Telemedicine has become an integral part of healthcare in Ontario, Canada, with several platforms offering virtual medical consultations. This comparison examines Ogaei, Maple, Tia Health, Rocket Doctor, and TELUS Health MyCare, focusing on their service offerings, features, compliance with privacy laws, target users, pricing, availability, language support, and key strengths/limitations. All information is up-to-date as of 2025, with an emphasis on Canadian sources and official platform details.
Services Offered by Each Platform
Each platform provides a range of healthcare services, from general primary care to various specialties and allied health. The table below summarizes the types of services available on each platform:
| Platform | Types of Services Offered |
|---|---|
| Ogaei | Primary Care: Online family doctors and general practitioners for common ailments and urgent but non-emergency issues (covered by OHIP for Ontario residents). Specialists: Access to a growing list of medical specialists (e.g. pediatrics, dermatology, mental health, chronic disease management) via virtual referrals/consultations. Ogaei advertises same-day GP visits and faster specialist appointments (often within the same month). Mental Health: Included under its services (virtual mental health support via physicians or referrals to psychotherapy). Other Services: Prescription renewals, lab test requisitions, specialist referrals, and wellness services (e.g. psychotherapists, nutritionists) as part of membership benefits. Ogaei’s care is focused on Ontario residents only. |
| Maple | Primary Care: General practitioner and nurse practitioner consultations on-demand for everyday health concerns (cold/flu, infections, minor injuries, etc.). Available virtually 24/7 for members (with on-demand access from early morning until late night). Specialist Care: Wide array of specialists available without referral, including dermatologists, endocrinologists, mental health physicians, pediatricians, and more (over 25 specialties). Specialist visits are by appointment and subject to fees (often starting around $160 per consult). Mental Health: Both physician-based (e.g. psychiatrist) and therapist/counsellor services. Maple offers online therapy, mental health physicians, and programs like weight management coaching Other Services: Digital prescriptions (with free delivery), sick notes, lab work orders, and specialist referrals can all be handled through the platform Maple’s network spans across Canada, so services are available to patients in every province (bilingual support in English/French). |
| Tia Health | Primary Care: Virtual walk-in clinic model with family doctors and nurse practitioners offering consultations for common illnesses, prescription needs, and general medical advice. Free for patients with valid health cards in Ontario, Alberta, and BC (billed to provincial insurance). Specialists: Provides specialist referrals through its doctors, and some specialists (e.g. dermatologists, etc.) can be accessed via referral or appointment. The platform supports continuity by allowing patients to choose and re-book with the same doctor if desired, Mental Health: Offers mental health services including psychotherapists and online therapy (through partnerships, e.g. Focus Mental Wellness) Allied Health: Includes naturopaths and even veterinarians among available providers, reflecting a variety of care options. Other Services: Lab requisitions, imaging orders, specialist referrals, free prescription delivery Canada-wide, and doctor’s notes are provided as needed. (Outside ON/BC/AB, services are available but on a paid basis.) |
| Rocket Doctor | Primary/Urgent Care: Virtual appointments with family doctors and even emergency physicians for urgent but non-emergency concerns. (Note: As of recent policy changes, OHIP in Ontario no longer covers virtual primary care on Rocket Doctor, so those visits are paid by patients. In BC and AB, provincial plans still cover primary care visits.) Specialist Care: Strong focus on specialist access – Rocket Doctor hosts numerous specialists (e.g. in orthopedics, mental health, addictions, etc.) who can be consulted virtually. Specialist visits in Ontario remain covered by OHIP (with referral), enabling faster access (often within days, rather than months). Mental Health: Offers mental health consultations; for example, Rocket Doctor runs a Substance Use Services clinic (addictions specialists, covered by OHIP). General mental health concerns can be addressed by family doctors or referred to psychiatry. Other Services: Platform doctors can handle prescription writing and renewals (sent directly to a pharmacy), lab test orders, imaging requisitions, and provide specialist referrals as needed. Note: Rocket Doctor has also implemented innovative delivery models like telehealth kiosks in pharmacies to reach rural patients. Service area includes ON, BC, AB, and parts of Atlantic Canada. |
| TELUS Health MyCare | Primary Care: App-based family doctor or nurse practitioner consultations for everyday health issues (by appointment). Doctor visits are covered by provincial health insurance for residents of Ontario, B.C., and Alberta (and Saskatchewan for some services). Telus MyCare was formerly “Babylon by Telus Health” and works like a virtual family practice for unattached patients. Mental Health: Access to mental health counsellors (therapy sessions) and clinical psychologists via secure video. These are not covered by provincial plans but can be paid per session or through extended health benefits. Nutrition/Diet:* Access to registered dietitians for dietary and wellness counselling (private pay or insurance reimbursement). Specialists: Direct specialist consultations are not offered on MyCare beyond the allied services above. If a patient needs a medical specialist (e.g. cardiologist, dermatologist), the MyCare doctor will provide a referral through traditional channels . Telus operates some physical Health Care Centres (clinics) and may attach MyCare users to those clinics for in-person specialist referrals if needed. Other Services: The app supports e-prescriptions (with delivery options), lab/imaging orders, and general health advice. It functions as an extension of primary care, ideally complementing a patient’s regular doctor (or acting as a primary care provider if the patient doesn’t have one). |
Sources: Official platform websites and press/blog information.
