TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sesame – Best Overall
Sesame’s dynamic marketplace gives patients the tools to see a dentist, get an online dental consultation, and more – regardless of location, income, or insurance status.
Lemonaid Primary Care Complete — Best Full-Service Platform
Lemonaid Primary Care Complete is a full-service telehealth platform that not only delivers medications, but provides virtual consultations with licensed physicians, so patients can easily get new prescriptions and refills.
Humana Pharmacy — Best Delivery Service
With free standard shipping, discreet packaging, and multiple order methods, Humana Pharmacy is one of the nation’s leading prescription delivery services, trusted by millions to get their medications on time.
iHerb — Best Online Supplement Store
iHerb stocks 30,000 products from the world’s most reputable supplement brands, making it a go-to choice for customers looking for a trustworthy online source of natural remedies.
Nurx — Best for Women
Nurx focuses on getting women access to care for all their reproductive and sexual health needs, including prescriptions and delivery of birth control, emergency contraception, at-home STI tests, and more.
Hims — Best for Men
Hims is a full-service platform that specializes in men’s healthcare needs, including prescribing and delivering medications and supplements for conditions like erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and skincare.
There are many different types of services through which consumers can get prescriptions and supplements. In order to meet the widest range of needs, we looked at all kinds of services, and selected the best ones based on three broad levels of criteria.
Within the last decade, the Food and Drug Administration has identified dozens of rogue online prescription services that sell unapproved or fake prescription drugs, and don’t follow best practices for the safe distribution of prescription medications. Our top priority was identifying legal, safe, and trustworthy online supplement and prescription services, to guarantee that customers get authentic medications from a legitimate pharmacist.
We looked for companies that offer robust services to make the process as efficient and helpful as possible. Whether it’s a telehealth company that offers consultations or an online pharmacy that provides tools for making medication management easier, the services on our list can address a variety of customer needs.
Convenience is one of the main reasons people use online supplement and prescription services, so we prioritized companies that streamline and simplify getting your medications. This includes same-day consultations for new prescriptions, delivery and automatic refill services, and mobile apps so you can manage your medications on the go.
Sesame describes itself as a “superstore for great doctors and specialists,” providing a database of care options at discounted prices by paying care providers directly. Sesame can help you find a wide range of services in your area, from dental health and prescriptions to mental health and urgent care. Their website also allows you to search for care in four different ways – by location, by care type, by specialty, or by symptom – so you should have no problem finding dental health resources that suit your needs.
Price | Accepts Insurance | Other Features |
$34 to $77 for a 15- to 20-minute consultation | No | -Flexible rates that vary by provider -Video or phone consultations -Same-day and next-day appointments –More features at Sesame |
Pros and Cons of Sesame
Pros:
Cons:
What Are Customers Saying?
“I don’t have insurance and couldn’t risk paying hundreds for a bill. Knowing how much to pay upfront meant I could actually afford my doctor on Sesame.”
Scores
Ease of use: 95/100
Convenience factor: 100/100
Technology: 100/100
Personalization: 95/100
Overall score: 97.5/100
Lemonaid Primary Care Complete seeks to bring affordable, accessible healthcare, regardless of insurance, to all Americans. They combine a team of licensed doctors and healthcare professionals with current technology to provide a variety of services, including primary care, prescription services, mental health treatment, and more.
For individuals who need a new prescription for routine medications like birth control, erectile dysfunction, or acne treatments, Lemonaid Primary Care Complete is fast and efficient. Customers answer some basic health questions, have a brief consultation with a doctor, and if their prescription request is approved, Lemonaid Primary Care Complete will ship the first order for free within 2-3 business days. Additional medication will be sent on a regular basis, also with free shipping, in discreet, secure packaging.
Lemonaid Primary Care Complete also makes getting refills easier. Instead of making a time-consuming in-person appointment with a doctor, simply have a free, virtual consultation to re-up your medication when your prescription expires.
Price | Accepts Insurance | Other Features |
Consultation: $25 Prescription prices vary | Yes, for prescriptions | – New prescriptions and refills – Mobile app – Free shipping – More features at Lemonaid Primary Care Complete |
Pros & Cons of Lemonaid Primary Care Complete:
Pros:
Cons:
What Customers Are Saying
Users like Lemonaid Primary Care Complete for saving them time and money. Writes one customer, “This is a great service. Very fast. I had a doctor video visit and meds within one hour. It saved me $150 and an office visit, and got me a much better price on my prescription.”
Score
Ease of use: 90/100
Convenience factor: 100/100
Technology: 90/100
Personalization: 100/100
Overall score: 95/100
Humana Pharmacy’s mission is simple — provide a convenient, reliable way for customers to order prescriptions and have them shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Once you create a free account with Humana Pharmacy, you can enter a new prescription, or transfer existing prescriptions from another pharmacy. Humana’s pharmacists double-check every order, and are available for consultations if you have questions about your medication. Users also have the option to order refills through Humana Pharmacy, when available.
Standard shipping is free for all orders, and medications are packaged in unmarked, tamper-resistant packaging. If medication needs to be refrigerated, it will be sent in a cold pack.
Humana Pharmacy offers several ways for customers to create an account, manage their prescriptions, and get assistance, including their website, a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, telephone, or mail. They also have brick-and-mortar pharmacy locations throughout the South, Midwest, and West.
