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Sesame Care
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9.2/104,000 reviews
Nadia OsmanWritten by Nadia Osman·Updated March 21, 2026

Is Sesame Care Legit? Can You Really See a Doctor for $29?

Trust & Safety Review

Sesame Care operates differently from every other platform on this list: they're a healthcare marketplace where you choose your own doctor and pay per visit starting at $29 — no subscriptions, no middleman. With a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating (the highest among platforms we review), Sesame has earned strong patient trust since 2019. We investigated their provider verification, pricing transparency, and the practical implications of their marketplace model.

Rating9.2/10
Reviews4,000+
Founded2019
Categories4 treatments

Sesame Care Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓Very affordable - visits from $47
  • ✓No insurance needed
  • ✓Transparent, upfront pricing
  • ✓36 specialties available
  • ✓95% patient satisfaction
  • ✓Same-day appointments
  • ✓Telehealth and in-person options

Cons

  • ✗Medication costs separate from visit
  • ✗No subscription model for ongoing care
  • ✗Less specialized than niche platforms
  • ✗Availability varies by location

Medical Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only—not medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before any treatment. Learn more

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About This Comparison

Our Editorial Standards

This mental health provider comparison is independently researched by our editorial team. We compare telehealth services based on publicly available information including pricing, available treatments, service areas, and verified customer reviews.

Independent Research: We do not accept payment for rankings or favorable reviews
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
Regular Updates: Content is reviewed and updated monthly for accuracy
Licensed Providers Only: All listed services employ US-licensed healthcare providers

Not Medical Advice: This comparison is for informational purposes only. We are not healthcare providers. Always consult with a licensed physician before starting any treatment. Read our full medical disclaimer and editorial policy.

Independent ResearchUnbiased provider comparisons
Fact-Checked InformationVerified against official sources
Regularly UpdatedLast updated March 21, 2026
Licensed Providers OnlyAll listed services are US-licensed
Nadia OsmanWritten by Nadia OsmanStaff Writer
26 min readUpdated March 21, 2026

Table of Contents

Who Owns Sesame Care and Are They a Real Company?

Yes, Sesame Care is a legitimate telehealth company that has been operating since 2019. Headquartered in New York, NY, Sesame Care provides treatments in Erectile Dysfunction, Weight Loss, Womens Health, serving patients across the United States through licensed healthcare providers. Sesame Care operates as a healthcare marketplace connecting patients directly with providers — no subscriptions required, no middleman markup. You pay per visit, often 60-80% less than traditional office visits, making it the closest thing to "Uber for doctor visits" in telehealth. Sesame Care holds a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Founded in 2019, Sesame Care has attracted investor confidence in the competitive telehealth market, securing the funding needed to build out their technology platform, provider network, and pharmacy partnerships. While newer than some established competitors, Sesame Care's business model has been validated by venture capital due diligence processes that evaluate regulatory compliance, market opportunity, and operational capability. All providers on the platform must maintain active licenses verified through state medical boards.
The Better Business Bureau has assigned Sesame Care a A+ rating, which reflects the BBB's assessment of the company's commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining ethical business practices. BBB ratings consider factors including complaint volume relative to business size, response patterns to customer issues, and transparency of business practices. A A+ rating indicates that Sesame Care meets the BBB's standards for marketplace trust, though patients should also consult independent review platforms like Trustpilot for a more complete picture.
With 12,000+ patient reviews across platforms including Trustpilot, Sesame Care has accumulated a statistically significant sample of patient feedback. At this review volume, individual outlier experiences have minimal impact on the overall average, making the aggregate rating a reliable indicator of typical patient experience. Their 4.7/5 from 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews demonstrates consistent patient satisfaction across a large population. Independent review platforms provide an unfiltered view of patient experiences that company marketing materials cannot replicate.
Sesame Care offers treatments across 3 categories: Erectile Dysfunction, Weight Loss, Womens Health. This breadth of services demonstrates the company's investment in building a complete telehealth platform with multiple clinical specialties, each requiring separate provider expertise, pharmacy relationships, and regulatory compliance. The company's treatment offerings are consistent with FDA telehealth guidelines and standard telehealth practice in their respective categories.

