Best Telehealth Services
of 2026

The best telehealth services put a doctor, therapist, or specialist within reach in under ten minutes — no waiting room, no travel, no time off work. But not every platform is the same. Some accept insurance. Some are cash-pay only. Most are built for one specific type of care. Here is how to find the right one for what you actually need.

💻 25 Platforms Reviewed 🏥 Primary · Mental Health · Specialty · Women’s · Men’s 📊 Insurance Coverage · Wait Times · Service Breadth
best telehealth services of 2026

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you subscribe or enroll through these links, at no additional cost to you. Our rankings are based on service breadth, insurance acceptance, provider credentials, wait times, and independent editorial evaluation — never commission rates. Non-affiliate picks appear where they earn on merit.

Medical Disclaimer: Telehealth services are not a substitute for emergency medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. The information on this page is editorial and educational — NME does not provide medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making medical decisions.

NME
By NME Editorial Team
📅 Updated June 2026 🔄 Next review December 2026 ⏱ 18-min read

The best telehealth services split into two categories with fundamentally different use cases. Insurance-integrated platforms (Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, PlushCare, Doctor on Demand) accept major health plans, bill your insurer directly, and are often the cheapest option if you have coverage — copays can be $0–$25. Cash-pay specialty platforms (Hims & Hers, Ro, BetterHelp, K Health, Sesame, GoodRx Care) do not accept insurance but offer flat-rate or subscription pricing for specific conditions — men’s health, women’s health, mental health, and weight management. Choosing the wrong category is the most expensive mistake in telehealth.

A second split: general primary care platforms (Teladoc, Amazon One Medical, MDLive) handle the full range of acute and chronic conditions — UTIs, sinus infections, prescription refills, chronic disease management. Specialty-focused platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace for mental health; Hims & Hers, Ro for condition-specific care; Maven Clinic for women’s health) serve one clinical area with greater depth than a general platform. If you know your specific need, a specialty platform almost always produces better outcomes. If you need general access, a primary care platform is the right starting point.

How NME Ranks the Best Telehealth Services

25
Platforms Reviewed
5
Ranking Criteria
200+
Insurance Plans Covered (Teladoc)
$0
Paid Placements

NME evaluates telehealth services on five criteria: (1) Service breadth and clinical depth — the range of conditions treated, specialties available (urgent care, primary care, mental health, dermatology, psychiatry), and whether care is episodic or ongoing; (2) Insurance acceptance and pricing transparency — whether the platform accepts major commercial insurance, what out-of-pocket costs look like with and without insurance, and whether pricing is disclosed upfront; (3) Provider credentials and care quality — whether physicians are board-certified, whether therapists are licensed, what credentialing standards the platform enforces, and what clinical oversight exists; (4) Availability and wait times — 24/7 access vs. scheduled appointments, average wait times for urgent care, and state availability; (5) User experience and continuity of care — whether the platform supports ongoing relationships with the same provider, prescription delivery, lab integration, and follow-up care. Per NME editorial policy, per-visit or per-subscription costs are not published as they vary by state, insurance, and plan. See our full methodology.

Best Telehealth Service Overall — 2026

NME #1 Top Pick

Teladoc Health — Best Overall Telehealth Service

Teladoc Health is the largest and most comprehensive telehealth platform in the US — accepting over 200 commercial insurance plans, covering all 50 states, and providing 24/7 access to board-certified physicians with average urgent care wait times under 10 minutes. The service breadth is unmatched: urgent care, primary care, mental health, psychiatry, dermatology, nutrition, chronic condition management, and expert second opinions in one platform. For buyers with insurance looking for a single telehealth service that handles the full range of medical needs, Teladoc is where the comparison starts.

Compare the Best Telehealth Services of 2026

Key differences across service type, insurance acceptance, availability, and what each platform does best.

PlatformBest ForInsuranceAvailabilitySpecialties
🥇 Teladoc HealthBest Overall200+ plansAll 50 states, 24/7Urgent · Primary · Mental Health · Derm
🥈 Amazon One MedicalBest Primary CareMost major plansAll 50 statesPrimary care + same-day
🥉 MDLiveBest for Cigna MembersCigna/Evernorth + othersAll 50 states, 24/7Urgent · Mental Health · Derm
AmwellBest for PsychiatryMajor carriersAll 50 statesUrgent · Mental Health · Psychiatry
PlushCareBest for Ongoing Primary CareMajor carriersAll 50 statesPrimary care · Chronic conditions
Doctor on DemandBest Employer BenefitBCBS + major plansAll 50 statesUrgent · Primary · Mental Health
Hims & HersBest Men’s/Women’s HealthCash-pay onlyAll 50 statesMen’s · Women’s · Weight · Derm
RoBest for Weight ManagementCash-pay onlyAll 50 statesWeight · Men’s health · Primary
BetterHelpBest for TherapyCash-pay onlyAll 50 states + 40 countriesTherapy only — 35,000+ therapists
TalkspaceBest Insurance-Covered TherapyInsurance acceptedAll 50 statesTherapy · Psychiatry

⭐ = category leader. Insurance acceptance is the most important first filter — if you have coverage, check Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, PlushCare, and Talkspace before any cash-pay platform. Per NME editorial policy, per-visit costs are not published as they vary by state, insurance plan, and service type.

