Online doctor for international visitors to the USA:
TeleDirectMD offers same-day video visits with a board-certified US physician for $49 flat — no US insurance required, available in 42 states. Get a diagnosis and prescription sent to a nearby pharmacy without leaving your hotel or vacation rental.
Online Doctor for International Visitors & Tourists in the USA — No US Insurance Required
Visiting the US and need a doctor? TeleDirectMD connects you with a board-certified US physician via secure video — from your hotel room, vacation rental, or anywhere in 42 states.
Whether you're here on vacation, a business trip, visiting family, or studying on an F-1 visa, getting sick in the US without domestic insurance can be stressful and expensive. TeleDirectMD was built for exactly this situation: fast, legitimate medical care at a flat $49 fee — with no billing surprises.
- No US health insurance required — ever
- $49 flat fee vs. $250–$350 for a cash-pay in-person US doctor visit
- Available in 42 states — all major tourist and business destinations covered
- Prescriptions sent to any US pharmacy: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and more
- Same-day visits, evenings & weekends available
- HIPAA-compliant records — visit summary suitable for travel insurance reimbursement
Last reviewed on 2026-04-21 by Parth Bhavsar, MD — Board-Certified Family Medicine
What You Get for $49
- Video visit with board-certified MD (Dr. Parth Bhavsar)
- Prescriptions sent to any US pharmacy
- No US insurance required
- Available in 42 US states
- Same-day appointments, evenings & weekends
- HIPAA-compliant visit records
No hidden fees. No billing. No surprise charges.
Am I Eligible?
You Are Eligible If
- You are physically located in one of our 42 licensed states at the time of the visit
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You have a non-emergency condition (UTI, sinus infection, strep, rash, traveler's diarrhea, allergies, refills, etc.)
- You have a smartphone or computer with camera and internet access
- You do not have US health insurance — or prefer direct-pay over using your plan
You Are Not Eligible If
- You are experiencing a medical emergency (chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding) — call 911
- You are physically located outside the US or in an unlicensed state
- You are under 18 years of age
- You need a controlled substance (DEA Schedule II–IV medications are outside our scope)
- Your condition requires an in-person physical examination, lab work, or imaging
How It Works
From booking to prescription in three straightforward steps — no app download, no insurance forms, no waiting room.
Book & Pay
Select a same-day or next-available appointment at teledirectmd.com and pay the $49 flat fee. No account creation required, no insurance forms.
Complete Intake & Connect
Fill out a short symptom form before your visit. At your appointment time, connect via secure video from your smartphone or laptop — no app download needed.
Receive Your Prescription
If medication is needed, Dr. Bhavsar sends it electronically to your preferred US pharmacy before the visit ends. Most visits take 10–15 minutes.
Telehealth Care for Non-Citizens — Is It Legal?
Yes — telehealth care through TeleDirectMD is fully legal and available to any person physically located in a licensed US state, regardless of visa status, citizenship, or insurance coverage. The key regulatory rule is straightforward: the treating physician must be licensed in the state where the patient is physically located at the time of the visit.
Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD is licensed in 42 US states. When you connect with TeleDirectMD, your visit is conducted under the laws of the state you are in — your nationality, immigration status, and home-country insurance have no bearing on your eligibility for care.
Prescriptions issued through TeleDirectMD are valid at any US pharmacy and are governed by US federal and state pharmacy law — the same as any prescription from an in-person physician visit. There is no legal distinction between a telehealth prescription and one written in a clinic.
Source of authority: The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and individual state medical practice acts establish that physician licensure is determined by patient location, not physician location or patient nationality.
