MDLive vs Teladoc
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top telehealth platforms picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
MDLive
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Virtual healthcare backed by Evernorth and Cigna
Teladoc
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
The largest and most established telehealth platform in the US
Our pick: Teladoc. Our editors rank Teladoc higher overall in Telehealth Platforms — but MDLive can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| MDLive | Teladoc | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Primary Care | Primary Care |
| Editorial rank | #3 of 15 | #1 of 15 |
Strengths
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
Teladoc
- ✓Largest telehealth network with availability in all 50 states
- ✓Accepted by most major insurance plans and employer benefits
- ✓Average wait time under 10 minutes for urgent care visits
- ✓Comprehensive services spanning primary care, mental health, and specialty care
- ✓24/7 availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
Watch out for
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
Teladoc
- !Out-of-pocket costs can be high without insurance coverage
- !Continuity of care can be limited with rotating provider pool
- !Some conditions still require in-person examination
- !Prescription limitations vary by state regulations
Best use cases
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
Teladoc
- →See a doctor within 10 minutes for a sinus infection and get an antibiotic prescription sent to your pharmacy
- →Schedule a dermatology consultation by uploading photos of a skin concern
- →Access mental health therapy through weekly video sessions with a licensed counselor
About each tool
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.
Teladoc
Teladoc is the pioneer and market leader in virtual healthcare, providing on-demand access to board-certified doctors, therapists, and specialists across all 50 states. The platform handles everything from cold and flu visits to dermatology consultations and mental health therapy. Teladoc is accepted by most major insurance plans and employer benefits programs, making it accessible to hundreds of millions of Americans. Average wait times are under 10 minutes for urgent care visits.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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