Doctor on Demand vs MDLive
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top telehealth platforms picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Doctor on Demand
Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory
Video visits with top-rated physicians and psychiatrists
MDLive
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Virtual healthcare backed by Evernorth and Cigna
Our pick: MDLive. Our editors rank MDLive higher overall in Telehealth Platforms — but Doctor on Demand can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Doctor on Demand | MDLive | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Primary Care | Primary Care |
| Editorial rank | #4 of 15 | #3 of 15 |
Strengths
Doctor on Demand
- ✓Rigorous provider selection ensures high visit quality
- ✓Comprehensive behavioral health including psychiatry and psychology
- ✓Preventive care and chronic condition management beyond just urgent visits
- ✓Now part of Included Health, expanding enterprise and insurance reach
MDLive
- ✓Backed by Cigna/Evernorth with deep insurance network integration
- ✓24/7 urgent care availability with short wait times
- ✓Dermatology consultations with photo upload and async review
- ✓Behavioral health services including psychiatry and therapy
- ✓Often available at $0 copay for Cigna members
Watch out for
Doctor on Demand
- !Higher out-of-pocket cost compared to some competitors
- !Fewer available time slots during peak hours
- !Transitioning under Included Health brand may cause confusion
MDLive
- !Best value is limited to Cigna and Evernorth network members
- !Provider continuity can be inconsistent across visits
- !Non-insurance pricing is less competitive than newer platforms
Best use cases
Doctor on Demand
- →Schedule a preventive health check-up with a primary care physician via video
- →Get a psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management for anxiety
- →Manage Type 2 diabetes with regular virtual check-ins and lab order coordination
MDLive
- →Use your Cigna insurance for a $0 copay urgent care visit for a UTI or pink eye
- →Upload skin photos for an asynchronous dermatology consultation within 24 hours
- →Schedule ongoing therapy sessions with a licensed behavioral health provider
About each tool
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand, now part of Included Health, provides high-quality video visits with physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists. The platform is known for its rigorous provider vetting process and focus on visit quality over volume. Visits cover urgent care, preventive health, chronic condition management, and comprehensive behavioral health services including medication management.
MDLive
MDLive, now part of Evernorth (Cigna's health services division), provides virtual urgent care, primary care, dermatology, and behavioral health services. The acquisition by Cigna has expanded MDLive's reach through one of the largest health insurance networks in the country. Board-certified doctors are available 24/7 for urgent care consultations with an average wait time under 15 minutes.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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