How TeleDirectMD Compares to Other US Care Options
| Care Option | Typical Cost (Cash) | Wait Time | Provider Type | Best for Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeleDirectMD | $49 flat fee | Same-day, usually <1 hr | Board-certified MD | Non-emergency conditions, prescription needs |
| US Urgent Care | $150–$300 | 1–3 hours | PA or NP | Minor injuries, conditions needing in-person exam |
| In-Person Doctor (cash) | $250–$350 | Days to weeks | MD or DO | Established patients with insurance |
| Emergency Room | $1,500–$5,000+ | 4–8+ hours | Emergency MD | Life-threatening emergencies |
For the UTIs, sinus infections, strep throats, and prescription needs that define the vast majority of travel illness, TeleDirectMD delivers board-certified care at a fraction of the cost — without leaving your hotel or Airbnb.
Should You Use Telehealth or Go to the ER?
Use this guide to determine the right level of care for your situation.
Is it an emergency?
Chest pain, can't breathe, signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), severe bleeding, or head injury?
YES → Call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. Do not use TeleDirectMD for emergencies.
NO → Continue to step 2.
Can symptoms be described via video?
YES — for these conditions: UTI, sinus infection, strep throat, eye infection, skin rash, traveler's diarrhea, allergies, prescription refill.
YES → Book TeleDirectMD. Proceed to step 3 to confirm.
Do you need a physical exam, imaging, or lab test urgently?
YES → Go to Urgent Care or the ER for in-person evaluation.
NO → TeleDirectMD is the right choice. Book now.
Ready to book?
Same-day appointments available. $49 flat fee. Board-certified MD. Prescriptions sent to any US pharmacy.
What Does a Visit Cost?
- Video visit with board-certified MD
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
- Prescription sent to nearest US pharmacy
- Visit summary for travel insurance reimbursement
- HIPAA-compliant medical record
No hidden fees, co-pays, or billing surprises. You know the cost before you book.
The US Healthcare Access Gap for International Visitors
The United States has among the most expensive healthcare systems in the world for cash-pay patients. Without US domestic insurance, even routine conditions that would cost $20–$50 to treat at home can escalate to hundreds or thousands of dollars in American facilities.
Without US insurance, even a routine doctor visit costs $250–$350 — five to seven times what TeleDirectMD charges. A non-emergency urgent care visit runs $150–$300. An ER visit for a minor condition regularly exceeds $1,500, and can reach $5,000 or more with any lab work or imaging.
According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, the US received approximately 72.4 million international arrivals in 2024 — the vast majority without US health insurance. Most travel-related illness is not emergent: infections, gastrointestinal illness, allergic reactions, and medication shortfalls define the typical traveler's medical episode.
TeleDirectMD was built specifically for this gap. Board-certified care, delivered via video, at a price that doesn't derail a trip budget — with prescriptions routed to the nearest US pharmacy so visitors can get well and get back to why they came.
Who TeleDirectMD Helps
International visitors come to the US for many reasons. TeleDirectMD serves them all.
Tourists on Vacation
Sightseeing and fell ill? Get treated from your hotel room in 20 minutes and pick up your prescription at the nearest pharmacy.
Business Travelers
On a US work trip with a packed schedule? Same-day appointments that fit around your meetings — no waiting room.
Parents Visiting Family
Visiting children or grandchildren? We provide care without navigating the US insurance system.
International Students (F-1 Visa)
University plan doesn't cover everything? We fill the gap for conditions your student health insurance misses.
