Skip the Line With the 8 Best Online Pharmacies
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Need a prescription but don't have time to take off from work and sit around waiting at the doctor's office to only then head over to the pharmacy and hurry up and wait some more? (Not to mention scheduling a new-patient appointment today takes 24% more time than it did in 2004.) Or maybe you've got your prescription already, but you had to leave the pharmacy empty-handed after the pharmacist quoted you a price you couldn't afford. You're not alone there: roughly 18 million Americans can't afford to pay for the prescriptions they need. Online pharmacies hope to address all of these problems by making it cheaper, faster, and easier to get the medications you need.
Improved access is considered the biggest benefit of online pharmacies, with convenience and reduced costs following close behind, according to a 2021 International Pharmaceutical Federation survey. Online pharmacies make filling prescriptions for everyday medications a snap, but how do you know which one's best for you? To help you find the best online pharmacy to fit your needs, we evaluated over 30 companies, compared costs, quality, and availability, and consulted a subject matter expert to round up our top picks.
Best Online Pharmacy of 2023
Most Comprehensive: RedBox Rx
Best for Subscription: Blink Health
Best for Erectile Dysfunction: Roman
Best for Birth Control: Lemonaid Health
Best for Generics: Sesame Care
Best for Hair Loss: Ro Pharmacy
Best for Temperature-Sensitive Shipping: Optum Rx
Most User-Friendly: LetsGetChecked
Most Comprehensive: RedBox Rx
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Best for Subscription: Blink Health
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Best for Erectile Dysfunction: Roman
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Best for Birth Control: Lemonaid Health
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Best for Generics: Sesame Care
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Best for Hair Loss: Ro Pharmacy
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Best for Temperature-Sensitive Shipping: Optum Rx
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Most User-Friendly: LetsGetChecked
Key Specs
Cost: $10 monthly subscription fee for telehealth prescription services, plus cost of medication
Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Free shipping? Yes
Why We Chose It
For $10 a month, you get unlimited access to messaging and consultations with licensed healthcare providers, seamless auto-refills, and low-priced prescriptions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Subscription includes unlimited messaging with providers
Can get new prescription via telehealth or bring your current prescription
Over 250 birth control pill options available
Auto-refills
Customer service available seven days a week
Cons
Not available in all states
$10 monthly subscription fee
Not for first-time users of hormonal birth control
Only for adults
Overview
Blink Health was founded in 2014 as a way for people to save money on prescriptions, similar to GoodRx. In 2019, the service added telehealth prescribing appointments for birth control. So there are two models here: you can either bring your current birth control prescription to Blink Health to get it filled or you can get a subscription to its telehealth service and have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider to get a new prescription. Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux.
To get a new prescription, start by choosing the medication you're interested in. (One caveat is that Blink Health is not for first-time users of hormonal birth control, and you must choose a medication you've used before.) You can peruse the list of options or enter the name of your medication in the search box. Within 24 hours of submitting your request, a physician will follow up with you. Next, you'll have a virtual medical consultation and, if appropriate, your chosen medication will be prescribed and sent to your home within three to five business days. Auto-refills are shipped every one to three months, according to your prescription.
To access telehealth, you must subscribe to the service for $10 per month. Subscriptions include unlimited messaging with healthcare providers, which can be handy if you want to try a different medication or discuss any troubling symptoms. Telehealth for birth control pills are only available in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas. For erectile dysfunction, you must be ages 25 to 65, and live in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas.
Blink Health has experienced some controversy. In 2017, a former investor filed a $30 million lawsuit against the company alleging fraud, breach of contract, and other illegal actions, but a judge tossed the case out in 2022.
Final Verdict
Which online pharmacy service works best for you may depend on your specific medication needs. We chose RedBox Rx as the most comprehensive service since it is available in all 50 states, offers free medical consultations for many common medications—with prescriptions starting around $10 per month—and provides telehealth appointments and prescriptions for a wide array of health concerns.
If you're looking specifically for an online pharmacy that offers low-cost generics, Sesame Care's $5-a-month medication program might be worth checking out. If you're hoping to avoid a live consultation, LetsGetChecked has free requests for ED medications and birth control and low prescription costs for those in the states it serves.
Compare the Best Online Pharmacies
Guide to Choosing the Best Online Pharmacy
Are Online Pharmacies Better Than In-Person Pharmacies?
Online pharmacies can save you time and money. You won't have to drive anywhere or wait in line. What's more, many online pharmacies do more than just fill your prescription, and also offer telehealth medical consultations to prescribe you medication in the first place. Most online pharmacies keep costs low by not working with insurance companies. Consultations are often free or lower than the cost of a typical co-pay. One drawback is that most telehealth providers cannot prescribe controlled substances or some stimulants, but you may be able to have your existing prescription from an in-person physician transferred to an online pharmacy.
"Some online pharmacies provide discount programs for those without medication coverage or with high-deductible plans. This helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and makes getting the needed medications more accessible," says Lindsay Modglin, a nurse, professional writer, and subject matter expert. "However, an online pharmacy may not be the best choice if you need a drug requiring regular monitoring or adjustments, such as insulin. Shipping delays could also be an issue in time-sensitive situations, such as needing an antibiotic for an infection. Local pharmacies can often fill prescriptions on the same day, so you don't miss a dose."