Patient and Provider Features
All five platforms offer user-friendly digital tools for patients, and some provide features or integrations beneficial to healthcare providers as well. Key features include how appointments are booked, modes of consultation (video, audio, text), prescription handling, record-keeping, and integrations (e.g. with pharmacies or EMRs). The table below outlines notable patient and provider features:
| Platform | Features for Patients & Providers |
|---|---|
| Ogaei | Booking & Platform: Patients can easily book appointments online or via the Ogaei app, selecting the needed specialty and a convenient time. The platform provides a secure video consultation interface, as well as secure chat and voice options. E-Prescriptions & Labs: Doctors on Ogaei can send prescriptions electronically to the patient’s pharmacy (integrated with pharmacy networks). Lab test requisitions and specialist referrals are handled through the platform and delivered to patients digitally. Records & Integration: Ogaei includes integrated digital health records – every consultation and document is stored for patients and can be shared. The system is API-friendly and designed to integrate with existing healthcare IT systems in Canada (useful for clinics/hospitals that may collaborate with Ogaei). Provider Network: For providers, Ogaei has built a network of 200+ Ontario-licensed physicians trained in telemedicine. Providers use Ogaei’s platform tools to document visits (with full visibility into consultation notes, e-prescriptions, etc. for continuity). |
| Maple | Booking & Access: Maple offers on-demand 24/7 access – patients simply tap “Get care” in the app to be matched with an available provider within minutes . Alternatively, patients can schedule appointments with specialists or at specific times if preferred. The platform is available via mobile app or web, with a smooth user experience. Consultation Modes: Consultations can be done through secure text chat, video, or audio on Maple’s platform. Often, visits start as text chats and can be elevated to video if needed, providing flexibility for patients. Prescriptions & Notes: Maple providers can write prescriptions (which Maple can fax or send to a pharmacy electronically, including options for free delivery to the patient’s home). They can also issue sick notes or other medical documents through the app . Lab test orders and referrals to specialists are managed digitally as well. Patients have access to these documents in their Maple account. Records & Security: Maple adheres to stringent privacy and security – all sessions are encrypted and Maple’s infrastructure ensures patient health data is confidential . Patients have control over their records and can download or share consultation notes as needed . Provider/Clinic Integration: Maple has a large network of doctors who work on a flexible basis. For healthcare providers, Maple offers “Maple for Clinics/Hospitals” solutions, integrating virtual care into clinic workflows . (Maple’s business solutions allow clinics or employers to use Maple’s technology platform, though specifics are handled case-by-case.) There is no cost for individual providers to join Maple’s network; instead, Maple compensates doctors per consult and offers the platform as a service to organizations. |
| Tia Health | Booking System: Patients use Tia’s website or app to book an appointment at a specific time with the provider of their choice . The system shows profiles of available doctors, allowing patients to pick based on availability or continuity (you can re-book with the same doctor for ongoing care) . This focus on continuity of care is a distinguishing feature (building a relationship with a chosen physician) . Consultation Modes: Tia supports multiple modes: consultations can be by phone call, video call, or secure text messaging chat, depending on patient preference and the provider’s workflow . This flexibility means you can even just have a phone consultation if that’s more convenient. Prescriptions & Delivery: If medication is prescribed, Tia offers free prescription delivery to any address in Canada . Alternatively, prescriptions can be sent to a local pharmacy for pickup. Prescription renewals are also handled online, and patients can easily request refills. Lab Work & Referrals: Tia doctors can order lab tests or imaging; requisition forms are sent to patients through the platform immediately after the visit . Specialist referrals are made electronically, and Tia can facilitate booking with a specialist if available. (WELL Health, Tia’s parent company, owns physical clinics and specialty services, which may integrate with Tia referrals.) Privacy & Security: Tia emphasizes security with bank-level encryption and servers located in Canada . This ensures compliance with health privacy laws. From a provider perspective, Tia is part of the WELL Health ecosystem, which likely means it can integrate with WELL’s EMR systems (such as OSCAR Pro) that many clinics use. Providers on Tia’s platform are guided to ensure proper documentation and can access prior visit history for returning patients. |