Common Travel Illnesses & What to Watch For
| Condition | Common Symptoms | Telehealth Appropriate? | When to Go In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTI | Burning urination, frequency, pelvic pain | Yes — antibiotic Rx | Fever >101°F, back pain, vomiting |
| Sinus Infection | Facial pressure, congestion, post-nasal drip | Yes | Severe headache, visual changes, stiff neck |
| Strep Throat | Severe sore throat, white patches, fever | Yes | Difficulty swallowing, drooling, airway concerns |
| Traveler's Diarrhea | Frequent loose stools, cramping, nausea | Yes | Bloody stool, >72 hrs, high fever, signs of dehydration |
| Pink Eye | Eye redness, discharge, irritation | Yes | Vision loss, severe eye pain, trauma |
| Allergies | Sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion | Yes | Throat tightening, difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis → 911) |
| Skin Rash / Infection | Redness, swelling, drainage | Yes for most | Spreading cellulitis, fever, red streaks |
| Prescription Refill | Running low on regular medication | Yes | Controlled substances, insulin adjustments |
Telehealth-Appropriate vs. In-Person Care
Telehealth-Appropriate for Visitors
- UTI
- Strep throat
- Sinus infection
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Allergies
- Skin rashes and minor infections
- Traveler's diarrhea
- Respiratory infections
- Prescription refills (non-controlled)
- Migraine management
Go In-Person or Call 911
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Stroke symptoms — FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
- Severe injury or uncontrolled bleeding
- High fever with stiff neck
- Abdominal rigidity
- Vision loss
- Anaphylaxis — call 911 immediately
What TeleDirectMD Provides
Every TeleDirectMD visit is conducted by Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD — board-certified in Family Medicine, residency-trained at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and licensed in 42 US states. Here is what your $49 visit includes:
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Dr. Bhavsar evaluates your symptoms via video, provides a diagnosis, and creates a treatment plan tailored to your situation and travel timeline. You'll leave the visit knowing exactly what you have, what to do about it, and what warning signs to watch for.
Prescription Management
Prescriptions are sent electronically to any US pharmacy — CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and thousands of independent pharmacies. Tell us your location and we'll route it to the nearest option. Most prescriptions are ready within 30–60 minutes of the visit.
Medication Refills
If you've run short of an ongoing medication while traveling, TeleDirectMD can evaluate and prescribe refills for most medications. Excluding controlled substances (DEA Schedule II–IV).
Visit Documentation
You'll receive a visit summary suitable for submission to your travel insurance provider for potential reimbursement. Your visit is documented in a HIPAA-compliant medical record system — you can request a copy to share with your home-country physician.
What TeleDirectMD Does Not Manage
- Controlled substances (DEA Schedule II–IV medications)
- Conditions requiring physical examination, imaging, or urgent lab work
- Medical emergencies — call 911
- Patients under 18 years of age
Medications & Services Available
| Medication / Service | Conditions Treated | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, etc.) | Strep, sinus infection, UTI, skin infections | Sent to any US pharmacy |
| Antivirals (oseltamivir) | Influenza | Best within 48 hrs of symptom onset |
| Antihistamines (prescription-strength) | Allergies | OTC options also recommended |
| Anti-motility agents (loperamide) | Traveler's diarrhea | Supportive care |
| Rifaximin / Cipro | Severe traveler's diarrhea | When antibiotic treatment indicated |
| Topical antibiotics | Skin infections, rashes | Mupirocin, clindamycin |
| Migraine treatment | Migraine | Triptans, anti-nausea agents |
| Prescription refills | Ongoing medications | Excluding controlled substances |
Prescriptions are based on physician evaluation. Not all medications are appropriate for all patients. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
While You Wait for Your Prescription / During Recovery
What to Do Now
- Stay hydrated — especially important for GI illness and fever
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity if you have an active infection
- Use OTC symptom relief (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamines) as appropriate
- Pick up your prescription at the nearest pharmacy as soon as possible
What to Watch For (Escalation Signals)
- Fever above 103°F that doesn't respond to acetaminophen
- Worsening symptoms after 48 hours on antibiotics
- New symptoms appearing alongside the original concern
- Any chest pain, difficulty breathing, or neurological symptoms — call 911
When to Follow Up
- Symptoms not improving after 48–72 hours on treatment
- New concerns arise during your trip
- You need documentation for a travel insurance claim
When NOT to Use TeleDirectMD
TeleDirectMD is designed for non-emergency conditions. Here's when you should seek different care:
Do Not Use TeleDirectMD For:
- Any life-threatening emergency — call 911
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of heart attack
- Stroke symptoms (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis
- Uncontrolled bleeding or severe traumatic injury
- High fever with stiff neck (meningitis concern)
- Altered mental status
Alternatives by Situation
Emergency (life-threatening)
Call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Do not delay.
