Last updated: June 2026
Online primary care has matured into a credible alternative to traditional in-person visits for a wide range of health needs. The best providers combine board-certified physician access, transparent pricing, lab ordering, and genuine care continuity, all from a phone or computer. Based on a scored evaluation of six criteria, PlushCare and Amazon One Medical lead for insured patients, while Sesame Care and Momentary top the list for cash-pay access and AI-assisted triage.
| Provider | Best For | Price | Rating | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Momentary | AI-assisted triage + virtual care | Free (AI); virtual visit pricing at momentarylab.com | N/A | Yes (AI navigator) |
| PlushCare | Insured patients, ongoing primary care | $19.99/mo membership; $129/visit cash-pay | 4.9 stars, App Store (130K+ ratings) | No |
| Amazon One Medical | Prime members, hybrid care | $99/yr (Prime); $199/yr (non-Prime) | 4.7 stars, App Store (est.) | $29 on-demand visits |
| Teladoc | Employer-benefit users, breadth of services | $89/visit cash-pay; $0-50 in-network | 3.5/5 (Choosing Therapy) | No |
| Sesame Care | Uninsured or high-deductible patients | From $34/visit (no insurance needed) | 4.5/5 Trustpilot (4,197 ratings) | No |
| MDLIVE | Cigna members, urgent care add-on | $85/visit cash-pay; $0-95 in-network | 4.7 stars, App Store | No |
| Doctor On Demand | Insurance-covered mental health + primary care | $99/visit cash-pay; varies in-network | 3.5/5 (independent review) | No |
How We Ranked
For this list, "best" means: a provider that delivers clinically credible, physician-supervised primary care accessible without an in-person appointment, at a cost patients can verify before they book. We scored each eligible entry on six criteria: clinical credibility (25%), cost/value (20%), speed and availability (20%), scope fit for ongoing primary care (15%), user experience (10%), and trust signals (10%). Scores and the reasoning behind them are documented for every entry. The evaluation date is June 2026. Momentary is our own product. We scored it on the same criteria as every other entry.
1. Momentary — AI-Powered Triage with Physician-Reviewed Virtual Care
Momentary is an AI health navigator designed to help patients understand their symptoms and decide on their next steps before or between doctor visits. The AI tool is physician-reviewed, not a replacement for a physician, and pairs with Momentary Virtual Care, where patients can connect with a live provider for full primary care visits. That two-layer model, AI-first triage followed by a virtual physician when needed, gives Momentary a distinct scope advantage on lists where AI-assisted access to care is the core need.
Pros: The AI health navigator is available at no cost, making it one of the most accessible first-step tools for patients who are unsure whether their symptoms warrant a visit. Physician review is embedded in the product architecture, which satisfies the California AB 489 requirement that AI health tools not present themselves as physician substitutes. The combined platform addresses the full primary care workflow: symptom exploration, triage, and virtual consultation.
Cons: Momentary Virtual Care is a newer platform and does not yet have the volume of published third-party ratings that established incumbents carry. Patients who need urgent care for complex or chronic conditions may still require an in-person visit for physical examination or lab work.
Pricing: Free for the AI health navigator at momentarylab.com. Virtual care visit pricing is available at momentarylab.com/momentary.
Best for: Patients who want to understand their symptoms with AI guidance before deciding whether to see a doctor online.
2. PlushCare — Best for Insured Patients Wanting a True Primary Care Relationship
PlushCare is a membership-based telehealth platform founded in 2014 that operates across all 50 states. Physicians come from the top 50 U.S. medical schools and are 100% board-certified, with an average of 15 years of clinical experience. The platform handles primary care, urgent care, mental health, chronic condition management, weight loss, and prescription refills, making it one of the closest equivalents to a full-service primary care practice available entirely online. PlushCare has treated over 1 million members and holds a 4.9-star rating from more than 130,000 App Store reviews (June 2026).