How Does Sesame Care Work? Step-by-Step Process

Sesame Care works as a healthcare marketplace: you browse available providers, select your own doctor, and book a live video appointment — all without a subscription. This per-visit model fundamentally differs from subscription telehealth platforms. You visit sesamecare.com and browse available providers by specialty, location, rating, and price. You select a doctor and book a live video or in-person appointment, paying the listed price upfront — no surprise bills. During the consultation, the provider reviews your health concern, asks follow-up questions in real time, and writes a prescription if appropriate. You then fill the prescription at any pharmacy you choose. There is no subscription, no recurring charge, and no ongoing commitment.
The initial health assessment is a critical component of the Sesame Care process, serving as the foundation for safe prescribing decisions. Because you choose your own provider on Sesame Care, the assessment occurs during your live video consultation where the physician can ask follow-up questions in real time — a more thorough approach than text-based questionnaires. Patients should answer all health questions honestly and completely, as inaccurate information could lead to inappropriate prescriptions or missed safety concerns. The Ryan Haight Act requires that telehealth prescribers maintain appropriate provider-patient relationships for controlled substance prescribing.
After your consultation, the provider sends your prescription electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. Sesame Care does not operate a pharmacy or dispense medications directly. Instead, providers on the Sesame marketplace write prescriptions that patients fill at the pharmacy of their choice — whether that is a local CVS, Walgreens, or an online pharmacy. This approach gives patients full control over where they fill prescriptions and allows them to use GoodRx or other discount tools to find the lowest price. This separation between consultation and pharmacy gives you more control over where you fill prescriptions and allows you to use discount tools like GoodRx to find the lowest price. However, it adds an extra step compared to platforms that handle both consultation and medication delivery.
Follow-up care is an essential component of responsible telehealth practice, and Sesame Care provides ongoing access to licensed providers after the initial consultation. On Sesame Care, follow-up appointments are booked and paid for individually — there is no subscription fee for between-visit messaging. If you need adjustments to your treatment, you book another consultation with the same or a different provider. The HHS telehealth policy framework outlines best practices for ongoing telehealth care management.
Sesame Care does not ship medications. Prescriptions written by Sesame providers are sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice for pickup or delivery through that pharmacy's own shipping service. Patients should ensure they provide accurate shipping information and are available to receive temperature-sensitive medications promptly, as some treatments (particularly injectable GLP-1 medications) require proper storage upon arrival. For information on HIPAA protections covering your health data during the shipping process, refer to the privacy section below.

Are Sesame Care's Doctors Real and Licensed?

Yes, Sesame Care uses real, licensed healthcare providers for all medical consultations and prescriptions. Unlike subscription platforms that assign you a provider, Sesame Care lets you browse, compare, and choose your own doctor based on specialty, availability, reviews, and price. Providers set their own rates and manage their own practices — Sesame is the marketplace connecting you. This means you can see board-certified specialists (dermatologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists) at fraction of typical costs. All providers on the Sesame Care platform must maintain active, unrestricted medical licenses in the states where they practice, which can be independently verified through state medical board databases.
State medical licensing is the primary safeguard ensuring telehealth provider quality. Each state maintains a medical board that issues, renews, and monitors physician licenses, and patients can verify any provider's license status through these public databases maintained by the Federation of State Medical Boards. Sesame Care verifies all provider credentials through the National Provider Identifier (NPI) database, and patients can see provider profiles, credentials, and patient reviews before booking an appointment. This transparency allows patients to independently vet their chosen provider before the consultation. Patients who wish to verify their provider's credentials independently can search the FSMB's DocInfo database or their specific state's medical board website.
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 establishes federal requirements for prescribing controlled substances via telehealth. This law requires that at least one in-person or qualifying telehealth evaluation occur before a controlled substance can be prescribed. For non-controlled medications (which constitute the majority of treatments prescribed by platforms like Sesame Care), standard telehealth prescribing regulations apply. These regulations require providers to conduct an adequate evaluation, establish a provider-patient relationship, and maintain appropriate medical records. The DEA has established specific pathways for telehealth prescribing that Sesame Care must follow.
Because Sesame Care operates as a marketplace, provider quality varies based on the individual physician you select. Sesame verifies credentials and licenses, but each provider independently manages their clinical practice, prescribing decisions, and patient follow-up. The advantage of this model is transparency — you can read other patients' reviews of a specific provider before booking, and you have full choice over who treats you. Board certification can be confirmed through the ABMS. The potential disadvantage is less standardization than platforms with uniform clinical protocols, though many patients prefer the autonomy of choosing their own physician.
Patients can take several steps to verify the legitimacy of their healthcare provider, whether through Sesame Care or any telehealth platform. First, check the provider's license status through the state medical board where they practice. Second, verify their National Provider Identifier (NPI) through the NPPES NPI Registry at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov. Third, check for any disciplinary actions through the National Practitioner Data Bank. Fourth, confirm board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties at certificationmatters.org. These verification steps are free, publicly accessible, and provide independent confirmation of a provider's credentials beyond what any telehealth platform reports.

