At a glance
Two different care models. Values describe what each service does, not which is better.
| Dimension | Ondoc | Sesame |
|---|---|---|
| What the service is | DIRECT ONDOC CARE | MARKETPLACE — Book providers at listed prices |
| Bills commercial health insurance for the visit | VERIFICATION REQUIRED — Accepted plans, coverage verified | NO — States it does not bill health insurance |
| Insurance for medication or specific programs | VARIES — Pharmacy coverage follows your plan | VARIES — May vary by medication or program |
| Medicare / Medicaid as insurance | NO | NO — Direct-pay model |
| Self-pay price shown before you commit | YES — $50 self-pay, offered as an optional link | YES — Prices listed per provider and service |
| Choose your own provider from a directory | NO — Care delivered by Ondoc's licensed clinical network | YES — States 45+ specialties across all 50 states |
| In-person appointments | NO — Online care and orders only | YES — In-person and telehealth listings |
| Refill handled as a clinician-reviewed task | REQUEST | BOOKED VISIT — Refill listings are booked appointments |
| Lab, imaging and referral orders | YES — Where clinically appropriate | YES — Lab tests and imaging listed on the marketplace |
How Sesame works
- Sesame describes itself as a healthcare marketplace where patients book directly with licensed doctors and providers at upfront cash prices.
- Sesame states it is available to everyone regardless of insurance status and that it does not bill health insurance, in order to keep prices affordable.
- Sesame states patients search telehealth or in-person appointments by specialty, condition or provider, choose a provider at a price and time, and pay online upfront.
- Sesame publishes prices per listing, including entry prices for visits and prescription refills; the amount depends on the provider and service you choose.
How Ondoc works
- You pick the task you actually need — a visit, a refill, a lab or imaging order, a referral, or a document such as a work or school note.
- Ondoc asks only the information that task requires, then a licensed clinician reviews it.
- You choose an appointment time or continue without one; a licensed clinician reviews the care you need either way.
- Commercial insurance is used where accepted and verified; otherwise $50 self-pay is offered as an optional link.
- Care is delivered by an appropriately licensed clinical network behind the Ondoc experience, not by a directory of selectable physicians.
Insurance and self-pay
Ondoc
Ondoc accepts many commercial insurance plans; coverage varies by plan and may require verification. Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted as insurance. Self-pay is $50 for an Ondoc visit or request evaluation.
See accepted insuranceSesame
Sesame's official FAQ states it does not bill health insurance for medical visits, which are paid directly at listed self-pay prices. Insurance can still matter separately — for example, medication coverage or a specific program's benefits — so confirm with Sesame for the service or program you want.
Why patients choose Ondoc
- You have commercial insurance you would like used where it is accepted.
- You want one clear task handled — refill, note, order, referral or an online visit — instead of shopping listings.
- You want a self-pay fallback of $50 if your plan cannot be billed.
Common questions
- Does Sesame take insurance?
- For medical visits, Sesame's official FAQ states it does not bill health insurance — visits are paid directly at listed self-pay prices. Separately, insurance may apply to medication coverage or to specific Sesame programs. Ondoc bills many commercial plans where they are accepted and verified, with self-pay otherwise.
- What should I compare when considering Sesame and Ondoc?
- How you want to pay, whether you want to choose the provider, whether you need in-person care, and whether your need is a booked appointment or a clinician review.
Next step with Ondoc
Pick the task you actually need. Ondoc asks only what that task requires.
Ondoc vs Zocdoc
Provider search-and-booking marketplace
Ondoc vs Teladoc Health
Large virtual-care platform, often accessed through a health plan or employer
Ondoc vs MDLIVE
Insurance-oriented virtual care with 24/7 urgent care
Ondoc vs Call-On-Doc
Flat-rate self-pay online visits, no appointment needed
All Ondoc comparisons
How online care models differ
Sources and disclosure
Ondoc is not affiliated with Sesame. Sesame and its trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Competitor information reviewed September 2026. Services, pricing and coverage can change; check the provider's current terms.
- Sesame — official FAQ — retrieved 2026-09-12
- Sesame — official About page — retrieved 2026-09-12
- Sesame — official homepage — retrieved 2026-09-12