Pros: PlushCare is in-network with major insurers including Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, making many visits free or reduced to a standard copay. The platform bills insurance directly, which removes the reimbursement burden most cash-pay telehealth services leave to the patient. Lab ordering, chronic disease management, and multi-visit continuity with the same physician are all supported, clearing the clinical bar for true primary care.
Cons: Without insurance, visit fees of $129 per appointment are among the higher cash-pay rates in the category. Customer service reviews are inconsistent, with multiple verified complaints citing billing surprises and slow resolution of insurance disputes.
Pricing: $19.99/month or $99/year membership (first month free). Visits are $129 cash-pay or the patient's insurance copay, typically under $30 for in-network plans.
Best for: Insured patients who want board-certified physician access and genuine primary care continuity without an in-person appointment.
Rating: 4.9 stars on the App Store (June 2026, 130,000+ ratings); 4.7 stars on Google Play (7,130 ratings).
3. Amazon One Medical — Best for Prime Members and Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Care
Amazon One Medical (formerly One Medical) is a hybrid primary care platform that combines 24/7 on-demand virtual care with a network of in-person clinics in major metropolitan areas. Prime members access the full membership for $99 per year, which includes unlimited 24/7 virtual on-demand care at no additional per-visit cost and same-day or next-day in-person appointments in cities where One Medical offices operate. Non-Prime members pay $199 per year. On-demand telehealth visits for non-members start at $29 for direct message care and $49 for video. One Medical accepts most major insurance plans for scheduled in-person and video visits.
Pros: The integration of app-based 24/7 virtual access with physical clinic locations is unique in the category. Lab results are returned directly in the One Medical app with provider follow-up, meeting the clinical bar for integrated lab management. At $99/year for Prime members, the membership cost-per-virtual-visit ratio is the most favorable for patients who use the service at least once per quarter.
Cons: The full primary care experience, including in-person visits, annual physicals, and specialist coordination, is concentrated in cities with One Medical offices. Patients outside those metro areas get on-demand virtual access but cannot build an in-person primary care relationship through the platform. Membership does not cover lab work, imaging, or prescriptions.
Pricing: $99/year (Amazon Prime members); $199/year (non-Prime). On-demand visits from $29 (message) or $49 (video) for non-members. In-person and scheduled video visits billed to insurance or paid out-of-pocket.
Best for: Amazon Prime members in cities with One Medical offices who want both 24/7 virtual access and same-day in-person primary care.
4. Sesame Care — Best for Uninsured or High-Deductible Patients
Sesame Care is a direct-pay healthcare marketplace that connects patients with independent, licensed physicians across all 50 states. Providers set their own cash rates, which are published upfront before booking. Primary care telehealth visits start at $34, and the platform reports $50 million in patient savings versus standard insurance-billed rates. Over 1 million patients have used the platform, and it holds a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 4,197 verified reviews (June 2026). Sesame does not accept insurance, but patients may submit receipts to their insurer for potential reimbursement.
Pros: Transparent, upfront pricing removes the surprise-billing risk that affects most insurance-billed platforms. The Sesame Plus membership ($10.99/month or $99/year) includes one free annual lab panel at Quest Diagnostics (complete metabolic panel, CBC, lipid panel, A1C, thyroid), a meaningful clinical add-on for patients managing chronic conditions. A 9,000-provider network covering 40-plus specialties enables same-day booking without a referral for dermatology, women's health, psychiatry, and more.
Cons: Sesame does not accept insurance, which means patients with comprehensive coverage and low copays will likely pay more out of pocket here than through an in-network telehealth platform. Provider availability varies by state, and the quality of individual providers varies because pricing and credentialing decisions rest with each independent clinician.
Pricing: Visits from $34 (no membership required). Sesame Plus membership: $10.99/month or $99/year, with discounted visit rates and one free annual lab panel.
Best for: Uninsured patients, those with high-deductible plans, or anyone who wants direct-pay care at transparent, upfront prices.
Rating: 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (June 2026, 4,197 ratings); "A" rating, Better Business Bureau.