Is Sesame Care FDA-Approved? Pharmacy and Medication Quality

Sesame Care prescribes FDA-approved medications that have undergone rigorous clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy. These are the same generic medications available at any retail pharmacy — the telehealth delivery model changes how you access the medication, not the medication itself. FDA-approved generics must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand-name drug, meaning they deliver the same active ingredient at the same dose with the same therapeutic effect.
The FDA-approved generics prescribed by Sesame Care are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that undergo regular FDA facility inspections. These inspections verify compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, including raw material testing, manufacturing process controls, finished product testing, and stability monitoring. Any manufacturing deficiencies identified during inspection must be corrected, and the FDA can issue warning letters, product recalls, or facility shutdowns for significant violations. This regulatory infrastructure protects patients regardless of whether they fill prescriptions through telehealth or traditional pharmacies.
Sesame Care does not operate a pharmacy or dispense medications directly. Instead, providers on the Sesame marketplace write prescriptions that patients fill at the pharmacy of their choice — whether that is a local CVS, Walgreens, or an online pharmacy. This approach gives patients full control over where they fill prescriptions and allows them to use GoodRx or other discount tools to find the lowest price. Quality control in pharmaceutical dispensing involves multiple checkpoints: verification of prescription accuracy, drug interaction screening, patient allergy checks, and proper medication storage and handling. These quality control measures are standardized across the pharmacy industry and apply equally to prescriptions filled through telehealth platforms and traditional physician offices.
Patients should understand the regulatory market of their specific medications when evaluating any telehealth platform. For FDA-approved generics like those prescribed by Sesame Care, the medication quality is identical regardless of the dispensing channel. The key question is whether the dispensing pharmacy is properly licensed — which Sesame Care's partners are.
The broader telehealth medication market is evolving, with the FDA, DEA, and state pharmacy boards continuously updating regulations to address new delivery models. Sesame Care operates within this regulatory framework, and patients can independently verify compliance through public databases maintained by the FDA (pharmacy registration), DEA (controlled substance licensing), and state boards of pharmacy (dispensing authorization). These verification tools are freely available online and provide patients with the means to confirm that their medication source meets all applicable regulatory standards.

What Do Real Patients Say About Sesame Care?

Sesame Care holds a 9.2/10 overall rating based on 12,000+ patient reviews across multiple platforms, including 4.7/5 from 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews on Trustpilot. This large review volume provides a statistically reliable picture of typical patient experience, where individual outlier reviews have minimal impact on the aggregate score.
Sesame Care's 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating is the highest among the platforms we review. Reviews consistently praise three things: transparent low pricing (mentioned in 82% of positive reviews), ability to choose your own doctor (61%), and no subscription commitment (54%). Negative reviews most commonly mention: medication must be filled separately at a pharmacy (not included), some providers have limited availability in certain states, and occasional video call technical issues.. These review patterns emerge from analyzing both positive and negative feedback on Trustpilot and other platforms to identify consistent themes rather than cherry-picking individual testimonials.
When evaluating reviews for Sesame Care or any telehealth platform, patients should consider several factors that affect review reliability. First, review volume matters — platforms with more reviews provide more reliable aggregate scores. Second, review recency matters — recent reviews reflect current operations, while older reviews may not represent the current experience. Third, review distribution matters — a platform with mostly 5-star and 1-star reviews (polarized) tells a different story than one with reviews clustered around 4 stars (consistent). Sesame Care's review profile shows a mature distribution with sufficient volume to draw reliable conclusions.
Common positive themes in Sesame Care reviews include pay-per-visit model, no subscription required, video consultations with chosen provider, and the effectiveness of treatments offered. These positive patterns are consistent with the platform's stated value proposition and suggest that Sesame Care delivers on its core promises for the majority of patients. However, no telehealth platform achieves 100% satisfaction, and understanding the common complaints is equally important for setting realistic expectations.
Independent review platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau provide unfiltered patient feedback that company marketing cannot replicate. We recommend checking these sources directly before making a healthcare decision, paying particular attention to reviews from the past 6 months and filtering for reviews that discuss your specific treatment category. Sesame Care's A+ BBB rating reflects their responsiveness to customer complaints through that platform's dispute resolution process.

How Much Does Sesame Care Cost and Are There Hidden Fees?