Best Telehealth Services of 2026 — Full Reviews

Independent NME evaluations of the ten platforms that define the best telehealth services category in 2026.

1
🥇
Teladoc Health — Best Overall Telehealth Service
Best For: General Medical Care, Insurance Users, Full-Service Telehealth, All Conditions
★★★★★4.9 / 5.0
200+ Insurance Plans24/7 All 50 StatesFull-Service Platform
Teladoc Health is the largest telehealth company in the US by revenue and membership — the platform that effectively invented the consumer telehealth category and remains the benchmark against which all others are measured. The service breadth is the primary differentiator: urgent care, primary care, mental health, psychiatry, dermatology, nutrition, chronic condition management (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular health), and expert second opinions are all available in one platform, covered by the same insurance plan. Over 200 commercial insurance plans are accepted, with copays that can reach $0 for many employer-sponsored plan members. Wait times for urgent care average under 10 minutes. The physician network covers all 50 states with 24/7 availability. Teladoc’s 2025–2026 strategic focus on AI-supported care delivery — using AI to route patients to appropriate providers and assist with clinical documentation — has reduced wait times without compromising clinical quality. Teladoc generated $2.53 billion in revenue in 2025 and is undergoing a strategic shift toward integrated care. For buyers with insurance who want one platform to handle general medical needs without shopping multiple services, Teladoc has no meaningful competition on breadth.
✓ Pros
  • 200+ insurance plans accepted — most comprehensive coverage in category
  • Full-service: urgent care, primary, mental health, derm, chronic care in one platform
  • 24/7 all 50 states with under 10-minute average urgent care wait times
  • AI-assisted care routing reduces wait times without replacing providers
  • Expert second opinion service for complex diagnoses
✗ Cons
  • Less depth than specialty-focused competitors in mental health or condition-specific care
  • Some users report inconsistent experience across different service lines
  • Undergoing strategic transition — some features in flux through 2026
Visit Teladoc →
2
🥈
Amazon One Medical — Best for Integrated Primary Care
Best For: Primary Care, Ongoing Relationships, Amazon Prime Members, Same-Day Access
★★★★★4.8 / 5.0
Amazon-BackedInsurance + MembershipIn-Person + Virtual
Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical created the most integrated primary care telehealth experience available to US consumers — combining the convenience of telehealth with the option of in-person visits at One Medical offices in major cities, backed by Amazon’s technology infrastructure and logistics. One Medical’s membership model gives patients same-day and next-day virtual or in-person appointments with dedicated primary care providers who maintain continuity of care across visits — a meaningful advantage over on-demand platforms where you see a different provider each time. Insurance is accepted through most major commercial plans. Amazon Prime members get discounted membership access. The integration of Amazon Pharmacy for prescription delivery, Amazon-backed AI health tools, and One Medical’s clinical team creates the closest thing to a complete healthcare home in the telehealth category. Best for buyers who want ongoing primary care relationships, not just episodic urgent care access. Available in all 50 states for virtual care, with physical offices in over 20 major US markets for hybrid care.
✓ Pros
  • Ongoing primary care relationships — same provider across visits
  • Virtual + in-person at One Medical offices in 20+ major cities
  • Amazon Pharmacy integration for same-day prescription delivery
  • Same-day and next-day appointment availability
  • Insurance accepted plus Amazon Prime membership discount
✗ Cons
  • Membership fee required — costs more than episodic telehealth
  • In-person offices limited to major cities
  • Less mental health depth than Talkspace or BetterHelp
  • Some users report pressure to convert to Amazon ecosystem services
Visit One Medical →
3
🥉
MDLive — Best for Cigna Members and Behavioral Health
Best For: Cigna/Evernorth Members, Behavioral Health, Urgent Care, Dermatology
★★★★★4.7 / 5.0
Cigna/Evernorth IntegratedBehavioral Health Leader24/7 All States
