some charge the same copay as an office visit, some less, and high-deductible plans may charge the full price until you reach your deductible.
Before you book through your plan, ask them:
- Which telehealth services are covered, and what is my copay?
- Do I have to use a particular telehealth service or provider?
- Is a message-based visit covered as well as video?
Medicare and telehealth
Medicare covers a number of telehealth services, and the rules for where you can be during the visit have changed several times since 2020 – some depend on decisions by Congress. Because they keep changing, check the current rules at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE before you book.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ask the plan directly: many include extra telehealth benefits.
Medicaid and telehealth
Every state runs its own Medicaid program, and all of them cover some telehealth, but the details differ from state to state. Your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid health plan can tell you what is covered.
No insurance? You can still see a provider
You don't need insurance to use CheckMD. One yearly membership covers your video and phone visits, so you know the cost up front instead of getting a bill after every visit. It also works next to a high-deductible plan. Read online doctor without insurance or see the membership plans.
Questions about telehealth and insurance
Is there free telehealth?
Some employers, health plans and community programs offer telehealth at no cost to you, so ask your employer or plan first. Many employers offer CheckMD as a benefit – see who we serve.
How much does telemedicine cost without insurance?
Pay-per-visit services charge every time. A membership like CheckMD costs one yearly fee, which usually works out cheaper if you need care more than once.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Many people can use HSA or FSA funds for medical care. Check with your account provider about a telehealth membership.
Does CheckMD bill my insurance?
You don't need insurance to use CheckMD – your membership is the price of your visits.
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