Price | Accepts Insurance | Other Features |
Free to create an account; prescription prices vary | Yes | – Mobile app – Accepts all major credit cards – Free shipping – More features at Humana Pharmacy |
Pros & Cons of Humana Pharmacy
Pros:
Cons:
What Customers Are Saying
According to customers, Humana Pharmacy offers quality service and reliable delivery. “This is a great online pharmacy,” writes one user. “Very easy to order prescriptions at great prices. Their website is easy to follow, and prescriptions arrive in good time as well.”
Scores
Ease of use: 75/100
Convenience factor: 60/100
Technology: 90/100
Personalization: 55/100
Overall score: 70/100
iHerb stands out among online supplement services because they have been around for 25 years, offer over 30,000 products from the most reputable national brands, and all of their products are housed in climate-controlled warehouses prior to shipping.
Unlike other providers on this list, no prescription is needed for products from iHerb. These products are ideal for those who prefer all-natural remedies and supplements to help them boost their immune systems, sleep better, increase their energy, relax, and more.
All supplements for sale via iHerb are categorized by the human systems with which they are meant to interact. Even obscure herbal categories have plenty of options for site visitors, so users may be able to discover new supplements and remedies to help them with various ailments and conditions. Customers can order through their website, or by downloading their mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
Price | Accepts Insurance | Other Features |
Free to use; individual product prices vary | No | – Mobile app – 24/7 customer service – Multiple ways to shop – More features at iHerb |
Pros & Cons of iHerb
Pros:
Cons:
What Customers Are Saying
For many customers, iHerb is a favorite source of all-natural remedies. “I have nothing but tremendous praise for this seller, their customer care, delivery fulfillment, and their attention to packaging my order securely,” writes one user. “You really can’t go wrong with iHerb.”
Scores
Ease of use: 85/100
Convenience factor: 90/100
Technology: 90/100
Personalization: 75/100
Overall score: 85/100
Nurx is designed to be a one-stop online shop for female health needs, with a focus on sexual health and care that can be hard to access. Whether you are exploring birth control options, need emergency contraception or herpes treatment, or want to get tested for STIs, Nurx has you covered.
Share your health history through the secure website or app, let Nurx’s doctors take a look, then request prescriptions or tests for your specific health needs. Nurx offers more than 100 birth control brands and formulas, many of which have a $0 copay with insurance and cost as little as $15/month out-of-pocket.
An initial medical consultation is just $15, and gives you unlimited access to Nurx’s medical providers for a year, so you have somewhere to turn with any follow-up questions or concerns. Once your prescription is approved, Nurx will send you a 3-month supply of birth control or other medication with automatic refills for one year.
In addition to sexual and reproductive health needs, Nurx recently began treating migraines. Their specially trained medical team will work with you to find the migraine treatment plan that works for you.
We should note that while Nurx is our favorite female-centered online medicine site, that product lines including STI testing, HIV PrEP, herpes treatment and migraine care are gender non-specific.
Price | Accepts Insurance | Other Features |
Consultation: $15 Prescription prices vary | Yes | – New prescriptions and refills – Mobile app – Additional services available – More features at Nurx |
Pros & Cons of Nurx
Pros:
Cons:
What Customers Are Saying
Nurx has a loyal customer base for making female sexual health care more accessible and efficient. “This app made my life so much better,” writes one user. “I live in a rural area, so it’s a pain to get prescriptions at the pharmacy. With Nurx, it comes right to my house.”
Scores
Ease of use: 85/100
Convenience factor: 90/100
Technology: 90/100
Personalization: 75/100
Overall score: 85/100
As the name implies, Hims’ target audience is men. This platform connects men with healthcare providers virtually, from the privacy of their home, to discuss a range of issues, including primary care, reproductive and sexual health, mental health, hair loss, and more.
Following a consultation, if a healthcare provider feels prescription medication is necessary, they can write a prescription that users can have filled and delivered directly through Hims. Prescriptions and supplements will arrive in discreet packaging with free shipping once a month.
Hims charges a one-time fee starting at $39 for a health evaluation, which includes a video call with a provider. Prescription costs vary depending on the medication. Hims does not accept insurance for consultation costs, but you may be able to use insurance to pay for prescriptions.
Price | Accepts Insurance | Other Features |
Consultation: $39 Prescription prices vary | Yes, for some prescriptions | – New prescriptions and refills – Primary care and men’s healthcare – Mobile app – More features at Hims |
Pros & Cons of Hims
Pros:
Cons:
What Customers Are Saying
Many men report being satisfied with the services they received through Hims. “Hims has been fantastic to deal with,” says one user. “Great software, great medical personnel and great customer service. Product is very affordable. Hims makes everything very private and easy to use.”
Scores
Ease of use: 70/100
Convenience factor: 80/100
Technology: 90/100
Personalization: 60/100
Overall score: 75/100
The internet has given rise to many services that fall under the umbrella of telehealth and telemedicine, including online prescription services. This is a boon to consumers, but they must be careful to avoid scams that can be costly, inconvenient, or even life-threatening.
“Finding a quality, reliable company is the most important aspect when selecting an online prescription service. However, every patient has varying needs, so selecting the right service can be challenging,” says Mitchell Fong, Director of Telehealth of Renown Health.
While it is legal to order prescriptions online, there are regulations in place to assure that online pharmacies operate safely and legally. These regulations include:
If an online pharmacy does not follow these regulations, it is likely fraudulent, and you should not use it.
Another telltale sign of fraudulent activity is drug prices that are far below the regular market price. If a price is too good to be true, it often means the medication is inauthentic. This can lead to dangerous consequences, including not having the proper medications when you need them, or taking something that interacts negatively with your other medications.
The use of online supplement and prescription services has grown exponentially in recent years, and is on track to continue expanding, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled people to conduct more of their shopping online.