MDLive is owned by Evernorth (Cigna’s health services arm) and is deeply integrated into Cigna insurance plans — for Cigna members, virtual urgent care visits can run at $0 or low copay, making it the most cost-effective telehealth option for that specific population. The platform operates independently for non-Cigna users as well, accepting a broad range of commercial insurance. MDLive’s behavioral health offering is one of the strongest of any general telehealth platform — licensed therapists and psychiatrists are available in all 50 states, psychiatric evaluations are accessible in days rather than the weeks typical of in-person psychiatry, and the platform handles complex behavioral health needs including medication management. The urgent care offering is fast and comprehensive: UTIs, sinus infections, allergies, cold and flu, rashes, and similar acute conditions handled 24/7 with board-certified physicians. Dermatology services are available with asynchronous photo-based consultations for skin, hair, and nail conditions. For Cigna members, MDLive is the default recommendation. For non-Cigna users, it competes directly with Teladoc and Amwell on breadth and quality.
✓ Pros
  • Cigna/Evernorth integration — potential $0 visits for Cigna members
  • Best behavioral health offering of any general telehealth platform
  • Psychiatrists available — medication management accessible
  • 24/7 urgent care, all 50 states, board-certified physicians
  • Asynchronous dermatology — photo-based consults for skin conditions
✗ Cons
  • Primarily optimized for Cigna members — less compelling without Cigna insurance
  • Non-Cigna pricing comparable to Teladoc or Amwell
  • Less comprehensive primary care continuity than Amazon One Medical
Visit MDLive →
4
Amwell — Best for Psychiatry and Second Opinions
Best For: Psychiatry, Controlled Substances, Second Opinions, Mental Health Depth
★★★★☆4.6 / 5.0
Psychiatry + Controlled RxMyConsult Second OpinionInsurance Accepted
Amwell (American Well) differentiates on two specific capabilities that most telehealth platforms do not match: board-certified psychiatrists who can prescribe controlled substances in many states, and MyConsult — a service that connects patients with expert physicians at world-leading medical centers (Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins-affiliated) for second opinions on complex diagnoses. For patients navigating a serious diagnosis who want validation from a specialist before committing to a treatment plan, MyConsult is genuinely unique in the telehealth category. The psychiatry offering is among the strongest of any insurance-accepting telehealth platform — Amwell has invested specifically in behavioral health clinical depth, offering cognitive behavioral therapy, couples therapy, and psychiatric medication management through licensed, credentialed providers. Urgent care and general medical services are also available. Major insurance carriers accepted. Founded by two physician brothers with a mission to eliminate access barriers — the clinical philosophy shows in the platform’s depth and credentialing standards.
✓ Pros
  • Psychiatrists who can prescribe controlled substances in many states
  • MyConsult second opinion service — world-class specialist access
  • Deep behavioral health: CBT, couples therapy, medication management
  • Insurance accepted from major carriers
  • Strong clinical credentialing standards
✗ Cons
  • Less comprehensive primary care breadth than Teladoc
  • MyConsult second opinion is a premium add-on service
  • Wait times for psychiatry can be longer than urgent care
Visit Amwell →
5
PlushCare — Best for Ongoing Primary Care and Chronic Conditions
Best For: Chronic Conditions, Ongoing Primary Care, Insurance Users, Regular Appointments
★★★★☆4.6 / 5.0
Chronic Condition ManagementOngoing Care ModelInsurance Accepted
PlushCare is designed specifically for patients who need more than episodic urgent care — the platform emphasizes ongoing primary care relationships, chronic condition management, and the kind of coordinated follow-up care that most on-demand telehealth platforms are not built to provide. Physicians maintain patient records across visits, enabling continuity of care for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, and other conditions requiring regular monitoring and medication adjustments. The membership model includes same-day and next-day scheduled appointments rather than on-demand urgent care queues — appropriate for patients who need consistent care rather than emergency consultations. Major insurance carriers accepted. For patients with chronic conditions who are currently managing care through in-person visits that require significant travel or scheduling friction, PlushCare provides a compelling primary care alternative. Lab order integration and prescription delivery are available. The best telehealth service for anyone with a condition requiring regular follow-up care rather than one-time consultations.
✓ Pros
  • Ongoing primary care model — physicians maintain your records across visits
  • Best chronic condition management of any insurance-accepting telehealth platform
  • Lab order integration and prescription delivery available
  • Insurance accepted; same-day and next-day scheduled appointments
  • Strong for diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, depression, and similar ongoing conditions
✗ Cons
  • Membership fee required in addition to insurance copays