5. Teladoc — Best for Patients Whose Employer Benefit Includes It
Teladoc is the largest telehealth company in the United States by visit volume, serving more than 80 million members through employer-sponsored plans, insurance partnerships, and individual subscriptions. All medical services are provided by U.S. board-certified or state-licensed healthcare professionals operating across all 50 states, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Teladoc covers general medical, primary care (branded as Primary Care), mental health, dermatology, nutrition, and chronic condition management acquired from Livongo. Patients whose employer includes Teladoc as a benefit typically pay $0 to $50 per general medical visit.
Pros: The breadth of services under a single platform is unmatched in the category: medical, behavioral health, dermatology, and chronic condition programs all accessible through one account. 24/7 availability across all 50 states ensures consistent access regardless of time zone or geography. Teladoc's Primary Care program allows patients to choose a dedicated provider for relationship-based care, a differentiator from its on-demand urgent care product.
Cons: For patients paying cash, Teladoc is among the more expensive options: $89 per general medical visit, $99 for therapy, and $299 for an initial psychiatric evaluation. Provider continuity is not guaranteed on general medical visits; the default is the first available clinician, which limits the platform's effectiveness for managing ongoing conditions. Customer service complaints cite inconsistent clinician quality and difficulty following up after appointments.
Pricing: $89/visit cash-pay (general medical); $0-50 in-network with major insurance plans. Primary Care subscription varies by plan. Mental health visits: $119/session (therapy); $299 initial/$109 follow-up (psychiatry), cash-pay.
Best for: Patients whose employer or health plan includes Teladoc as a covered benefit, particularly for on-demand urgent care and mental health access.
6. MDLIVE — Best for Cigna Members and Multi-Specialty Access
MDLIVE is a telehealth platform offering urgent care, primary care, behavioral health, and dermatology across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. All MDLIVE physicians are board-certified and state-licensed, with an average of 15 years of clinical experience, and the platform holds two National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) certifications, a meaningful clinical credibility signal. MDLIVE is in-network with Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna, among others, and also accepts some Medicare and Medicaid plans. Primary care and urgent care cash-pay rates range from $85 to $95.
Pros: The NCQA dual certification sets MDLIVE apart from most consumer telehealth platforms on a formal credibility measure. The ability to maintain the same physician for both primary care and behavioral health visits under one account reduces the care fragmentation common in telehealth. MDLIVE is one of the few platforms offering a dedicated dermatology service line alongside primary care and mental health under one roof.
Cons: The mobile app and customer service systems have persistent documented issues, with multiple verified reviews citing login failures, scheduling glitches, and refund delays of up to 45 days. MDLIVE does not treat several common conditions including UTIs in men of any age and UTIs in females under 18, narrowing its scope compared to competitors.
Pricing: $85 cash-pay (urgent care); $0 to $95 with insurance (primary care). Therapy: $179 initial/$140 follow-up, cash-pay. Psychiatry: $299 initial/$159 follow-up, cash-pay. Insurance copays average $0-30.
Best for: Cigna members and patients who need a single platform covering primary care, mental health, and dermatology.
Rating: 4.7 stars on the App Store (MDLIVE listing); 15 minutes or less average wait time for urgent care per MDLIVE FAQ.
7. Doctor On Demand (Included Health) — Best for Insurance-Covered Mental Health Plus Primary Care
Doctor On Demand, now part of Included Health, is a telehealth platform offering board-certified primary care, urgent care, and mental health services via video. The platform covers eligible adults and is a benefit for over 98 million Americans through select health plans and employers. Providers specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, and behavioral health. Doctor On Demand's primary care product includes virtual annual wellness visits, chronic condition management, lab ordering, and specialist referrals. Cash-pay primary care visits are priced at $99 per visit.
Pros: Doctor On Demand's primary care offering includes lab ordering, annual wellness visits, and a dedicated provider model that supports longitudinal care. The platform's integration into Included Health creates a broader navigation layer that helps patients coordinate specialist and mental health care across their benefits. Availability for primary care includes evening and weekend appointments.