| Rocket Doctor | Appointment Requests: Patients start by requesting an appointment on Rocket Doctor’s app/website, indicating their health concern. Smart matching technology pairs the patient with an appropriate provider (e.g., if it’s a skin issue, a GP with dermatology experience or a dermatologist). Appointments are then scheduled, often for the same day or next day, rather than instant on-demand. Rocket Doctor also introduced a “live text chat” service in Ontario for quicker consults: patients can book a real-time text messaging consultation for certain issues Consultation Modes: The primary mode is secure video calls through Rocket Doctor’s platform. In Ontario, as noted, patients also have the option of text-based consults (useful for straightforward issues or follow-ups). The platform does not explicitly mention phone calls; the focus is on video or chat for documentation and quality purposes. Prescriptions & Care Coordination: Rocket Doctor physicians can send electronic prescriptions directly to the patient’s chosen pharmacy (this is standard across provinces). They can also provide digital doctor’s notes and other forms (the subscription plans include a certain number of doctor’s notes for work/school). If a patient needs lab tests or imaging, the doctor orders them and the requisition is delivered to the patient via the platform, after which the patient goes to a lab or imaging center in person . Medical Records: Rocket Doctor has a cloud-based EMR that stores all patient visit records. Any Rocket Doctor physician you see can view your previous visit history on the platform (ensuring continuity between visits). Patients likely have access to visit summaries as well. This is useful for those without a family doctor, as the platform itself maintains your medical history. Provider Features: For healthcare providers, Rocket Doctor enables physicians to “start their own virtual practice” via the platform . It provides the technology, scheduling, billing, and even patient recruitment, allowing doctors (including new graduates) to offer telehealth services without needing their own clinic infrastructure. The platform is PHIPA/HIPAA compliant and provides malpractice insurance coverage guidelines, etc., so providers can practice confidently . Rocket Doctor also partners with pharmacies (virtual care kiosks) and employers, indicating it can integrate services in those settings to expand reach |
| TELUS MyCare | App Experience: Patients use the TELUS Health MyCare app to book and manage appointments . The app is polished and user-friendly: you can browse provider profiles (see their bio, languages, etc.) and choose a specific doctor or select the next available provider . This means if you’ve seen a doctor you liked, you can try to book with them again, improving continuity. Scheduling: Appointments are booked for set times (MyCare is not an on-demand 5-minute wait service). However, many same-day slots are usually available during operating hours. You can pick a time that works for you, including evenings and weekends, since MyCare offers extended hours for appointments (but not 24/7). Consultation Mode: Consultations are primarily via video chat within the app. The video quality and stability benefit from TELUS’s telecom expertise. If a video is not possible, phone calls may be used in some cases, but the platform is designed around video visits to allow better assessments. There is no text-message consultation feature for Telus MyCare; it’s focused on live conversations (unlike some competitors). Prescriptions & Delivery: During the consultation, if the doctor issues a prescription, it’s handled in-app. TELUS MyCare can have prescriptions delivered to your address (often through partner pharmacies/mail-order) or sent to a local pharmacy for pickup . This is seamless – no paper involved. Referrals & Follow-up: If you need a referral to a specialist or an in-person exam, MyCare has a unique setup: if you become “attached” (registered) to a TELUS Health clinic physician, that clinic will manage your referral, possibly requiring an in-person visit first. If you are not attached, the MyCare doctor can advise on next steps and sometimes help arrange specialist referrals directly if within scope, but complex cases may be deferred to an in-person physician. Provider Integration: Telus Health is a large entity; MyCare is integrated with TELUS’s electronic medical records for its own clinics. Providers using MyCare document notes which can be shared with the patient or their family doctor. For privacy, Telus has a robust data security and privacy program (see next section) and also offers multi-language support which is a boon for providers and patients to match language preferences . From the provider angle, Telus MyCare doctors are often employees or contractors of Telus health centers, rather than independent users of the platform, so the platform itself isn’t something a clinic would purchase standalone (Telus has separate solutions for employers and health systems). |
Sources: Platform feature descriptions from official sites.
