This content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Healthcare rules and costs change annually. Last reviewed: January 1, 2025. Always verify current details with your insurer, employer, or a licensed healthcare navigator.
Telehealth
Healthcare delivered remotely via video, phone, or app — often at lower cost than an in-person visit.
Full Definition
Telehealth (or telemedicine) refers to healthcare services delivered through digital communication — video calls, phone consultations, or secure messaging. Most major health plans now cover telehealth visits. They are typically used for routine illnesses, mental health therapy, prescription refills, and follow-up appointments. Telehealth visits often have lower copays than in-person visits. Coverage expanded significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and many temporary expansions were made permanent.
Real-World Example
You wake up with a sore throat and fever. Instead of driving to a clinic, you open your insurer's telehealth app, see a doctor in 10 minutes, and get a prescription called in — all for a $10 copay vs. $40 for an in-person visit.
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