Urgent but Non-Emergency (needs in-person exam)
US Urgent Care — typical cost $150–$300 cash pay.
Ongoing Primary Care
Establish with a US primary care physician for longer stays.
Travel Insurance Reimbursement
After your TeleDirectMD visit, submit your receipt and visit summary to your travel insurer for potential reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use TeleDirectMD without US health insurance?
Absolutely. TeleDirectMD is a direct-pay platform — no US health insurance is required at any point. You pay a flat $49 fee at the time of booking. That covers the full visit, including the physician consultation and any prescriptions sent to a US pharmacy. There are no surprise bills or insurance claims to file.
I have travel insurance from my home country. Can I use TeleDirectMD?
Yes. Many international travel insurance policies reimburse telehealth consultations. After your visit, TeleDirectMD can provide a visit summary and receipt that you can submit to your travel insurer for reimbursement. Check your policy for telehealth coverage terms. Either way, $49 is a fraction of what a US urgent care or ER would cost.
Which states is TeleDirectMD available in for international visitors?
TeleDirectMD is licensed in 42 US states. You can be seen by Dr. Bhavsar as long as you are physically located in one of our covered states at the time of the visit. This includes all major tourist destinations — Florida, California, New York, Texas, Nevada, Hawaii, Georgia, and more.
Can you send a prescription to a pharmacy near me?
Yes. TeleDirectMD can send prescriptions electronically to any US pharmacy, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and thousands of independent pharmacies. Just let us know the city or zip code you are visiting, and we'll route the prescription to the most convenient location.
What conditions can you treat during my visit to the US?
We treat most common, non-emergency conditions that travelers experience: UTIs, sinus infections, strep throat, respiratory infections, pink eye, skin rashes, traveler's diarrhea, allergies, and more. We also provide prescription refills if you've run short of an ongoing medication. If your condition requires in-person evaluation or emergency care, we'll tell you clearly and help you find the right resource.
How does a visit work? Is it hard to set up?
It's straightforward. Book a same-day or next-available appointment online, pay the $49 flat fee, and complete a brief intake form. At your appointment time, you'll connect via secure video call from your smartphone or computer — no app download required. Most visits take 10 to 15 minutes. If a prescription is needed, it's sent to a nearby pharmacy before the visit ends.
Does TeleDirectMD see pediatric patients?
TeleDirectMD sees patients 18 and older. We do not see pediatric patients at this time. If your child is ill, please visit a US urgent care clinic or emergency room.
Is a telehealth visit with TeleDirectMD legitimate medical care?
Yes. TeleDirectMD is operated by Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD, a board-certified Family Medicine physician licensed in 42 US states. Prescriptions issued through TeleDirectMD are valid at any US pharmacy. Your visit is documented in a HIPAA-compliant medical record system, and you can receive a visit summary to share with your home-country physician if needed.
Ready to See a Doctor Today?
Same-day appointments. $49 flat fee. Board-certified MD. No US insurance required.
References
- National Travel and Tourism Office — US International Arrivals Data (2024)
- CDC — Travelers' Health
- US Department of Health & Human Services — HIPAA Privacy Rule
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — Telehealth Policy
- CDC — Traveler's Diarrhea
- American Academy of Family Physicians — Common Travel-Related Illnesses
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. TeleDirectMD provides telehealth services for non-emergency conditions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Content reviewed by Parth Bhavsar, MD, board-certified Family Medicine physician.
Available in 42 States — Wherever Your Trip Takes You
TeleDirectMD is licensed in 42 US states. Whether you're visiting New York City, the Florida Keys, the California coast, or any destination in between, you can access board-certified care from where you are. Select your state for location-specific information: