What you pay, by coverage type
| Coverage | What you typically pay |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part B | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible; for most services, the same as in person |
| Medicaid | Depends on your state; states decide telehealth rules |
| Job-based or Marketplace plan | Your plan's copay, coinsurance or deductible for virtual visits |
| HSA-eligible high deductible plan | Your plan may cover telehealth before you meet the deductible |
| No insurance | The service's cash price; ask before you book |
Telehealth with insurance
Many plans cover virtual visits, but costs vary by plan. Call the number on your card or check your plan's website and ask:
- Is a video or phone visit covered, and what's my copay or coinsurance?
- Do I have to use a specific telehealth service or in-network doctor?
- Does the visit count toward my deductible?
For HSA-eligible plans, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act made it permanent that a plan can cover telehealth before the deductible without losing HSA eligibility, the IRS says.
Telehealth without insurance
Cash prices for online visits vary by service and by what you need. Before you book, ask for the total price, including any follow-up, and whether prescriptions or labs cost extra.
If you're not using insurance and you schedule care at least 3 business days ahead, or you ask for one, the provider must give you a good faith estimate of expected charges, CMS says. Keep it: you can't dispute a bill without one.
Is telehealth ever free?
Sometimes. A visit costs you nothing at the time when your plan covers it with no copay, or when a membership you already pay for includes it. Read the fine print: "free" offers may cover only a short chat or exclude prescriptions.
With Gabriel Core, virtual urgent care visits are unlimited for $49 per adult a month, kids under 18 included, and unlimited virtual primary care is included. Gabriel Plus, $89, adds two in-person urgent care visits a year. Asking Gabriel a health question is free by app, web, text or voice. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.
Telehealth isn't for emergencies. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, severe bleeding or a serious injury.
Common questions
How much does a telehealth visit cost with insurance?
Your plan's copay, coinsurance or deductible applies. With Medicare, you pay 20% of the approved amount after the Part B deductible, which for most services matches the in-person cost.
How much is an online doctor visit without insurance?
It depends on the service. Ask for the total price before you book, and ask for a good faith estimate if you schedule at least 3 business days ahead.
Is telehealth free?
Only when your plan covers it with no copay or a membership you already pay for includes it. Check what the visit covers before you start.
Does an HSA plan cover telehealth before the deductible?
It can. The IRS says HSA-eligible plans may cover telehealth before the deductible permanently, but each plan decides what it covers.
Does Medicaid cover telehealth?
It depends on your state. Medicaid.gov says states have broad flexibility to decide which services they cover by telehealth, so ask your state Medicaid agency or health plan.
Sources
- Telehealth coverage Medicare.gov
- Telehealth Medicaid.gov
- Treasury, IRS provide guidance on new tax benefits for health savings account participants Internal Revenue Service
- Good faith estimate CMS
- Telehealth MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.