How to See a Doctor Online in India (Telemedicine Guide 2026)

Seeing a doctor online in India is now as routine as booking a cab. A fifteen-minute video consultation with a registered physician typically costs a third to a fifth of a metro private-clinic visit, is fully legal under the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020, and produces an e-prescription that any chemist in the country will accept.

This guide explains how it works in practice — the regulatory framework, what conditions suit a remote visit, how much you will spend in rupees, which UPI apps you can use, and how to avoid the unregulated platforms that have proliferated since 2021.

Is telemedicine legal in India?

Yes, and the framework is specific. In March 2020 the Medical Council of India (now the National Medical Commission) published the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. Every registered medical practitioner — any doctor with an NMC or State Medical Council registration — is authorised to consult remotely. Consultations can be by video, audio, or text. The guidelines require patient consent, record-keeping, and a clear identification of the doctor to the patient. They also limit prescription authority based on the medication category and whether it is a first-time or follow-up visit.

A GeraClinic video consultation satisfies every requirement. Every doctor on the platform has their NMC/SMC number visible, consultations are recorded to the patient's health record, and e-prescriptions include all the details required under the guidelines.

Which conditions suit an online visit?

Peer-reviewed Indian primary-care audits have found telemedicine appropriate for the majority of outpatient consultations. The categories most commonly handled remotely:

• Seasonal illnesses: flu, cold, fever, dengue screening, monsoon GI infections
• Chronic disease reviews: diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, PCOS — India has one of the world's largest diabetes populations, and remote follow-ups significantly reduce no-shows
• Dermatology: skin infections, acne, eczema, fungal conditions — the monsoon months drive a large remote dermatology caseload
• Paediatrics: common childhood illnesses; experienced paediatricians can evaluate a lot from a careful parental history plus video
• Mental health: anxiety, depression, sleep issues — telemedicine is a major unlock here given the national shortage of psychiatrists
• Gynaecology: menstrual concerns, contraception, PCOS, menopause
• Second opinions: reviewing reports from another doctor or hospital

What will I actually pay in rupees?

• GeraClinic consultation: from ₹399 per visit; ₹999/month unlimited
• Metro private GP (Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore): ₹800–₹2,500
• Metro specialist (cardiology, dermatology): ₹1,500–₹3,500
• Government hospital OPD: nominal but long waits

For a typical urban family — two to three acute visits a year plus chronic-condition reviews — the unlimited plan is usually the right choice. Even for a single visit, the price gap is significant.

How do e-prescriptions work?

Your doctor issues an e-prescription that lists the drug, dose, and duration along with their NMC number. Major chains — Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus, Netmeds, PharmEasy, Tata 1mg, Wellness Forever — all accept e-prescriptions, as do the vast majority of independent medical stores. Online pharmacies will deliver to most pin codes within 24–48 hours. Schedule X drugs and controlled substances require an in-person prescription under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

Can I pay by UPI?

Yes, and UPI is the dominant payment method on GeraClinic India. We accept GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, Amazon Pay, and every other UPI-enabled app. Card, netbanking, and major wallets also work. All transactions are recorded for tax purposes if you are claiming medical expenses against Section 80D or employer reimbursement.

How do I check a platform is legitimate?

Look for three markers: (1) doctor profiles show NMC/SMC registration numbers that you can verify on the regulator's website; (2) the platform complies with the NMC Telemedicine Practice Guidelines explicitly in its terms; (3) payments go through RBI-regulated gateways, not direct bank transfers. GeraClinic satisfies all three, and your full record is available in the app and downloadable on request.