COVID-19 virtual care options

Talk to a doctor from home with virtual visits

Virtual visits, also known as telehealth, give you access to health care providers outside of the provider’s office, such as from home or work. Many providers offer virtual visits through your smartphone, tablet or computer for a variety of care needs, including routine or urgent care.

UnitedHealthcare has options for getting virtual care with your local providers or UnitedHealthcare’s preferred national providers.

Virtual visits with your local providers

UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping you get the care you need outside of the doctor’s office with virtual visits.

UnitedHealthcare Exchange, Individual and Employer-sponsored health plans:

  • Cost-share for COVID-19 testing-related virtual visits: For COVID-19 testing-related virtual visits, you will have $0 cost-share with in-network and out-of-network providers through the national public health emergency period, currently scheduled to end May 11, 2023.
  • Cost-share for COVID-19 treatment via virtual visits: Coverage for in-network and out-of-network virtual visit services related to COVID-19 treatment will be determined by your benefit plan. You will be responsible for any copay, coinsurance, deductible or out-of-network costs, according to your benefits plan.
  • Coverage for virtual visits not related to COVID-19: Members may have virtual visits from their home with their network providers. Coverage for in-network and out-of-network virtual visits not related to COVID-19 will be determined by your benefit plan. You will be responsible for any copay, coinsurance, deductible or out-of-network costs, according to your benefits plan.

Please note that state-specific rules, regulations and emergency periods do apply and can be found on the UnitedHealthcare provider website or by signing in to your member account. These may vary from federal regulations. If no state-specific exceptions apply, UnitedHealthcare guidelines will apply. Some employer-insured health plans1 have different coverage policies; if you have questions, please check with your human resources benefits team.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans:

  • Cost-share for COVID-19 testing-related virtual visits: For COVID-19 testing-related virtual visits (telehealth), you will have $0 cost-share for in-network and out-of-network visits through the national public health emergency period, currently scheduled to end May 11, 2023 .
  • Cost-share for COVID-19 treatment via virtual visits: You will be responsible for the cost-share (copays, coinsurance or deductibles) for COVID-19 treatment via virtual visits. Most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays for covered virtual visit services. Check your plan materials for cost-share details.
  • Expanded access for virtual visits not related to COVID-19: For in-network and out-of-network providers, you will have expanded access to virtual visits through the national public health emergency period, currently scheduled to end May 11, 2023 .

Cost-share for virtual visits not related to COVID-19 testing will be determined by your benefit plan. Most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays for covered virtual visit services. Check your plan materials for cost-share details.

Medicaid health plans: For individuals enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Community Plans, state variations and regulations may apply during this time. Please review the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan website and your state’s site for the latest applicable information. If no state-specific exceptions apply, traditional UnitedHealthcare plan guidelines will apply.

For benefits coverage information, please sign in to your health plan account or review the additional COVID-19 coverage options that may be available.

Take care of your emotional health

In a stressful time, it can be hard to cope. Talking to someone may help you feel better. Here are some ways to connect and take care of yourself. 

  • With Self Care by AbleTo, get personalized content that’s designed to help you boost your mood and shift your perspectives. Self Care by AbleTo is here to help you feel better —and it’s available at no additional cost to you. Get started by visiting ableto.com/begin
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat . For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
  • The Crisis Text Line is a free resource available 24/7 to help you connect with a crisis counselor Text “Home” to 741741

Get help to understand your benefits

If you have questions about your benefits, sign in to your health plan account or call the number on your member ID card. We can help you understand your coverage, find a health care provider or connect you with a nurse.

We're listening

We’re committed to keeping you up to date on COVID-19. We're taking note of your questions and working hard to provide answers.