Virtual visits
Talk to a health care provider from your computer, tablet or smartphone
What is a virtual visit? It may be a term you’re hearing more often. That’s because the use of virtual visits, also known as telehealth, has expanded recently, offering people more ways to connect with a health care provider from home or work. During a virtual visit, you use digital technologies, like your smartphone, tablet or computer, to talk with a provider. You can get treatment options and even prescriptions for medications, if needed.
UnitedHealthcare offers members options for virtual visits with local providers or by using UnitedHealthcare’s preferred national providers. For benefits coverage information, please sign in to your account. Let’s go over some of the basics about virtual visits and how they work.
Are virtual visits covered?
Virtual visits may be covered by your health insurance in a similar way to an office visit with your doctor. Depending on your benefit coverage, you may be able schedule a virtual visit with a local provider or have a virtual visit for primary care, therapy, specialty care or 24/7 with a national provider for urgent care or when your provider is not available. Sign in to your account or call the number on your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage. Below are some options that may be available, based on your health plan.
Virtual care may include in-network virtual visits for medical, mental health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, home health, vision, hearing and dental services.
| Insurance type | Virtual visit options |
|---|---|
| Members with health insurance through work |
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| Individual and Family (ACA) Marketplace members |
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| Medicare Advantage members |
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| Group Retiree Medicare Advantage members |
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Medicaid members |
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Virtual visits for mental health
If you need care for mental health issues, local health care providers may be able to provide virtual visits. Coverage may depend on your health plan benefits, so sign in to your account or call the number on your member ID card first to learn what benefits may be available to you.
Emotional support by phone or mobile app
Some emotional support programs may be included with certain health plans. Sign in to your account to learn if the following benefits may be available with your health plan.
- With the Calm app, you can find programs and tools to help support your mental health and well-being — all at your own pace. The Calm Health app brings you a library of support — including mindfulness content and programs created by psychologists — for a variety of health experiences and life stages.
- With Talkspace online therapy, you can regularly communicate with a therapist, safely and securely from your phone or desktop. No office visit required. Talkspace is convenient, safe and secure. Simply register (first visit only) and choose a provider and message anywhere, anytime. Eligible members can visit talkspace.com/connect to get started.