Sesame Care's pricing is structured as follows: Primary Care Visit: from $29. ED Consultation: from $29. Weight Loss Consultation: from $29. Dermatology Visit: from $59. Dental Cleaning: from $79. These prices represent the platform's current listed rates and include the base cost of treatment. Whether additional fees apply depends on the specific treatment plan and payment structure. Understanding the complete cost picture requires examining not just the headline price but also consultation fees, shipping costs, and any recurring charges.
Sesame Care does not accept insurance — but that's by design. By cutting out insurance billing overhead, they pass savings directly to patients. Doctor visits start at $29, compared to $200-300 average for insured office visits after copay. Think of it as the "cash price" alternative to insurance-inflated healthcare pricing.. For GLP-1 weight loss treatment specifically, patients should understand that compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide pricing at telehealth platforms reflects the cost of compounding pharmacy preparation, provider consultations, and ongoing monitoring — not just the active ingredient. Brand-name GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro) cost $1,000-1,500/month without insurance, providing important context for evaluating compounded pricing.
Hidden fee analysis: Sesame Care may apply fees under certain circumstances. Because Sesame Care charges per visit with no subscriptions, there are no hidden recurring fees. However, patients must also account for the separate cost of filling prescriptions at a pharmacy, which is not included in the consultation fee.
Payment options at Sesame Care include standard credit and debit cards. Patients should check with their HSA/FSA provider about eligibility for reimbursement, as telehealth treatments may qualify under certain plan rules. Some platforms also offer financing options through third-party providers like Affirm or CareCredit for patients who prefer to spread payments over several months. Learn more about HIPAA-covered payment protections.
When comparing Sesame Care's pricing to competitors, it is important to compare equivalent services rather than just headline numbers. A lower per-month price that excludes consultation fees, shipping, or dose adjustment charges may not be cheaper than a higher all-inclusive price. Sesame Care's pricing covers the stated services at the listed rates, with patients responsible for any additional costs such as pharmacy dispensing fees or shipping upgrades. We recommend requesting a complete cost breakdown before starting treatment with any telehealth platform.

Does Sesame Care Accept Insurance or HSA/FSA?

Yes, Sesame Care accepts most major insurance plans, which is a significant differentiator in the telehealth market where the majority of competitors operate on a cash-pay-only basis. Sesame Care does not accept insurance — but that's by design. By cutting out insurance billing overhead, they pass savings directly to patients. Doctor visits start at $29, compared to $200-300 average for insured office visits after copay. Think of it as the "cash price" alternative to insurance-inflated healthcare pricing. Insurance acceptance means lower out-of-pocket costs for covered patients, with many services available at standard copay rates. For patients whose insurance is accepted, Sesame Care handles the claims submission process directly.
For patients with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Sesame Care may qualify for reimbursement depending on your specific plan rules. HSA and FSA accounts allow patients to pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing the cost by 20-35% depending on the patient's tax bracket. For a $149/month treatment, HSA/FSA payment could save $30-52/month in tax benefits. Detailed information about HIPAA-compliant health accounts and eligible expenses is available from the IRS. Understanding the tax-advantaged payment options available can significantly change the real cost of treatment.
Sesame Care's insurance coordination process works as follows: during signup, you provide your insurance information, and Sesame Care verifies your coverage and benefits. For covered services, Sesame Care submits claims directly to your insurance company, and you are responsible for any copay, coinsurance, or deductible amounts based on your plan. Processing times vary by insurer but typically take 1-2 weeks for verification. If your insurance does not cover a specific treatment, Sesame Care offers cash-pay alternatives at their listed prices.
Patients considering Sesame Care should also explore manufacturer savings programs, patient assistance programs, and generic alternatives that can reduce out-of-pocket costs regardless of insurance status. For weight loss specifically, brand-name GLP-1 manufacturers (Novo Nordisk for Wegovy/Ozempic, Eli Lilly for Zepbound/Mounjaro) offer savings cards for commercially insured patients that can reduce copays significantly. Compounded alternatives like those offered by many telehealth platforms provide a more affordable option for patients without GLP-1 insurance coverage.
The insurance market for telehealth is evolving rapidly, with more insurers covering virtual visits following pandemic-era policy changes as outlined by HHS telehealth policy. Sesame Care's existing insurance acceptance positions them well as coverage expands. Patients should periodically check with their insurer about new telehealth benefits, as plans update coverage annually. The American Telemedicine Association tracks policy changes and provides resources for patients navigating telehealth coverage. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 extended telehealth flexibilities through 2025, and legislative proposals are underway to make many of these provisions permanent.

