MDLive vs Amwell: two 24/7 video visit networks, head to head
Last updated September 3, 2026.
MDLive and Amwell are the two most similar companies in telehealth: both sell 24/7 video visits with board-certified doctors, both work with employers and health plans, and both publish their cash prices. Here is where they actually differ.
What does each one cost?
MDLive prices urgent care visits from $0 to $89: as low as $0 if your health plan or employer includes MDLIVE, up to about $89 paying cash, with pricing shown upfront. Amwell says its medical visits cost $79 or less depending on your insurance, with no contracts or subscriptions and the price shown before you are billed, including nights, weekends, and holidays. For cash patients, Amwell's ceiling is $10 lower. For covered patients, both can be $0.
What is the experience like?
Both are video-first networks with 24/7 availability and pharmacy prescription capability. MDLive covers urgent care, primary care, dermatology, and behavioral health including therapy. Amwell covers urgent care and also runs programs through large health systems and insurers, including United, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. MDLive leans into behavioral health breadth. Amwell leans into deep insurance and health-system integration. For a straightforward urgent care visit, the experiences are close enough that price and your plan's coverage should decide.
Which one should you pick?
Check your insurance card first: if your plan includes one of them at $0, use that one. Paying cash, Amwell's $79-or-less cap edges MDLive's $89 ceiling. Need therapy or psychiatry? MDLive lists behavioral health prominently. And if you are not sure your problem needs a paid visit at all, Pymander's free AI doctor consult answers that by text before you spend anything. Emergencies bypass both: call 911. Pymander routes emergency red flags to 911, and its escalation logic is documented in its safety architecture working paper.
What a Pymander AI doctor consult looks like
Illustrative example, not a real member's messages.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, MDLive or Amwell?
For cash patients, Amwell slightly: it says medical visits cost $79 or less depending on insurance, while MDLive's urgent care range tops out around $89. With participating insurance or an employer benefit, either can be $0, so check your plan first.
Do both work 24/7?
Yes. Both networks offer around-the-clock video visits. Amwell says its price is the same nights, weekends, and holidays.
Which is better for mental health?
MDLive lists behavioral health, including therapy, as a core service line. Amwell also offers mental health through its platform and health-system partners. Compare the specific therapist availability and pricing in your state on each.
Do both take insurance?
Yes. MDLive works through health plans and employers; Amwell partners with plans including United, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Both also accept cash-pay patients.
Can both prescribe?
Yes. Both services' board-certified providers can send prescriptions to your pharmacy when appropriate.
What if it is an emergency?
Skip both and call 911. Pymander is built to recognize emergency red flags in your text and direct you to call rather than continue.