  • Less suited for acute urgent care than Teladoc or MDLive
  • Less mental health depth than Talkspace or BetterHelp
Visit PlushCare →
6
Doctor on Demand — Best Employer-Benefit Telehealth Service
Best For: Employer Benefits, BCBS Members, Urgent Care, Video Visits, Families
★★★★☆4.5 / 5.0
100M+ Employer ReachBCBS Minnesota PartnerVideo-First
Doctor on Demand serves over 100 million people through employer and health plan partnerships — the largest employer-benefit telehealth footprint of any platform in this guide. The 2026 addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota’s provider network expanded its insurance reach. The platform is video-first — all consultations occur via live video rather than asynchronous messaging or phone — which produces higher clinical quality for conditions that benefit from visual assessment. Services cover urgent care, primary care, behavioral health, and preventive care. Pediatric care is a particular strength — parents use Doctor on Demand frequently for common childhood illnesses (ear infections, pink eye, rashes, fevers) that previously required urgent care clinic visits. For employees at companies that offer Doctor on Demand as a benefit, it is often the most cost-effective telehealth option available. For individuals comparing it directly against Teladoc or MDLive without employer backing, the value proposition is more similar — but the video-first approach and pediatric clinical depth are genuine differentiators.
✓ Pros
  • 100M+ people reached through employer and health plan partnerships
  • Video-first — all consultations via live video for higher clinical quality
  • Strong pediatric care — common childhood conditions handled effectively
  • BCBS Minnesota and major employer benefit integration
  • Behavioral health, preventive care, and chronic disease management available
✗ Cons
  • Best value when accessed through employer benefit — less compelling as direct consumer service
  • Less psychiatric depth than Amwell or MDLive
  • Video-only may be inconvenient for some users
Visit Doctor on Demand →
7
Hims & Hers — Best for Men’s and Women’s Condition-Specific Care
Best For: Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Hair Loss, ED, Weight Management, Dermatology
★★★★☆4.5 / 5.0
Condition-SpecificGLP-1 Weight LossPrescription Delivery
Hims & Hers is the leading condition-specific telehealth platform in the US — purpose-built for men’s health (erectile dysfunction, hair loss, premature ejaculation, mental health) and women’s health (birth control, menopause, hair loss, skin care, mental health) with branded prescription products delivered directly to the door. The defining 2025–2026 story for Hims & Hers was its partnership with Novo Nordisk for branded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, positioning it as a major player in the rapidly expanding medical weight management market alongside competitors like Ro and Found. Hims & Hers reported its first full year of GAAP profitability in 2025 with $2.35 billion in revenue and 2.5 million subscribers — financial stability that distinguishes it from many smaller telehealth startups. Cash-pay only — no insurance accepted. The subscription model bundles clinical consultation, ongoing care, and medication delivery into one recurring charge. The primary limitation is scope: Hims & Hers is excellent for its specific condition areas and poor for general medical care, acute illness, or anything outside its specialty lanes.
✓ Pros
  • Best-in-class for ED, hair loss, birth control, and weight management
  • GLP-1 weight loss partnership with Novo Nordisk
  • Prescription delivery bundled into subscription
  • $2.35B revenue, 2.5M subscribers — financially stable platform
  • Expanded to UK, Germany, Ireland, France via 2025 ZAVA acquisition
✗ Cons
  • Cash-pay only — no insurance accepted
  • Not suitable for general medical care or acute illness
  • Narrow clinical scope — condition-specific only
  • Subscription model may be more expensive than insurance-covered alternatives for eligible conditions
Visit Hims & Hers →
8
Ro — Best for Weight Management and Men’s Health
Best For: GLP-1 Weight Loss, Men’s Health, Primary Care, Prescription Delivery
★★★★☆4.4 / 5.0
GLP-1 Weight Loss LeaderPrescription DeliveryCash-Pay
Ro is a vertically integrated telehealth and pharmacy company — the platform handles clinical consultation, prescription, fulfillment, and delivery in one end-to-end experience through Ro Pharmacy, its own NABP-accredited online pharmacy. Ro’s primary strength in 2026 is weight management: the platform has been a leading GLP-1 prescriber (Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide) and has built clinical programs around weight management that include ongoing provider support, lab monitoring, and medication adjustment as part of the treatment protocol. The men’s health offering covers erectile dysfunction, hair loss, testosterone support, and primary care. Cash-pay only — no insurance accepted. For buyers who want GLP-1 access with integrated pharmacy delivery and ongoing clinical support, Ro competes directly with Hims & Hers but with stronger pharmacy infrastructure (its own licensed pharmacy) and broader primary care services. The primary limitation is cost — without insurance, GLP-1 programs are expensive and Ro’s subscription model requires ongoing commitment.
