Staying on top of your health can take time and planning. With virtual visits and a set monthly cost, a telehealth membership can be a convenient way to get routine care.
You can connect with a provider without traveling. You may be able to get care that isn’t covered by your health insurance plan, such as mental health support.
Here’s how you can use a telehealth membership with your health insurance.
How is a telehealth membership different from health insurance?
A telehealth membership offers certain types of health care through virtual visits. It’s not insurance and does not replace your health insurance plan.
Think of a telehealth membership like you would a gym membership. You pay the same amount each month and can see a doctor when you need to, without copays or out-of-pocket expenses.1
With traditional health insurance, costs include premiums, deductibles and copays. You usually have coverage for routine care and for major events like hospital stays, emergency care and surgery.2
Want to see a doctor — without leaving home? Learn how a telehealth membership program can help you stay on top of your health.
What are some of the ways you can use a telehealth membership?
Here are some of the most common ways you can use a telehealth membership in addition to the coverage you have from your health insurance plan:
1. Save time with virtual visits
Not every doctor’s visit needs to be in person. Virtual visits can save you time: You don’t have to travel to an appointment or spend time in a waiting room.
They can also help when it’s hard to get to a doctor’s office. This may include people who live far from care or have trouble traveling. You'll also avoid crowded waiting rooms where you may be exposed to germs.
Many telehealth services offer flexible scheduling, including same- or next-day appointments. Some programs may also offer care outside of typical office hours.
2. Take advantage of routine care options
A telehealth membership can make it easier to get routine care, such as speaking with a doctor when you’re sick.
You can also use virtual visits for health questions and follow-ups. This can help you stay on track between the in-person visits covered by your health insurance plan.
3. Access different types of care
Some health insurance plans may have limited coverage for certain services, such as mental health support.
A telehealth membership may include other types of care, such as mental health support or dermatology care for skin conditions.
4. Manage chronic conditions
Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease often involve more frequent trips to the doctor.1 But not all of these visits need to be in-person. During a virtual visit, you can discuss test results, symptoms or medications.
5. Track your budget with predictable costs
Telehealth memberships often have a flat monthly or yearly fee for included services. This can make it easier to plan for the cost of care.
This may be especially helpful for people with a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP). A telehealth membership may offer a more affordable way to get certain types of care.
Get personalized mental health care from licensed healthcare providers through a telehealth membership, even when it’s not covered by a health insurance plan.
How do out-of-pocket expenses differ?
One difference between a telehealth membership and traditional health insurance is how you pay.
Telehealth membership
You pay a fixed monthly or annual fee, which may include:1
- Virtual routine checkups
- Virtual mental health visits
- Discounts on medications
There are no fees per visit for most services. Some specialized care, like dermatology or behavioral health, may have a predetermined fee per visit, depending on the type of plan.
Traditional health insurance
You may pay:2
Depending on your health insurance plan, routine care is generally paid by you out-of-pocket. You may have a copay or a deductible to meet, followed by your share of coinsurance, depending on the service.
The bottom line
A telehealth membership can make it easy to get everyday care. When used alongside traditional health insurance, it can help you stay on top of your health.
In sum, here’s how they can work together:1,2
| Feature | Telehealth membership (non-insurance) | Traditional health insurance |
| Cost | A flat monthly or annual fee; no fee (or a fixed fee) per visit for services | Monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copays, coinsurance |
| Services may include | Virtual routine checkups, dermatology visits, mental health visits and discounts on medication | Primary care, specialists, emergency care, diagnostic testing, surgeries and hospitalizations |
| Access to routine care | Same- or next-day appointments; virtual access to assigned doctors at your convenience | Appointments may take days or weeks; you can often choose the doctor (network availability may apply) |
| Access to hospital and emergency care | Not available | Generally covered with out-of-pocket costs |
| Out-of-pocket cost | Monthly or annual cost generally stays the same with advance notice of changes | Total cost changes with how much care you use |
Curious to see how a telehealth membership can help you care for your physical and mental health? Enter your zip code or speak to a licensed insurance agent by calling 1-844-211-7730.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
Sources:
- Balanced Healthcare. “Pros and Cons of Subscription-Based Healthcare and How to Choose the Best Option for You” November 20, 2025. Accessed January 28. 2026. Retrieved from https://www.balancedhc.org/blog/pros-cons-subscription-based-healthcare
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Health Insurance Basics.” Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/files/document/nsa-health-insurance-basics.pdf
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