Breaking Down Telehealth Pricing

 Telehealth has quickly become part of everyday healthcare. Patients can now connect with a licensed clinician from the comfort of home, skipping the waiting room and avoiding unnecessary trips. Yet one of the most common questions people ask before scheduling is: “How much does telehealth cost?”

The answer is not one-size-fits-all. The cost depends on several variables, including whether you have insurance, the type of provider you see, the service provided, and even the platform that hosts your visit. Understanding these factors can help you plan financially while still getting the care you need.

  Across the United States, the typical price for a standard telehealth consultation ranges between $40 and $90 for those paying out of pocket. For patients with insurance, the out-of-pocket portion may be as little as a standard copay, often between $10 and $30, depending on the plan.

By comparison, a traditional in-office visit often averages $150 or more for the same type of primary care consultation. Beyond the higher direct cost, in-person visits usually carry additional indirect expenses such as travel, lost wages from time off work, or childcare. 

A $75 virtual consultation can save both money and time, making telehealth a more convenient and cost-effective option for many patients.

 Most major insurers now cover virtual visits, treating them much like office appointments. Your costs depend on:

• Copay Structure: Some plans charge the same for in-person and telehealth visits, while others offer lower copays for virtual care.
• Deductible Status: If you have not yet met your annual deductible, you may be billed for the full contracted rate.
• Specialty Visits: Mental health counseling, dermatology, and chronic disease management can be billed differently depending on your plan.

It’s always wise to confirm with your insurer before scheduling, so there are no surprises.

 If you do not carry health insurance, you are responsible for the full cost of your visit. The amount varies depending on the:

• Type of Clinician: Seeing a primary care provider for a minor illness will typically cost less than consulting with a board-certified specialist.
• Length of the Visit: Short, 15-minute sessions for straightforward needs are less costly than extended evaluations.
• Prescriptions or Follow-Up Care: The costs are separate if you need an electronic prescription or require lab testing ordered after your visit.

On average, someone without coverage can expect to pay between $60 and $120 for a basic telehealth appointment.

With Northstar Telehealth, we cap most services at just $24.99.

  For uninsured patients, telehealth still tends to be more affordable than urgent care centers or emergency departments. For insured patients, the convenience and potential for lower copays make virtual visits an attractive choice. Telehealth also reduces system-wide costs by easing demand on emergency departments and traditional clinics.

 The reason for your telehealth appointment often determines the final cost. Different types of services require varying levels of provider expertise and time, which influence pricing. 

Common telehealth services include:

Primary Care Consultations

These visits are often the most affordable, since they involve straightforward concerns such as cold and flu symptoms, allergies, minor infections, or prescription refills. They typically fall on the lower end of the price range.

Behavioral Health Counseling

Mental health visits, including therapy sessions or psychiatric medication management, are usually longer and require specialized training. This places the cost between $80 and $200, though many patients find the convenience of virtual counseling reduces barriers to consistent care.

Specialist Consultations

Connecting with a dermatologist, endocrinologist, or cardiologist through telehealth provides access to advanced expertise without the need for referral wait times. Because these specialists have higher consultation fees, sessions usually cost $100 to $250.

At NorthStar Telehealth, we are dedicated to providing accessible healthcare solutions tailored to your needs. Our mission is to empower individuals through innovative telehealth services that prioritize your health and well-being.

 Urgent Care Telehealth

Many patients use telehealth as an alternative to urgent care clinics for rashes, minor injuries, or infections. These visits are typically shorter and more focused, costing $50 to $100, which is considerably less than an in-person urgent care center.

Understanding how service type influences pricing helps set expectations before you book your visit. For example, while a quick medication refill may be at the lower end of the cost spectrum, a one-hour counseling session or specialist consultation will naturally cost more.

 Not every telehealth platform charges the same. Some health systems fold telehealth into their standard billing structure. Independent telehealth companies may offer flat rates per session or subscription-based memberships with discounted visits.

Choosing between them often depends on your personal healthcare needs, whether you prefer continuity with your existing provider, or if you want the convenience of on-demand access to an online doctor.

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is committed to delivering high-quality care through virtual consultations. We specialize in various health services at an affordable price to ensure you receive the best possible support from the comfort of your home.

 Understanding what you’ll pay before a telehealth appointment is just as important as scheduling the visit itself. Taking a few minutes to gather information ahead of time can save you from unexpected bills later.

Here are a few steps that can help:

1. Check your insurance portal. Many insurance companies provide an online cost estimator or list your telehealth copay amounts directly in your member account. Reviewing these details will show whether your plan covers virtual visits at the same rate as in-person care.
2. Review the telehealth provider’s website. Most platforms outline their self-pay rates, cancellation policies, and whether prescriptions or follow-up visits carry additional fees. This can give you a clear idea of the base cost before you book.
3. Call customer support. Speaking with a representative from either your insurer or the telehealth service can provide answers tailored to your situation. They can confirm network status, explain billing codes, and help you understand how costs may apply to your deductible.

Being proactive in these steps not only prevents surprises but also allows you to compare options and select the most affordable and convenient path for your care.

At NorthStar TeleHealth, our goal is to make healthcare accessible, safe, and straightforward. Whether you are insured or uninsured, our team provides clear information on costs before your appointment. With licensed clinicians available across primary care, urgent care, and mental health, you can connect with an online doctor from wherever you are.

If you’ve been asking yourself questions like: “How much is a telehealth appointment?” and “How much is a telehealth appointment without insurance?”, we’re here to provide clarity. Our pricing is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring you get the care you need without unnecessary financial stress.

Take the next step toward convenient, affordable healthcare. Create an account with NorthStar and get virtual care now!