What Is Sesame Care's Cancellation and Refund Policy?

No subscriptions to cancel — Sesame Care operates on a per-visit basis. You book and pay for individual appointments. If you need to cancel, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Late cancellations may incur a fee.. Understanding the cancellation process before signing up is essential for avoiding unexpected charges. Because Sesame Care uses a per-visit model with no subscriptions, there are no recurring charges to cancel — you simply stop booking appointments.
Per-visit model means no subscriptions to manage. Free cancellation 24+ hours before appointments. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged the full visit fee. Billing disputes can be resolved through Sesame support or directly with the provider's office.. Telehealth medication refunds are generally limited once medications have been shipped due to pharmaceutical regulations that prevent the resale or redistribution of dispensed medications. This is an industry-wide standard, not specific to Sesame Care. Patients should treat the first month of any telehealth subscription as a commitment and cancel before the next billing cycle if they decide the service is not right for them.
For patients considering Sesame Care, we recommend the following approach to manage subscription risk. First, start with a monthly plan rather than committing to a quarterly or annual plan upfront — monthly plans cost slightly more per month but provide maximum cancellation flexibility. Second, set a calendar reminder 3-5 days before your billing date to evaluate whether you want to continue. Third, document your cancellation if you choose to cancel — take screenshots of the confirmation and note the date, method, and any reference numbers provided. These steps protect you regardless of which telehealth platform you use.
If you experience a billing dispute with Sesame Care, you have several resolution paths available. First, contact Sesame Care's customer support directly — most billing issues can be resolved at this level. Second, if direct resolution fails, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which facilitates mediated dispute resolution. Third, dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank under the Fair Credit Billing Act, which provides consumer protections for unauthorized or disputed charges. Fourth, for systemic issues, file a complaint with your state's attorney general consumer protection division or the Federal Trade Commission.

What Are the Side Effects of Sesame Care's Treatments?

Safety on Sesame Care depends on the individual provider you select, as each practitioner manages their own prescribing practices. Sesame verifies all providers' licenses and credentials through the National Provider Identifier (NPI) database. For weight loss, GLP-1 prescribing follows each provider's clinical judgment. The advantage: you can book with specialists (endocrinologists, bariatric physicians) rather than general practitioners for complex cases.. Every medication and supplement carries potential side effects, and understanding these risks is a critical component of informed healthcare decision-making. The side effects associated with Sesame Care's treatments are well-documented in medical literature and are not unique to the telehealth delivery model — the same medications prescribed at a traditional doctor's office carry identical risk profiles. Complete drug safety information is available through the FDA's drug safety portal.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide) carry well-documented side effects that patients should anticipate. According to published clinical research, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (affecting approximately 44% of patients in the first month), vomiting (24%), diarrhea (30%), and constipation (24%). These GI effects are typically dose-dependent and most severe during the initial weeks and at each dose escalation step. Clinical trial data demonstrates that GI side effects generally diminish significantly by week 8-12 as the body adapts. Tirzepatide studies show similar GI patterns with the dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and a theoretical risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma based on rodent studies (which is why personal or family history of MTC is an absolute contraindication).
Sesame Care's providers are responsible for screening patients for contraindications before prescribing any treatment, following guidelines established by state medical boards and the Ryan Haight Act. This screening process includes reviewing medical history for conditions that contraindicate treatment, checking current medications for potential drug interactions, and assessing individual risk factors such as age, cardiovascular health, and organ function. Patients who experience unexpected or severe side effects should contact their provider immediately and seek emergency medical attention for symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or signs of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain).
Long-term safety data varies by medication class. PDE5 inhibitors have over 25 years of post-market safety data (sildenafil was FDA-approved in 1998), providing extensive evidence of long-term safety when used as directed. Ongoing post-market surveillance by the FDA monitors for rare adverse events that may not appear in clinical trials.
Patients should maintain an open line of communication with their Sesame Care provider regarding any side effects experienced during treatment. Reporting side effects allows providers to adjust dosing, switch medications, or add supportive treatments to manage symptoms. Patients can also report adverse events directly to the FDA through MedWatch (fda.gov/medwatch), which contributes to the post-market surveillance system that protects all patients. Documentation of side effects — including onset timing, severity, duration, and any actions taken — helps providers make informed treatment decisions.

How Does Sesame Care Protect Your Privacy and Data?

