PlushCare Online Doctors Review 2026
PlushCare
- Best For: Fast appointments
- Price: $14.99/month membership + copay/$129 flat fee
- Modes of Communication: Phone, video
Is PlushCare Worth It?
PlushCare is a relatively new player in telemedicine, but it has quickly established a trusted reputation. The platform exclusively employs doctors who were trained at the top 50 medical schools in the country, ensuring high-quality care. PlushCare works with most major insurance providers, making it as affordable as a co-pay.
Overview
At PlushCare, you can get treatment through video or phone chat. If you have insurance, your visit will typically cost just your standard co-pay. For uninsured patients, the first visit is $129, and follow-up visits are $69. PlushCare accepts most major insurers, including United Healthcare, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, and Humana. They can prescribe a wide range of medications, including SSRIs and SNRIs for depression, antibiotics, and most other non-controlled substances. Appointments are usually available within 15 minutes, and you can schedule follow-up consultations with the same physician.
How Does PlushCare Work?
PlushCare lets you have video chat appointments right on your smartphone. Here’s the process:
- Download the PlushCare app or sign up on their website.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Talk to a doctor using the app.
- Get your prescription from a nearby pharmacy.
PlushCare also has a handy chat feature. You can message doctors and medical staff directly through the app. You can ask as many questions as you want, and there’s no limit to the messages. This is super helpful, especially if you have lots of questions before or after your appointment.
What Does PlushCare Treat?
PlushCare offers treatment for a variety of conditions, including cold and flu, sinus infections, bacterial infections, sore throat, urinary tract infections, pink eye, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), bacterial vaginosis, diabetes, asthma, anxiety, hypertension, depression, thyroid disorders, PrEP, and more. They also provide prescriptions, refills, birth control, and support for hair loss and mental health issues. However, PlushCare does not handle severe medical emergencies or serious mental health conditions such as excessive bleeding, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, or homicidal tendencies.
Pricing
PlushCare offers a straightforward membership plan for both insured and uninsured patients. Here’s the pricing structure:
For insured patients, the monthly plan costs $14.99, and the annual plan is $99. Your first visit will be covered by your standard insurance co-pay. For uninsured patients, the monthly and annual plans are also $14.99 and $99, respectively, with a first visit cost of $129.
As a member, you get unlimited in-app messaging with the medical care team, access to an online care team, and same-day appointments. You can also book appointments within 15 minutes. Additionally, you’ll enjoy common lab tests for as low as $15 and up to 80% off on prescriptions. Plus, you can add up to 5 family members to your membership for free.
We believe the unlimited messaging feature is the standout perk. Many people have numerous questions but nowhere to turn for answers. Having a doctor available to chat is a huge advantage. Another impressive aspect of PlushCare is its family plan. You can share your membership with up to five family members. Each adult gets their own private account, ensuring confidentiality. This is a significant benefit we haven’t seen in any other online doctor service we’ve reviewed.
Does PlushCare Take Insurance?
PlushCare partners with most major US insurance companies, making it an in-network service that’s covered like a regular doctor’s visit. This means you only pay a standard co-pay, which makes PlushCare one of the most cost-effective telemedicine options. They work with insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United HealthCare, Aetna, Anthem, and more.
If you’re uninsured, you can still use PlushCare. Instead of a co-pay, you’ll pay a flat fee of $129 per visit, which is the same price an insured patient would pay out of pocket.
Bottom Line
PlushCare is a rising star in the telemedicine world, and for good reason. This online doctor service offers same-day appointments, with bookings available within just 15 minutes. You can easily connect with some of the most highly-trained doctors in the country through user-friendly video chat sessions.
One of the standout features of PlushCare is the unlimited text messaging available to all members. You can ask any medical question, anytime, and get answers directly from a doctor. Additionally, PlushCare offers a family plan that allows you to include up to five family members under a single membership. Each member gets their own private account, ensuring personal and secure access to medical care from the comfort of your home.
