In a Nutshell
pros
- Works with most major insurers
- Unlimited messaging with medical staff
- Fill prescriptions and refills
cons
- Uninsured visit costs are high
- Only available in the U.S.
PlushCare at a Glance
Uninsured patients - $129 for 1st visit, $69 for following visits
How Does PlushCare Work?
PlushCare offers video chat appointments that you can book and conduct over your smartphone. Here’s how it works:
- Download the PlushCare app or create an account on plushcare.com
- Book an appointment
- Speak to a doctor from your smartphone
- Pick up your prescription from a local pharmacy
PlushCare also has a useful chat feature that lets you ask questions to doctors and other medical staff directly on the app. You can ask any question you want, and messages are unlimited. This is an incredibly advantageous feature, especially if you’re the type who has a lot of questions before or after appointments.
What Does PlushCare Treat?
PlushCare treats ongoing conditions, offers everyday care, and provides support for many urgent medical issues including:
- Cold and flu
- Sinus infections
- Bacterial infections
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infections
- Pink eye
- Sexually-transmitted diseases and STI
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Anxiety
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Thyroid disorders
- PrEP
- Prescriptions and refills
- Birth control
- Hair loss
- Mental health issues
PlushCare does not treat major medical issues and mental disorders including excessive bleeding, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, homicidal tendencies, etc.
How Much Does PlushCare Cost?
PlushCare offers a straightforward membership plan for both insured and uninsured participants. Here’s the pricing structure for both options:
You can see a PlushCare doctor within 15 minutes for as low as your insurance copay or $129 for your first visit. And you get additional benefits. As a member, you’ll be entitled to:
- Unlimited in-app messaging with a medical care team (before, after, and in between)
- Online care team
- Same-day appointments
- Common lab tests as low as $15
- Up to 80% off prescriptions
- Add up to 5 family members to your membership for free
We think unlimited messaging is the biggest perk. Most people have lots of questions but no one to ask them to. Having a doctor on call is an incredible benefit. What’s also impressive about PlushCare is that it has a family plan. You can share your PlushCare membership with up to 5 members. Each adult will get their own private account that nobody else can access. This is huge, and we haven’t reviewed a single other online doctor’s service that offers such a service.
Does PlushCare Take Insurance?
PlushCare works with most major insurance companies in the US, meaning it’s considered an in-network medical service and is covered just like a regular doctor’s visit. You’ll only have to pay a standard co-pay, making PlushCare one of the most affordable options in telemedicine.
PlushCare works with several insurers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United HealthCare, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, and more.
If you don’t have insurance, you can still get PlushCare for the same price as an insured patient. You’ll just have to pay $129 for the visit instead of your company.
What Do People Say About PlushCare?
“Dr. Allan Marks has helped my daughter two times and we cannot recommend them enough. My daughter has ADHD and can’t wait in a waiting room forever. This was the fastest and easiest way to get my daughter diagnosed and pick up a script. & One time we used this service when no other doctor was open. Plush care was available! My daughter didn’t have to even leave the house in 6 degree weather (would have made her MORE SICK). She had severe sinus infection and Dr. was not only clear and nice but looked up holiday pharmacy hours ahead of time to make sure I could pick up the script in time! AWESOME! 2nd time went just as smooth. Thank you!”
- Lisa S. Crystal Lake, IL
“My experience has been seamless. I downloaded the app and made an appointment on a Sunday. I had an appointment within minutes for less than 2 hours later. Dr. Burruss was super professional, thorough, as well as kind and communicative. He made me feel at ease right away. After my appointment I got a text saying that my prescriptions had been called in. The pharmacy already my prescription on file when I went to pick up because PlushCare included it with the call-in. I highly recommend this service to anyone who needs quick and efficient care.”
- JCLALAPP
“This is so easy and quick. I had a cold virus that turned into a sinus infection. I pulled over on my way to a meeting to video chat w a doctor. He was attentive, kind, and efficient. After a few questions, he diagnosed my ailment. The call took less than 10 mins. Prescription was at the pharmacy later that day. I will be a client for a long time. Thank you.”
- Patrick S. Alpharetta, GA
PlushCare FAQs
Does PlushCare prescribe medicine?
Yes. PlushCare doctors can prescribe all medications that are not controlled substances. You’ll receive a 90-day prescription sent to your local pharmacy.
Can PlushCare give me a doctor’s note?
Yes
Do I need a subscription for PlushCare?
Yes, but you can try their membership for free for 30 days and cancel at any time.
What hours does PlushCare have appointments available?
PlushCare is available 24/7 in as little as 15 minutes.
Bottom Line
PlushCare is an up-and-coming telemedicine service, and for good reasons. The online doctor’s service offers same-day appointments, bookings within 15 minutes, and easy-to-use video chat sessions with some of the most highly-trained doctors in the country.
PlushCare’s main highlight is that it offers unlimited text messaging for all its members to ask any question to a doctor any time they want. What’s more, PlushCare has a family plan that lets you include up to five family members in a single plan.
Each member gets their own private account, so you can get the medical treatment you need from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