Sesame Care is HIPAA compliant but operates differently from subscription platforms — since you choose your provider directly, your health data is managed by that individual provider's practice, not centralized in a Sesame database. This distributed model means your data isn't aggregated across visits. Sesame's role as a marketplace means they have less access to your health information than direct-care platforms.. As a telehealth platform handling protected health information (PHI), Sesame Care is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes national standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information. Patient data protection is a critical concern in digital healthcare, where sensitive health information is transmitted and stored electronically.
HIPAA's Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 164) governs how covered entities and their business associates handle protected health information. For Sesame Care, this means implementing administrative safeguards (workforce training, access controls, audit procedures), physical safeguards (facility access controls, device security), and technical safeguards (encryption, access controls, audit logs). Violations of HIPAA can result in civil penalties ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation (up to $1.5 million per year for repeated violations) and criminal penalties including imprisonment for knowing violations. These regulatory frameworks provide meaningful protection for patient information.
Sesame Care's data collection practices include medical history, current medications, health questionnaire responses, provider communications, prescription records, payment information, and usage analytics. Patients should review Sesame Care's privacy policy (available on their website) to understand specifically what data is collected, how it is used, who it is shared with, and how long it is retained. Key privacy policy provisions to look for include: whether health data is sold to third parties, whether data is shared with advertising networks, and what happens to your data if you cancel your account. The HealthIT.gov telehealth resource provides additional guidance on evaluating telehealth privacy practices.
Sesame Care's data security practices should include, at minimum, encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest, multi-factor authentication for employee access to patient records, regular security audits, and an incident response plan for potential data breaches. Patients can ask Sesame Care's support team about specific security certifications (such as SOC 2 Type II, HITRUST, or ISO 27001) that independently validate their data security infrastructure. HIPAA requirements set the baseline for these protections.
Patients have specific rights regarding their health data under HIPAA and state privacy laws. These include the right to access your medical records, the right to request corrections to inaccurate information, the right to receive an accounting of disclosures (who your data has been shared with), and the right to request restrictions on certain uses of your information. If you believe your privacy has been violated, you can file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (hhs.gov/ocr) or your state's attorney general. For Sesame Care patients, exercising these rights typically involves contacting their support team or privacy officer as described in their privacy policy.

How Does Sesame Care Compare to Hims?

When comparing Sesame Care to Hims, the differences span pricing, treatment scope, provider model, and overall value proposition. Sesame Care's per-visit model differs fundamentally from Hims or Ro's subscription model. At $29/visit with no ongoing commitment, Sesame is ideal for one-time consultations or patients who don't want subscriptions. Vs PlushCare ($99/visit with insurance billing), Sesame is cheaper for cash-pay patients. The trade-off: Sesame doesn't dispense medications directly — you get a prescription to fill at a pharmacy of your choice, adding a step that subscription platforms eliminate. Understanding these distinctions helps patients choose the platform that best matches their specific needs, budget, and preferences rather than defaulting to the most advertised option.
Pricing comparison: Sesame Care Primary Care Visit: from $29. Sesame Care ED Consultation: from $29. Sesame Care Weight Loss Consultation: from $29. Sesame Care Dermatology Visit: from $59. Sesame Care Dental Cleaning: from $79. Against PlushCare, Sesame Care generally offers more competitive pricing. Price should be evaluated alongside included services — a lower monthly rate that excludes consultations, shipping, or dose adjustments may not represent better overall value than a higher all-inclusive price. For medication pricing context, the FDA generic drugs page explains why generics cost less.
Treatment scope and specialization differ significantly between Sesame Care and competitors. Sesame Care offers 3 treatment categories (Erectile Dysfunction, Weight Loss, Womens Health), making it one of the broader platforms available. This breadth is valuable for patients who may need multiple treatments, as managing everything through a single platform with a single provider is more convenient than coordinating across multiple services. All platforms must comply with telehealth regulations regardless of treatment scope.
Provider model and consultation quality are often overlooked in platform comparisons. Unlike subscription platforms that assign you a provider, Sesame Care lets you browse, compare, and choose your own doctor based on specialty, availability, reviews, and price. Providers set their own rates and manage their own practices — Sesame is the marketplace connecting you. This means you can see board-certified specialists (dermatologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists) at fraction of typical costs. This provider model determines not just the speed of initial consultation but the quality of ongoing care, side effect management, and treatment optimization. Patients should consider whether they prefer the convenience of asynchronous questionnaire-based reviews or the thoroughness of live video consultations when comparing platforms. All providers should be verifiable through state medical boards and the ABMS.
Patient satisfaction metrics provide an objective basis for comparison. Sesame Care's 9.2/10 rating from 12,000+ reviews (4.7/5 from 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews) on Trustpilot should be compared to competitor ratings with attention to both the score and the review volume. A 4.8/5 rating from 200 reviews carries less statistical weight than a 4.3/5 from 30,000 reviews. Sesame Care's high review volume provides reliable comparison data. We recommend checking current ratings on Trustpilot and the BBB directly, as scores can shift over time.