How Do You Know if an Online Pharmacy Is Reputable?
The siren song of deeply discounted medication and free online consultations can lure many people into buying medicine from the wrong places.
"The most significant red flag to watch for when using an online pharmacy is one that doesn't require a prescription. Legitimate online pharmacies should always require you to have a valid doctor's prescription before filling your order," explains Modglin. "When you receive the medication, make sure the packaging is sealed and looks like the same medication you would get locally. It should also include prescribing information, and any accompanying literature should be from the manufacturer. The website should have a safe checkout process and policies protecting your privacy. If you're in doubt, ask your doctor for a list of reputable online pharmacies."The FDA has a BeSafeRx website with tips and tools for being safe when buying prescription medicines online. It notes that a reputable online pharmacy is one that is licensed with a state board of pharmacy (or partners with a pharmacy that is), has licensed pharmacists available to answer questions, always requires a prescription, and has a physical address and phone number in the U.S. Buying medication from non-licensed sources can be dangerous because it may not contain the right active ingredient or the right amount of it, or may contain harmful substances.
The FDA says red flags of online pharmacies include:
Medicine that looks different than what's found at local pharmacies
Packages that arrive damaged
Medications that are expired or have no expiration date
Prices that are suspiciously low
Charging for medication that never arrives
Not outlining how it protects your personal and financial data
How to Compare the Best Online Pharmacies
There are various factors to consider when deciding which online pharmacy service is best for you. These factors include:
Cost: Compare the costs of each service's medical consultations (if required or needed) and the price of the medications you're interested in. It may end up being a better value to use a service that offers cheaper medication and more expensive medical consultations.
Insurance and/or HSA/FSA accepted: While none of the online pharmacy companies on this list accept insurance for consults and new prescriptions (though Optum Rx accepts insurance for prescriptions you have transferred there) many accept FSA and HSA payment. In many cases, you will pay less for the medication than you would have via your insurance, but it's always good to compare costs before committing.
Medical consults: Many services will prescribe you a new medication after you fill out an extensive health assessment form, while others require a live video or phone medical consultation. You'll likely want to choose a service that has healthcare professionals available either via messaging or video/phone in case you want to switch medications or have questions or concerns about side effects. Some states require live consults: check the current regulations.
Shipping and privacy: Most online pharmacies provide free shipping; all the ones on the list above do. And nearly all services ship medications in discreet packaging. Some services will also ship to P.O. boxes. Before choosing a service, check that it can serve residents of your state and ship to your home. Also, be sure that all telehealth platforms and information forms are secure and HIPAA compliant, which means the company has security measures in place to protect users' data that meet federal standards.
Refill procedure: Many companies have auto-refill features or allow you to choose how long you want to receive medication (90 days, 6 months, 12 months, etc.), but others may send your first bottle of medication and then wait for you to request a refill when you need it. Depending on the drug, one scenario may work better for you than the other. It's also important to make a note of how often you'll need to speak with a provider to get your prescription renewed once you run out of refills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Typically Cost to Get Prescriptions Shipped?
Most online pharmacies offer free shipping or the option of having your prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice. Prices for medications vary between services. Some services have a wide selection of generics for a flat rate, like Sesame Care's $5 meds program, and others have the option to choose between generics and brand names, with prices ranging from around $5-$15 for a one-month supply to $90 per pill.
Is There Medication You Can't Get From an Online Pharmacy?
Most telehealth providers cannot prescribe medications considered controlled substances, some stimulants, and devices that will need to be placed by a medical professional, such as an intrauterine device (IUD). The rules for telehealth prescribing of certain medications were relaxed by the Government during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but these changes may only be temporary.
Do Online Pharmacies Offer Discounts?
Many online pharmacies offer discounts on care or medications if you sign up for a subscription, which is typically paid for monthly or annually. Other companies offer discounts for your first month of medication or service to allow you to find out if the service works for you without spending as much money as you normally would. Several companies offer free medical consultations for certain concerns.
Do You Need to Have A Medical Consultation to Get a Prescription Online?
There tend to be two models of online pharmacy: one that processes prescriptions from in-person doctors and ships them to your home and one that provides telehealth consultations that may supply you with a prescription, which the company itself or a pharmacy it partners with then ships to your home. Some companies offer both models of care. Several online pharmacies will just ask you to fill out a highly detailed health assessment with your medication request and prescribe you medication after a healthcare professional looks over your information. Some states require live video consults to acquire a prescription online.
Methodology
To create this list of the best online pharmacies, we evaluated over 30 companies that offer online pharmacy services. Factors taken into account for this evaluation include the cost of medications, telehealth services, shipping, and subscriptions, states, and ages served, variety of healthcare services and medication provided, availability of healthcare professionals to answer questions, customer service availability, quality of service, and customer reviews, track record of reliability, shipping speed and discretion, and safety of your personal data.
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