Teladoc vs MDLive 2025: Which Telehealth Service is Better?
Teladoc vs MDLive 2025: Which Telehealth Service is Better?
Choosing between Teladoc and MDLive? Both are leading telehealth providers, but they have key differences. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which service is right for your needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Teladoc | MDLive | |---------|---------|--------| | Price (without insurance) | $0-$75 | $49-$99 | | 24/7 Availability | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Insurance Accepted | Most major plans | Most major plans | | Mental Health | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Prescription Services | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Average Wait Time | 10-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes | | Mobile App Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
Teladoc: Best for Insurance Coverage
Pros
- Widest insurance acceptance - Works with most major insurance plans
- Comprehensive services - Primary care, mental health, dermatology, and more
- 24/7 availability - Access doctors anytime, anywhere
- Established reputation - Largest telehealth provider in the US
- Chronic condition management - Ongoing care for diabetes, hypertension, etc.
Cons
- Slightly longer wait times during peak hours
- Higher cost without insurance ($75 vs MDLive's $49)
- Interface can be overwhelming with many options
Best For
- People with insurance coverage
- Those needing ongoing chronic care management
- Patients wanting comprehensive specialty services
MDLive: Best for Urgent Care
Pros
- Faster appointments - Often within 5-10 minutes
- Lower cost - $49 without insurance (vs Teladoc's $75)
- Simple interface - Easy to use, straightforward
- Urgent care focus - Great for immediate needs
- Behavioral health - Strong mental health services
Cons
- Fewer specialty services than Teladoc
- Less comprehensive for chronic condition management
- Smaller provider network
Best For
- Urgent care needs (cold, flu, UTI, etc.)
- People without insurance
- Those wanting quick, simple appointments
Pricing Breakdown
With Insurance
Both services typically charge your standard copay:
- Teladoc: $0-$50 copay (depending on plan)
- MDLive: $0-$50 copay (depending on plan)
Without Insurance
- Teladoc: $75 per visit
- MDLive: $49 per urgent care visit, $99 for therapy
Membership Options
- Teladoc: No membership required
- MDLive: No membership required
Services Comparison
Primary Care
- Teladoc: ✅ Full primary care services
- MDLive: ✅ Basic primary care
Mental Health
- Teladoc: ✅ Psychiatry and therapy
- MDLive: ✅ Strong behavioral health program
Dermatology
- Teladoc: ✅ Comprehensive dermatology
- MDLive: ⚠️ Limited
Chronic Care
- Teladoc: ✅ Excellent for ongoing management
- MDLive: ⚠️ Basic support
Prescriptions
- Teladoc: ✅ Yes (sent to your pharmacy)
- MDLive: ✅ Yes (sent to your pharmacy)
User Experience
Teladoc
- More comprehensive but can feel overwhelming
- Excellent mobile app with many features
- Detailed medical history tracking
- Good for patients who want thorough care
MDLive
- Simpler, more streamlined interface
- Faster to book appointments
- Less medical history required
- Good for quick, urgent needs
Insurance Coverage
Teladoc
Accepted by:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicaid (in some states)
- 90+ insurance plans total
MDLive
Accepted by:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Health Net
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- 60+ insurance plans
Winner: Teladoc has wider insurance acceptance
Wait Times
Teladoc
- Average: 10-15 minutes
- Peak times: 20-30 minutes
- Scheduled appointments: Available
MDLive
- Average: 5-10 minutes
- Peak times: 15-20 minutes
- Scheduled appointments: Available
Winner: MDLive typically has faster wait times
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Teladoc if:
- ✅ You have insurance coverage
- ✅ You need ongoing chronic care management
- ✅ You want comprehensive specialty services
- ✅ You prefer an established, large provider
- ✅ You need dermatology or other specialties
Choose MDLive if:
- ✅ You need urgent care quickly
- ✅ You're paying out of pocket (lower cost)
- ✅ You want a simple, straightforward experience
- ✅ You need mental health services
- ✅ You prefer faster appointment times
The Verdict
Both are excellent services, but they excel in different areas:
- Teladoc is better for comprehensive, ongoing care with insurance
- MDLive is better for quick, urgent care needs at a lower cost
Our Recommendation:
- If you have insurance → Teladoc
- If paying out of pocket → MDLive
- For urgent care → MDLive
- For chronic conditions → Teladoc
Try Both Risk-Free
Both services offer your first visit with no commitment. Try them both and see which you prefer!
Ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both services?
Yes! Many people keep both for different needs - Teladoc for primary care and MDLive for urgent issues.
Do they prescribe controlled substances?
No, neither service prescribes controlled substances like opioids or benzodiazepines.
Can I see the same doctor each time?
Teladoc offers this option; MDLive typically connects you with available providers.
What if I need in-person care?
Both services will refer you to in-person care if needed.
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Last updated: October 2025