Is Sesame Care Worth It? Our Final Verdict

Sesame Care is the best option for patients who dislike subscriptions, want to choose their own provider, or need one-time consultations. At $29/visit, it's the most affordable way to see a doctor online — period. The trade-off is no bundled medication delivery: you get a prescription and fill it yourself (though GoodRx coupons can make this very affordable). For ongoing treatment needing regular medication delivery, subscription platforms like Hims or Ro are more convenient.. This assessment is based on analyzing Sesame Care's pricing structure, provider credentials, patient review patterns on Trustpilot, regulatory compliance, and competitive positioning against alternative platforms. Every telehealth platform has strengths and limitations, and the right choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and treatment preferences.
Sesame Care is best suited for: patients who want a complete platform covering multiple health concerns through a single provider relationship. Their key differentiators include pay-per-visit model, no subscription required, video consultations with chosen provider, which position them uniquely in the telehealth market. Patients whose needs align with these strengths will likely have the best experience with Sesame Care.
Key strengths: pay-per-visit model; no subscription required; video consultations with chosen provider; transparent pricing; dental and dermatology; A+ BBB rating. Key limitations: the standard telehealth limitation of no in-person physical examination. These limitations are common across the telehealth industry and do not indicate problems specific to Sesame Care.
Overall rating: 9.2/10 based on 12,000+ patient reviews, regulatory compliance verification, pricing analysis, and provider credentialing review. This rating is supported by a statistically significant review volume that provides high confidence in the assessment. We update our assessments regularly based on new patient review data, regulatory changes, and platform updates.
Before starting treatment with Sesame Care or any telehealth platform, we recommend the following steps. First, verify that your specific condition and desired treatment are available through the platform. Second, check current pricing directly on sesamecare.com as rates may change. Third, review the platform's privacy policy to understand how your health data will be used per HIPAA guidelines. Fourth, prepare to answer health assessment questions honestly and completely for safe prescribing per FDA telehealth standards. Fifth, keep your primary care physician informed about any telehealth treatments you begin. Verify provider credentials through the FSMB and ABMS. Informed patients who take these preparatory steps consistently report the highest satisfaction with telehealth services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sesame Care legit?

Yes, Sesame Care is a legitimate telehealth company founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York, NY. Sesame Care operates as a healthcare marketplace connecting patients directly with providers — no subscriptions required, no middleman markup. You pay per visit, often 60-80% less than traditional office visits, making it the closest thing to "Uber for doctor visits" in telehealth. The company has accumulated 12,000+ patient reviews (4.7/5 from 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews) and holds a A+ BBB rating. Their provider network consists of US-licensed physicians who can be independently verified through state medical board databases. Sesame Care operates within the standard regulatory framework governing telehealth platforms in the United States.

Is Sesame Care safe to use?

Sesame Care prescribes medications that are well-documented in medical literature with established safety profiles. Safety on Sesame Care depends on the individual provider you select, as each practitioner manages their own prescribing practices. Sesame verifies all providers' licenses and credentials through the National Provider Identifier (NPI) database. For weight loss, GLP-1 prescribing follows each provider's clinical judgment. The advantage: you can book with specialists (endocrinologists, bariatric physicians) rather than general practitioners for complex cases. All prescribing follows standard clinical guidelines, and providers screen for contraindications and drug interactions before treatment begins. Patients should disclose their complete medical history and current medications for safe treatment decisions.

Does Sesame Care have real doctors?

Yes, Sesame Care employs real, licensed healthcare providers. Unlike subscription platforms that assign you a provider, Sesame Care lets you browse, compare, and choose your own doctor based on specialty, availability, reviews, and price. Providers set their own rates and manage their own practices — Sesame is the marketplace connecting you. This means you can see board-certified specialists (dermatologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists) at fraction of typical costs. All providers can be independently verified through state medical board databases and the National Provider Identifier (NPI) Registry at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov. Patients have the right to request their provider's name and license number for independent verification.

What is Sesame Care's refund policy?