Cons: The platform holds an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau based on complaint volume, which is a notable trust signal deficit for a primary care product. Cash-pay pricing at $99 per visit is higher than Sesame Care for equivalent care. Some user reviews report technical glitches and unhelpful referrals for conditions that required an in-person examination.
Pricing: $99/visit cash-pay. In-network visits vary by plan. Mental health and psychiatry are billed through insurance where applicable.
Best for: Patients covered through an employer plan that includes Doctor On Demand as a benefit, particularly those who need both primary care and mental health access under one platform.
If your symptoms or ongoing health questions go beyond what an AI tool can address on its own, the next step is connecting with a physician directly. See a doctor online through Momentary Virtual Care, where physician-reviewed virtual primary care visits are available without a long wait or an in-person appointment.
FAQ
What is the most reputable online doctor?
Reputation depends on use case, but PlushCare consistently earns the highest patient satisfaction scores in the category for ongoing primary care: 4.9 stars from over 130,000 App Store ratings (June 2026) and in-network billing with Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. For employer-benefit users, Teladoc serves more than 80 million members and is backed by the broadest insurer integrations in the industry. The "most reputable" provider for any individual patient is the one that accepts their insurance and can support their specific ongoing care needs.
What is the best online medical site?
For uninsured or cash-pay patients, Sesame Care is the strongest option in 2026: upfront pricing from $34 per visit, a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating from over 4,197 verified reviews, and no deductibles or surprise bills. For insured patients who want true primary care continuity, PlushCare is the leading choice. Before your next appointment, you can also use Momentary's AI health navigator to understand your symptoms and figure out what kind of care makes sense for your situation.
Is eSanjeevani OPD free?
eSanjeevani is a telemedicine service operated by the Government of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is available free of charge to Indian citizens and provides teleconsultation with government-employed physicians. eSanjeevani is not available in the United States, and it is not a licensed telehealth service under US regulatory frameworks. US residents looking for free or low-cost telehealth options should consider Sesame Care (visits from $34), the Health Resources and Services Administration's federally qualified health center finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov, or their state Medicaid program if income-eligible.
Who is the biggest telemedicine company?
Teladoc Health is the largest telehealth company in the United States by visit volume, serving more than 80 million members through employer-sponsored plans, insurance partnerships, and direct subscriptions. The company operates across all 50 states and covers general medical, primary care, mental health, dermatology, nutrition, and chronic condition management. Amazon One Medical, following Amazon's acquisition of One Medical in 2023, is the largest hybrid primary care platform by clinic footprint and Prime member integration.
What should I look for in an online primary care provider?
The most important factor is provider continuity: access to the same physician across visits, not a rotating panel. A doctor can advise on individual cases, but look for platforms with dedicated physician assignment, integrated lab ordering, and a documented scope that covers chronic disease management and preventive care, not just urgent care. Transparent pricing, insurance acceptance, and a clear process for referring patients to in-person care when needed round out the minimum standard for a primary care platform.
Can online primary care replace my in-person doctor?
For many routine needs, including prescription management, chronic condition follow-up, annual wellness visits, lab review, and mental health coordination, virtual primary care delivers comparable clinical quality to an in-person visit. The American Medical Association has reported that telehealth and in-person diagnoses align in approximately 90% of cases for conditions amenable to virtual assessment. A doctor can advise on which conditions genuinely require physical examination. Conditions requiring hands-on exam, imaging, or in-office procedures still require in-person care, and a good online primary care provider will refer patients proactively when that threshold is reached.
References
- American Medical Association. Telehealth, in-person diagnoses match up nearly 90% of the time. 2022.
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Telehealth Services. CMS.gov.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Report to Congress: Telehealth and Medicare. HHS.gov.
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Telehealth Accreditation. NCQA.org.
- Health Resources and Services Administration. Find a Health Center. findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
- National Institutes of Health. Telemedicine: Past, Present, and Future. NIH.gov.
- Lucas JW et al. Telemedicine use among adults: United States, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. CDC.gov.
