Choosing an online healthcare provider can be challenging. Klarity and PlushCare are both reputable telehealth platforms, but they differ significantly in approach, service offerings, and pricing. This comparison will help you decide which option best suits your healthcare needs.
Klarity Health vs PlushCare – quick comparison
Feature | Klarity Health | PlushCare |
Service Type | Marketplace of providers | Direct provider network |
Subscription Required? | No | Optional monthly membership |
Conditions Treated | 500+ conditions | General primary care |
Insurance Acceptance | Select providers accept insurance | Accepts insurance broadly |
Provider Selection | Choose your provider | Matched provider |
Prescription Available? | Yes, if clinically appropriate | Yes, if clinically appropriate |
Can Prescribe Controlled Substances? | Yes, if medically appropriate after careful provider evaluation | No |
Pricing | Visit fee starts at $51, varies by state and provider. Or start with $0 if covered by insurance | $19.99/month + $129/visit (or $30 copay with insurance) |
Note
Prescriptions and refills are never guaranteed on Klarity Health and are subject to provider discretion based on medical appropriateness.
What Klarity Health offers
Transparent, flexible care
Klarity Health operates as a marketplace connecting you directly to licensed, independent providers. You have complete control over choosing your provider based on credentials, patient reviews, and availability. Klarity Health doesn’t require subscriptions or monthly fees—you simply pay for each visit individually, giving you ultimate flexibility.
Comprehensive condition coverage
Providers on the Klarity Health platform specialize in over 500 conditions across multiple health areas:
- Mental Health: ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder
- Women’s Health: Birth control, menopause, UTI, yeast infections
- Men’s Health: Erectile dysfunction, hair loss, low testosterone
- Skincare: Acne, rosacea, eczema
- Primary Care & Infections: Thyroid disorders, diabetes, asthma, sinus infections
- Weight Loss: Weight management, obesity, GLP-1 medications
Insurance coverage
Over 100 providers on the Klarity Health platform accept insurance. Select your insurance provider when booking to see available options in your area, ensuring affordable access to care.
Controlled substance prescriptions
Providers on the Klarity Health platform may prescribe controlled substances when medically appropriate, following a careful evaluation. This provides an important advantage for patients needing specific medications under rigorous professional oversight. However, prescriptions and refills for controlled substances are never guaranteed and are strictly subject to provider discretion based on medical appropriateness.
What PlushCare offers
Subscription-based direct care
PlushCare is structured around a subscription model, requiring a monthly membership fee ($19.99) in addition to per-visit fees ($129 or approximately $30 copay if insured). This model can provide convenience if you anticipate frequent visits, but may not be ideal for infrequent care.
General primary care
PlushCare primarily focuses on general primary care issues, including routine conditions, prescription refills, and preventive care. They broadly accept insurance, simplifying billing for those who frequently use healthcare services.
Matched providers
PlushCare assigns providers based on availability rather than letting you choose your own provider, which can be convenient but limits your personal selection and continuity of care.
Controlled substance prescriptions
PlushCare does not prescribe controlled substances, potentially limiting options for patients requiring specific medications.
Patient experiences: Klarity Health vs PlushCare
Klarity Health
Klarity maintains an outstanding 4.96 out of 5 rating on Reviews.io—based on over 1,325 reviews with 99% of users recommending the platform, highlighting trust, professionalism, and convenience. Reviewers emphasize the compassion and care they received:
Compassionate, personalized care
“Words cannot describe the appreciation I have… she was such a huge help and made such a huge impact on my day‑to‑day life.” — Paul F reviews.io
“Schumeka and I see growth… not once judged, I opened myself up completely and she listened genuinely.” reviews.io
Provider expertise and proactivity
“My provider Sammy listened to my exact needs… helping me manage ADHD with more than just medication.” reviews.io
“Dr. Foley was kind, relatable & knowledgeable. For the first time I felt heard.” reviews.io
Effective, results-driven wellness journeys
“Within six months… I lost close to 55 pounds… constant support was wonderful.” reviews.io
“Charles Wade follows up on you and gives real time feedback… helped me lose more weight.” reviews.io
Users feel seen and encouraged
Consistent praise for empathetic communication, follow-through, and feeling genuinely supported:
“Kelly is so sweet… shows she cares to fix what you need.” reviews.io
“Best provider I’ve ever seen! He actually cares and is passionate what he does!”
PlushCare
PlushCare maintains a mid-range 3.5-star Trustpilot score from ~2,400 reviews. Many say the platform is a “lifesaver”, particularly for medication refills and reliable care when local options aren’t available:
“My old doctor’s office was understaffed… PlushCare doctor has been kind and great at listening… literally a lifesaver.”
“Able to get medical treatment while on vacation… the doctor was great.”
However, negative experiences frequently involve:
- Billing issues – unexpected or nonrefundable charges
- Technical or customer support problems – no-shows, app glitches, slow responses
- Billing surprises – users reporting double charges or unclear insurance application
Klarity Health vs PlushCare – Which is best for You?
Choose Klarity if you:
- Prefer choosing your own healthcare provider
- Need flexibility without monthly subscription commitments
- Require care for specific or specialized conditions
- May need controlled substances prescribed after professional evaluation
Choose PlushCare if you:
- Prefer subscription-based, predictable costs
- Primarily need general primary care
- Want broad insurance acceptance
Final thoughts
Klarity is ideal if you value flexibility, specialized care, controlled substance prescribing, and the ability to choose your provider without recurring fees. PlushCare might suit those who prefer general care with predictable subscription pricing.
FAQs – Klarity Health vs PlushCare
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.