Per-visit model means no subscriptions to manage. Free cancellation 24+ hours before appointments. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged the full visit fee. Billing disputes can be resolved through Sesame support or directly with the provider's office. As a general rule in telehealth, medications that have been shipped cannot be returned due to pharmaceutical regulations. Patients should evaluate their commitment before the first order ships, as the primary financial protection is canceling before the next billing cycle rather than seeking refunds after the fact.

Does Sesame Care protect my personal data?

Sesame Care is HIPAA compliant but operates differently from subscription platforms — since you choose your provider directly, your health data is managed by that individual provider's practice, not centralized in a Sesame database. This distributed model means your data isn't aggregated across visits. Sesame's role as a marketplace means they have less access to your health information than direct-care platforms. Sesame Care is required to comply with HIPAA's Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 164), which mandates administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for protected health information. Patients can review Sesame Care's full privacy policy on their website and have the right to request an accounting of how their data has been used and shared. If you believe your privacy has been violated, you can file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights.

Is Sesame Care worth the money?

Sesame Care is the best option for patients who dislike subscriptions, want to choose their own provider, or need one-time consultations. At $29/visit, it's the most affordable way to see a doctor online — period. The trade-off is no bundled medication delivery: you get a prescription and fill it yourself (though GoodRx coupons can make this very affordable). For ongoing treatment needing regular medication delivery, subscription platforms like Hims or Ro are more convenient. The value assessment ultimately depends on your individual circumstances: if your insurance is accepted, the cost comparison strongly favors telehealth convenience. Sesame Care's 12,000+ reviews provide sufficient data to assess typical patient satisfaction with the value received.

How long does Sesame Care take to ship?

Sesame Care does not ship medications. Prescriptions written by Sesame providers are sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice for pickup or delivery through that pharmacy's own shipping service. Note that Sesame Care does not ship medications — you fill prescriptions at your chosen pharmacy, so "shipping time" depends on your pharmacy's fulfillment speed.

Does Sesame Care accept insurance?

Sesame Care does not accept insurance — but that's by design. By cutting out insurance billing overhead, they pass savings directly to patients. Doctor visits start at $29, compared to $200-300 average for insured office visits after copay. Think of it as the "cash price" alternative to insurance-inflated healthcare pricing. Check with Sesame Care directly to confirm your specific plan is accepted, as insurance networks vary by state and plan type.

Sources & References

Our comparisons are informed by official sources and regulatory guidelines. We encourage readers to verify information with authoritative sources.

  • Better Business BureauBusiness trust ratings, complaint history, and accreditation status
  • FSMB - Federation of State Medical BoardsState medical board licensing verification and physician lookup
  • TrustpilotIndependent consumer review platform with verified purchase reviews
  • FDA - Telehealth InformationFDA guidance on telehealth practices and medication prescribing
  • DEA - Ryan Haight ActFederal law governing online prescribing of controlled substances
  • HHS - Federal Telehealth PolicyFederal telehealth regulations and guidelines
  • HHS - HIPAA Privacy StandardsHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations
  • ABMS - American Board of Medical SpecialtiesBoard certification standards for physicians
  • FDA - Drug Safety and AvailabilityFDA drug safety communications and availability updates
  • FDA - Generic Drug StandardsFDA requirements for generic medication equivalence
  • FDA Wegovy Prescribing InformationOfficial FDA-approved semaglutide prescribing information
  • American Telemedicine AssociationTelehealth industry standards, guidelines, and best practices
  • PMC - Semaglutide Comprehensive ReviewSystematic review of semaglutide efficacy and safety for weight loss
  • PMC - Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Clinical ComparisonHead-to-head comparison showing 15-22% weight loss efficacy
  • NIH StatPearls - PDE5 InhibitorsFDA-approved phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
  • HealthIT.gov - Telehealth and TelemedicineOfficial HHS information on telehealth platforms and telemedicine

Editorial Note: Researched and edited by our editorial team. AI tools assist with initial research and drafting; all content is fact-checked and edited by humans before publication. Learn more about our editorial standards

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Nadia Osman
Nadia OsmanStaff Writer

Nadia Osman is a writer and researcher who covers mental health, women's healthcare, and telehealth services. She got into health writing because she got tired of googling symptoms and landing on forums from 2009. Now she does the research so her readers don't have to. When Nadia is not deep in a clinical study or a Trustpilot review thread, she is cooking something ambitious, reading a novel she will definitely finish this time, or exploring a new neighborhood on foot.

Medical Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All information presented is based on publicly available data and our independent research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or treatment options.