✓ Pros
  • Vertically integrated — own NABP-accredited pharmacy for faster, cheaper delivery
  • GLP-1 weight loss with ongoing clinical support and lab monitoring
  • End-to-end experience: consult, prescription, delivery in one platform
  • Broader primary care than Hims & Hers
  • Strong men’s health: ED, hair loss, testosterone, primary care
✗ Cons
  • Cash-pay only — no insurance accepted
  • GLP-1 programs are expensive without insurance coverage
  • Subscription commitment required for ongoing programs
  • Not suitable for acute illness or general urgent care
Visit Ro →
9
BetterHelp — Best for Online Therapy Access
Best For: Therapy, Licensed Counselors, Flexible Formats, Large Therapist Network
★★★★☆4.3 / 5.0
35,000+ TherapistsText + Video + PhoneGlobal Availability
BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform in the world — over 35,000 licensed therapists across all 50 states and more than 40 countries, accessible via video, phone, or text messaging with weekly live sessions and unlimited messaging between sessions. The breadth of the therapist network is the core differentiator: specialty areas include individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, group sessions, and therapist matching by specialty, approach, and personal background. Cash-pay only — BetterHelp does not accept insurance, which is its most significant limitation. The FTC settled a case with BetterHelp in 2023 over sharing user health data with Facebook and Snapchat for advertising — BetterHelp paid $7.8 million in refunds and agreed to enhanced data privacy protections. This is a material disclosure for a mental health platform where privacy is especially sensitive. BetterHelp is operated by Teladoc Health as a subsidiary. For buyers who want therapy access without insurance, the therapist network breadth and flexible communication formats are genuinely differentiated. Buyers with insurance coverage for mental health should check Talkspace first.
✓ Pros
  • 35,000+ licensed therapists — largest network of any therapy platform
  • Multiple formats: video, phone, text messaging, live sessions
  • Available in 40+ countries — most internationally accessible therapy platform
  • Specialty matching across individual, couples, teen, and group therapy
  • Teladoc subsidiary — organizational stability and scale
✗ Cons
  • Cash-pay only — no insurance accepted
  • 2023 FTC settlement over sharing health data with advertisers — privacy disclosure
  • Therapists cannot prescribe medication — therapy only, no psychiatry
  • Quality varies across 35,000+ therapists — matching process is important
Visit BetterHelp →
10
Talkspace — Best Insurance-Covered Online Therapy
Best For: Insurance-Covered Therapy, Psychiatry, Text-Based Therapy, Medication Management
★★★★☆4.2 / 5.0
Insurance AcceptedTherapy + PsychiatryMedication Management
Talkspace is the primary insurance-accepting online therapy platform — the key differentiator from BetterHelp, which is cash-pay only. For buyers with mental health benefits in their insurance plan, Talkspace is the first therapy platform to check before any cash-pay alternative. The platform covers both therapy (licensed therapists for individual, couples, and teen sessions) and psychiatry (licensed psychiatrists who can evaluate and prescribe psychiatric medications) in one subscription. The BetterHelp insurance rollout in 2026 is adding competition in the insurance-accepted segment, but Talkspace has a longer track record and broader insurance relationships. Over 1 million users across the US. Text-based therapy is a distinctive format — patients can message their therapist anytime between sessions, with responses within a guaranteed response window. For buyers who prefer text communication over video, Talkspace’s asynchronous messaging format is uniquely well-suited. The psychiatry offering is meaningful — many users start with therapy and add psychiatric evaluation when medication may support treatment.
✓ Pros
  • Insurance accepted — the primary advantage over BetterHelp
  • Both therapy and psychiatry in one platform
  • Psychiatric medication management available
  • Text-based therapy — asynchronous messaging for flexible communication
  • Over 1 million users; established insurance relationships
✗ Cons
  • Smaller therapist network than BetterHelp’s 35,000+
  • Response times on text therapy vary by therapist
  • Insurance coverage verification required before enrolling
  • Increasing competition from BetterHelp’s 2026 insurance rollout
Visit Talkspace →
NOT SURE WHICH TO CHOOSE?

