Top Telemedicine Services Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield
Discover the best telemedicine services covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Compare options, benefits, and how to access virtual care today.
Accessing healthcare has never been easier — and more affordable — thanks to telemedicine. Millions of Americans now rely on virtual doctor visits for everyday health concerns, mental health therapy, and even long-term condition management.
If you’re a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) member, you’re in luck: the insurer partners with many of the best telemedicine providers in the country, ensuring you can connect with licensed doctors anytime, anywhere.
This guide explores the top telemedicine services covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, their key benefits, and how to make the most of your plan.
Why Blue Cross Blue Shield Supports Telemedicine
Blue Cross Blue Shield recognizes that not every medical issue requires an in-person visit. By supporting telemedicine, BCBS helps members save time, reduce costs, and access care more conveniently — whether at home, work, or on the go.
Telehealth visits are typically covered at the same rate as office visits, and many plans include them at little to no additional cost. It’s part of BCBS’s mission to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for all members.
(Ad Placement – Ideal for first ad block under introduction for high visibility)
1. Teladoc Health
Teladoc is one of the leading telemedicine platforms in the U.S. It provides 24/7 access to board-certified doctors who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for common conditions such as:
-
Cold and flu
-
Allergies
-
Skin infections
-
Sinus issues
-
Mental health concerns
BCBS members can log in through the Teladoc app or BCBS member portal, verify coverage, and speak with a doctor in minutes.
Why it’s popular: fast access, broad coverage, and transparent pricing.
2. Amwell
Amwell partners directly with Blue Cross Blue Shield to deliver high-quality telehealth care. It offers services across multiple areas, including:
-
Primary care
-
Behavioral health
-
Pediatrics
-
Nutrition counseling
-
Women’s health
You can book appointments via the Amwell website or mobile app, often within hours. The platform integrates seamlessly with BCBS billing, making payments and coverage verification simple.
(Ad Placement – Excellent position between provider sections for engagement)
3. MDLIVE
MDLIVE offers flexible telehealth visits for BCBS members, focusing on both convenience and affordability. Services include:
-
Urgent care
-
Psychiatry and therapy
-
Dermatology
-
Prescription renewals
Members appreciate the user-friendly app and the option to choose from licensed professionals based on state and specialty.
Why members love it: 24/7 access, low copays, and clear insurance coverage integration.
4. Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand (by Included Health) is another top choice for BCBS members. It offers virtual visits with U.S.-based doctors and therapists for everything from preventive care to urgent health needs.
Features include:
-
Real-time video consultations
-
Mental health therapy
-
Chronic care management
-
Wellness coaching
Doctor on Demand provides a more personal touch, often connecting patients with the same provider for ongoing care.
(Ad Placement – Mid-article, great for mobile scroll pause and high eCPM)
5. LiveHealth Online
LiveHealth Online allows BCBS members to meet with licensed doctors or therapists within minutes. It’s ideal for families seeking pediatric or general medical care without long wait times.
Highlights:
-
Available nationwide
-
Covered by most BCBS plans
-
No surprise billing
-
Works on any device
Many users love how simple it is to start a session — just log in, confirm your BCBS plan, and start your visit instantly.
6. PlushCare
PlushCare combines convenience with quality. It offers online appointments with top U.S. doctors and accepts most BCBS plans.
The platform also integrates lab testing, follow-ups, and prescription management — all from a single dashboard.
Why it stands out: extended appointment times, continuity of care, and strong patient satisfaction scores.
(Ad Placement – High-performing ad block position before conclusion)
Benefits of Using BCBS Telemedicine Services
-
Affordable care: Many plans offer low or zero copays for telehealth visits.
-
Convenience: Schedule appointments at any time, from anywhere.
-
Speed: No waiting rooms — most visits start within minutes.
-
Access to specialists: Many telemedicine platforms offer licensed psychiatrists, nutritionists, and dermatologists.
-
Continuity: Digital records sync with your BCBS provider network for smooth follow-ups.
How to Access Telemedicine with Blue Cross Blue Shield
-
Log in to your BCBS Member Portal or mobile app.
-
Click on “Virtual Care” or “Telehealth Services.”
-
Choose your preferred telemedicine provider (e.g., Teladoc, Amwell, or MDLIVE).
-
Verify your plan coverage and copay details.
-
Schedule or start your virtual appointment instantly.
(Ad Placement – Closing section for AdSense footer display)
FAQ – Telemedicine Services Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield
Q1: Does BCBS cover telemedicine for all members?
Most BCBS plans include telemedicine coverage, but availability may vary by state or plan type.
Q2: Do I need prior authorization for telehealth visits?
Usually not. Most BCBS plans allow direct telehealth access without pre-approval.
Q3: Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine?
Yes. Licensed doctors can send prescriptions to your local or preferred pharmacy.
Q4: Are virtual visits as effective as in-person appointments?
For most non-emergency conditions, yes — they’re equally safe and effective.
Q5: How much does a telemedicine visit cost with BCBS?
Typically, visits cost the same or less than in-person appointments, depending on your plan.
Q1: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover all types of telemedicine visits?
Most BCBS plans cover virtual visits for general medical issues, mental health, and specialty care. Coverage details can vary by state and plan.
Q2: Which telemedicine providers work directly with BCBS?
Top partners include Teladoc, Amwell, MDLIVE, Doctor on Demand, LiveHealth Online, and PlushCare — all offering BCBS-integrated billing.
Q3: Do I need a referral to use BCBS telemedicine services?
In most cases, you don’t need a referral. Members can schedule virtual visits directly through their chosen telehealth platform or BCBS member portal.
Q4: Are telehealth appointments available 24/7?
Yes. Many BCBS-covered providers, such as Teladoc and MDLIVE, offer round-the-clock access to licensed doctors for urgent care needs.
Q5: Can I use telemedicine for mental health therapy with BCBS?
Absolutely. BCBS covers therapy and psychiatry sessions through platforms like Amwell, Doctor on Demand, and LiveHealth Online.
Q6: How much does a virtual visit cost with BCBS?
Costs depend on your specific plan. Many telehealth visits are billed at the same rate as in-person visits — often between $0 and $40.
Q7: Can BCBS telemedicine doctors prescribe medication?
Yes. Licensed providers can issue prescriptions for most common conditions and send them directly to your preferred pharmacy.
Q8: Can I use BCBS telehealth services while traveling?
Yes, you can connect from anywhere in the U.S. Some BCBS plans also allow virtual visits from abroad, depending on regional regulations.
Q9: How do I access telehealth through my BCBS plan?
Log into your BCBS member portal or mobile app, select “Virtual Care” or “Telehealth Services,” and choose an approved provider to begin your visit.
Q10: Is telemedicine safe and private with Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Yes. All BCBS-approved platforms use HIPAA-compliant technology to ensure secure, encrypted, and confidential virtual consultations.
Final Thoughts
Telemedicine is redefining healthcare convenience, and Blue Cross Blue Shield continues to lead the way by partnering with the most reliable virtual care providers.
Whether you choose Teladoc for 24/7 access or Amwell for a more personalized experience, BCBS ensures that quality healthcare is always just a click away.
If you haven’t tried telehealth yet, now’s the perfect time — your next appointment could happen from the comfort of your couch.