Have insurance? Start with Teladoc or MDLive. Need therapy? Talkspace if covered, BetterHelp if not. Ongoing primary care? Amazon One Medical or PlushCare. Condition-specific? Hims & Hers or Ro.

The biggest mistake in telehealth is using a cash-pay platform when your insurance would cover a visit elsewhere. Check Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, PlushCare, and Talkspace first if you have coverage — your copay could be $0–$25, which beats every cash-pay option. Only move to cash-pay platforms if your insurance doesn’t cover the specific care you need.

Also Worth Considering

K Health
An AI-powered telehealth platform that uses machine learning to triage symptoms and match patients with appropriate care — the AI review of your symptoms before connecting you with a physician reduces unnecessary consultations and often speeds diagnosis. Flat-rate pricing per visit with AI triage included. Covers urgent care and primary care with prescription capability. Best for tech-comfortable buyers who want faster, AI-assisted triage at a predictable price point without insurance complexity.
Visit K Health →
Sesame
A direct-to-consumer healthcare marketplace that connects patients with physicians who offer transparent, upfront pricing — often among the lowest cash-pay telehealth rates available. Sesame operates as a marketplace rather than a network: doctors list their services and prices, patients book directly. No insurance involved — the model works by eliminating insurance billing overhead and passing savings to patients. Best for cash-pay buyers who want the cheapest single-visit option and price transparency before booking.
Visit Sesame →
Maven Clinic
The leading telehealth platform for women’s and family health — covering fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, menopause, and pediatrics through a network of OB-GYNs, midwives, nurses, nutritionists, and mental health providers. Maven is primarily an employer benefit product rather than a direct-to-consumer service — many users access it through their employer’s health benefits. Best for women and families navigating pregnancy, fertility challenges, or the menopause transition who want specialized telehealth support beyond what general platforms provide.
Visit Maven →
GoodRx Care
GoodRx’s telehealth service leverages its existing pharmacy discount infrastructure to offer some of the lowest cash-pay telehealth visit prices in the market — starting around $19 for common conditions. Conditions treated include UTIs, sinus infections, cold sores, pink eye, and similar acute issues with straightforward prescription solutions. No insurance accepted. Best for buyers who primarily need a prescription for a common condition and want the absolute lowest price — the GoodRx prescription discount then further reduces medication cost at the pharmacy.
Visit GoodRx Care →
Cerebral
A mental health telehealth platform that rebuilt its reputation following early 2022–2023 controversies around controlled substance prescribing practices. The 2026 Cerebral platform offers psychiatric evaluation and medication management through licensed prescribers alongside therapy sessions. Insurance accepted on select plans. Best for buyers who specifically need psychiatric medication management through telehealth and want a dedicated mental health platform rather than the behavioral health arm of a general telehealth service.
Visit Cerebral →

More Telehealth Services Worth Knowing

  • Lemonaid Health — Best for Personalized Doctor Matching: A telehealth platform that emphasizes matching patients with a doctor who fits their specific health goals, lifestyle, and medical conditions rather than routing to any available provider. Covers primary care, mental health, and common acute conditions. Now operating under 23andMe Health. Cash-pay and insurance options available.
  • Nurx — Best for Reproductive Health: A telehealth platform specializing in birth control, emergency contraception, PrEP, STI testing, and sexual health — conditions that benefit from discreet, accessible telehealth access. Prescription delivery included. Insurance accepted for many services. Best for reproductive health access without traditional clinic barriers.
  • Curology — Best for Personalized Skincare: A dermatology telehealth service that creates custom prescription skincare formulas based on photo assessment by licensed dermatology providers. Subscription model delivers custom prescriptions to the door. Best for acne, anti-aging, and skincare concerns that benefit from prescription-strength ingredients without an in-person dermatology wait.
  • Apostrophe — Best for Prescription Dermatology: A dermatology telehealth platform offering prescription treatments for acne, rosacea, melasma, and hair loss through photo-based consultations with licensed dermatologists. More clinically focused than Curology with broader condition coverage. Cash-pay subscription model.
  • Found — Best for Weight Management Without GLP-1: A comprehensive weight management telehealth platform that combines medical care, health coaching, and community support. Prescribes both GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 weight loss medications based on individual patient assessment. Best for buyers who want a comprehensive weight management program rather than just a GLP-1 prescription.
  • Brightside — Best for Anxiety and Depression Specifically: A mental health telehealth platform focused specifically on anxiety and depression — the two most common mental health conditions — with a combined therapy and psychiatry model. Insurance accepted. Evidence-based treatment protocols. Best for buyers whose primary mental health need is anxiety or depression management.
  • Wheel — Best for B2B Telehealth Infrastructure: A white-label telehealth infrastructure platform that powers the virtual care capabilities of other companies — Wheel’s technology is behind many branded telehealth services buyers encounter. Not a direct-to-consumer service, but worth knowing as the infrastructure layer of the telehealth ecosystem.
  • HealthTap — Best for AI-Assisted Primary Care: An AI-augmented telehealth platform that uses AI to help patients understand their symptoms and connect with appropriate physicians. Offers both on-demand and scheduled primary care visits. Insurance accepted. Best for buyers who want AI-assisted triage alongside human physician care at an accessible price point.
  • Spring Health — Best Employer Mental Health Benefit: A precision mental health platform offered as an employer benefit — Spring Health uses machine learning to match employees with the most appropriate mental health care (therapy, psychiatry, coaching, digital tools) based on their specific presentation. Not a direct-to-consumer product. Best for HR teams evaluating mental health benefits and employees whose employers offer Spring Health.

How to Choose the Best Telehealth Services for Your Situation

What the telehealth industry does not make obvious before you sign up.

💳

Check Insurance Before Anything Else

If you have health insurance, check Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, PlushCare, Doctor on Demand, and Talkspace before considering any cash-pay platform. Many employer plans cover telehealth at $0 copay. The most common expensive mistake in telehealth is paying cash-pay rates for a service your insurance would have covered. Call your insurer or check your benefits portal before booking.

🎯

Match the Platform to the Condition

General telehealth platforms (Teladoc, MDLive) are built for the full range of conditions but may lack depth in any one area. Specialty platforms (BetterHelp for therapy, Hims & Hers for men’s health, Ro for weight management) serve their specific lanes with more clinical depth. If you know your specific need, the specialty platform almost always delivers better care. If you need general access to handle whatever comes up, a general platform is the right starting point.

🔄

Understand Episodic vs. Ongoing Care

Most telehealth platforms are built for episodic care — you see whoever is available for a one-time issue. Amazon One Medical and PlushCare are built for ongoing care — you see the same provider repeatedly, they know your history, and they manage conditions over time. For acute illness (UTI, cold, rash), episodic is fine. For chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, anxiety), ongoing care produces meaningfully better outcomes and is worth the higher membership cost.

💊

Confirm Prescription Capability Before Booking

Not all telehealth platforms can prescribe all medications in all states. Controlled substances (ADHD medications, benzodiazepines, certain sleep aids) face additional federal restrictions on telehealth prescribing. If you need a controlled substance, confirm the platform can prescribe it in your state before booking — Amwell and some MDLive providers have this capability, but it varies by state and provider. Cash-pay platforms are generally more restrictive on controlled substances following 2022–2023 DEA guidance.

🔒

Read the Privacy Policy Before You Share Health Data

Mental health platforms in particular have a troubled history with health data privacy. BetterHelp’s 2023 FTC settlement for sharing user health data with Facebook and Snapchat is the most prominent case. Before entering sensitive mental health or sexual health information into any telehealth platform, check whether the platform sells or shares health data for advertising purposes. Look for HIPAA compliance, and read what the privacy policy says about data sharing with third parties.

📱

GLP-1 Telehealth Is Not All the Same

The 2025–2026 surge in GLP-1 (Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide) telehealth prescribers has produced a wildly variable market — from clinically rigorous programs (Ro, Found) that include ongoing monitoring and medication management, to low-quality prescribers who issue prescriptions with minimal clinical assessment. If you are pursuing GLP-1 medication through telehealth, choose a platform that includes regular follow-up visits, lab monitoring, and provider oversight of your response to the medication — not just a prescription. Without ongoing clinical supervision, GLP-1 side effects and dosing errors are significantly more likely.

The Awards

🥇
Best Overall
200+ insurance plans. Full-service: urgent care, primary, mental health, derm, chronic care. All 50 states 24/7. Under 10-minute wait times.
2026 Winner
Teladoc Health
🧠
Best for Therapy
35,000+ licensed therapists. Video, phone, and text formats. Available in 40+ countries. Largest online therapy network in the world.
2026 Winner
BetterHelp
🏥
Best Primary Care
Ongoing provider relationships. Virtual + in-person in 20+ cities. Amazon Pharmacy integration. Same-day and next-day availability.
2026 Winner
Amazon One Medical
Best Telehealth Services FAQ — 2026

Direct answers to what buyers need to know before choosing a telehealth platform.

What is the best telehealth service overall in 2026?
For most buyers with insurance, Teladoc Health is the best overall telehealth service — it accepts over 200 insurance plans, covers all 50 states with 24/7 access, and provides the most comprehensive range of services (urgent care, primary care, mental health, dermatology, chronic condition management) in one platform. 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. For therapy specifically, Talkspace is the best insurance-covered option and BetterHelp is the best cash-pay option. For condition-specific care (men’s health, women’s health, weight management), Hims & Hers and Ro serve those lanes with more clinical depth than any general platform.
Does telehealth accept insurance?
It depends on the platform. Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, PlushCare, Doctor on Demand, and Talkspace accept major commercial insurance plans, with copays that can reach $0 for many employer-sponsored members. Hims & Hers, Ro, BetterHelp, K Health, Sesame, and GoodRx Care are cash-pay only and do not accept insurance. Always check whether your specific insurance plan covers the telehealth platform before booking — call your insurer or check your benefits portal. If your plan covers a platform, the copay is almost always lower than any cash-pay alternative.
Can telehealth prescribe medication?
Yes, for most non-controlled substances. Telehealth physicians can prescribe antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, birth control, and most other common medications in all 50 states. Controlled substances (ADHD medications, benzodiazepines, opioids, certain sleep aids) face stricter telehealth prescribing rules following DEA guidance — availability varies by platform and state. If you need a controlled substance, verify that the specific platform can prescribe it in your state before booking. Amwell and some MDLive providers have controlled substance prescribing capability in select states.
Is telehealth safe for mental health care?
For therapy and psychiatric medication management, telehealth is clinically effective — multiple published studies have found outcomes comparable to in-person mental health care for common conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The practical advantages (reduced scheduling barriers, no travel, lower stigma, same-day access) often produce better engagement and treatment adherence than in-person care for many patients. The important caveats: telehealth is not appropriate for acute psychiatric emergencies or conditions requiring in-person assessment. Privacy policies vary significantly across mental health platforms — read the privacy policy before entering sensitive information. BetterHelp’s 2023 FTC settlement for data sharing is the most notable cautionary example.
What is the difference between telehealth and telemedicine?
Telemedicine refers specifically to clinical medical services delivered remotely — virtual doctor visits, diagnosis, and treatment. Telehealth is the broader category that includes telemedicine plus non-clinical services delivered digitally: patient education, administrative health services, remote monitoring, and health coaching. In consumer usage the terms are used interchangeably, and the distinction rarely matters for choosing a platform. The platforms in this guide all provide clinical services (telemedicine) as their core offering.
How does NME rank telehealth services?
NME ranks the best telehealth services on five criteria: service breadth and clinical depth (range of conditions, specialties, ongoing vs. episodic care), insurance acceptance and pricing transparency, provider credentials and care quality standards, availability and wait times (24/7 vs. scheduled, state coverage), and user experience and continuity of care (same provider, prescription delivery, lab integration). Per-visit costs are not published as they vary by state, insurance, and plan type. Affiliate compensation does not affect rankings. Read our full methodology.

Sources & Citations

  1. Teladoc Health — teladochealth.com, accessed June 2026. 200+ insurance plans; all 50 states 24/7; $2.53B 2025 revenue; service breadth across urgent care, primary, mental health, dermatology, chronic care, expert second opinion.
  2. Amazon One Medical — onemedical.com, accessed June 2026. Virtual + in-person; ongoing primary care model; Amazon Pharmacy integration; 20+ city physical presence; insurance + Amazon Prime membership access.
  3. MDLive (Evernorth/Cigna) — mdlive.com, accessed June 2026. Cigna/Evernorth subsidiary; $0 visits for many Cigna members; behavioral health with licensed therapists and psychiatrists in all 50 states; urgent care, dermatology.
  4. Hims & Hers Health — forhims.com, accessed June 2026. $2.35B 2025 revenue; 2.5M subscribers; first full year GAAP profitability; Novo Nordisk GLP-1 partnership; 2025 ZAVA acquisition for European expansion.
  5. BetterHelp (Teladoc Health subsidiary). 35,000+ licensed therapists; available in 50 states and 40+ countries; video, phone, and text formats. FTC settlement 2023: $7.8M refund for sharing health data with Facebook and Snapchat for advertising.
  6. Talkspace — talkspace.com, accessed June 2026. Insurance accepted; 1M+ users; therapy and psychiatry in one platform; BetterHelp insurance rollout as emerging competitor in 2026.
  7. Federal Trade Commission. (2023). “FTC Returns $7.8 Million to Consumers Harmed by BetterHelp’s Sharing of Sensitive Mental Health Data.” FTC enforcement action and settlement terms.
  8. Doctor on Demand — doctorondemand.com, accessed June 2026. 100M+ people reached through employer and health plan partnerships; 2026 addition to BCBS Minnesota provider network; video-first platform.

Related Health Guides

→ Best Health Insurance Plans of 2026 → Best Mental Health Apps of 2026 → Best Sleep Aids of 2026 → Best Meditation Apps of 2026 → All Health Guides → NME Editorial Standards

Find the Best Telehealth Service for Your Situation

Check insurance first — Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, or Talkspace may be covered at $0. If you need ongoing primary care, Amazon One Medical or PlushCare. Therapy without insurance, BetterHelp. Condition-specific care, Hims & Hers or Ro. Every platform here was selected on clinical quality and real-world performance.

Visit Teladoc → Visit One Medical → Visit BetterHelp → Visit Talkspace →
NME
NME Editorial Team — Norton Media Enterprise
Independent Reviews · Health Desk
NME telehealth rankings use primary-source platform documentation, insurance acceptance data, provider credentialing standards, and published clinical research on telehealth outcomes. The BetterHelp FTC settlement disclosure is included per NME editorial policy requiring material consumer disclosures regardless of affiliate relationship. See our full methodology and affiliate disclosure.
Scroll to Top
Norton Media Enterprise

© 2026 Norton Media Enterprise  ·  Independent Comparison Guides  ·  Affiliate Disclosure  ·  Consumer Health Privacy  ·  Cookie Policy  ·  Do Not Sell PII  ·  Privacy Policy  ·  Terms of Use  ·  Contact Us