Compliance and Privacy (PHIPA/PIPEDA)
All platforms handle personal health information and thus must comply with Ontario’s PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and Canada’s PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). Each platform uses encryption and secure data storage (in Canada) to protect privacy. Below is a summary of compliance and security measures:
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Ogaei: Built to meet high data protection standards. The platform is PIPEDA-compliant and encrypts all communication between patients and providers . Ogaei’s servers are located in Canada, and its privacy policy aligns with PHIPA requirements (ensuring Ontario health data stays in Ontario). Patients’ health information is confidential and used only for providing care. (Ogaei’s privacy policy is accessible on their site; it outlines adherence to all relevant healthcare privacy laws.)
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Maple: Places strong emphasis on privacy. Maple strictly adheres to PHIPA and PIPEDA regulations . Sessions are protected by comprehensive security infrastructure; Maple regularly consults privacy experts to keep policies up-to-date . All data is stored securely in Canada. Patients retain control over their records, and Maple’s consent process is transparent . Maple also has a dedicated security page detailing encryption and data protection. (Maple has not reported any major breaches; it’s considered a trustworthy platform for personal health data.)
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Tia Health: Tia ensures that patient data is encrypted and stored in Canada . The platform’s security is described as “bank-level encryption,” indicating a high standard. Being part of WELL Health, Tia likely follows WELL’s corporate privacy policies which are PHIPA-compliant (WELL operates clinics and EMRs in Ontario). Although not explicitly stated on the public site, we can infer PHIPA compliance. Tia’s terms note that they will only share your info with your consent or as required for care. In short, Tia meets all legal requirements for health info protection.
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Rocket Doctor: Rocket Doctor’s platform is PHIPA-compliant and also meets HIPAA (U.S. standard) for good measure. All consultations occur over a secure, encrypted connection. Their privacy policy (available on their site) confirms that personal health information is stored on secure servers in Canada and not shared without consent. Rocket Doctor will promptly inform users of any breach, as required by law. For providers and enterprise partners, they highlight compliance as a key feature (important for any employers or pharmacies partnering with them).
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TELUS Health MyCare: Telus, as a major telecommunications and health company, has robust privacy protocols. MyCare complies with provincial health privacy laws – in Ontario, Telus clinics and services follow PHIPA strictly. The app’s terms and privacy commitment state that Telus will protect your personal health information and only use it for providing services . Data is stored on Canadian servers. Notably, Telus MyCare can facilitate multi-language consults but all medical documentation is provided in English to maintain consistency and accuracy . Telus has a dedicated “Data Trust & Privacy” program and undergoes regular audits.
All five platforms make privacy a top priority, using secure technological measures and following all legal regulations to safeguard patient data . Users should feel confident that these services maintain confidentiality akin to a traditional clinic.
Target Audience and Use Cases
This section identifies who each platform is designed for or marketed to – whether individual patients, healthcare providers, clinics, or specific groups (e.g., employers, uninsured patients, etc.):
| Platform | Target Audience & Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Ogaei | Patients in Ontario seeking accessible primary care and quick specialist input. Ogaei is squarely aimed at individuals (and families) who want virtual care covered by OHIP (for most services). It’s especially useful for patients who don’t have a family doctor or need after-hours care within Ontario. Ogaei offers family membership plans, indicating an appeal to households (add family members for a small fee) . Currently, Ogaei is not available outside Ontario – you must be an Ontario resident to use it . The platform does not market itself as a tool for clinics or external practitioners; rather, it has its own network of doctors. Thus, the primary audience is patients (including students, busy professionals, parents with kids, etc.) who need convenient online medical consultations. |
| Maple | General public across Canada: Maple is consumer-facing, targeting individuals and families nationwide who want on-demand healthcare at their fingertips . This includes everyone from young professionals without time for walk-in clinics, to parents with children, to travelers in Canada needing care. Maple has a high adoption among patients who value 24/7 access. Employers and Insurers: Maple also targets businesses – it offers corporate plans so that employers or insurance companies can provide Maple access as a benefit . Many Canadian insurers (e.g., GreenShield) have partnered with Maple to offer virtual care to their members. Healthcare Organizations: Maple provides “Maple for Hospitals” or clinics, where health systems can use Maple’s technology to facilitate their own virtual visits . For example, some clinics might use Maple to allow their doctors to do video visits with patients. In summary, Maple’s audience is broad: patients (B2C), employers/insurers (B2B), and healthcare providers (through tech integration). Maple’s large network of 2000+ providers suggests it also appeals to many physicians and NPs looking to work in telehealth part-time (Maple recruits providers to its platform to meet patient demand). |
| Tia Health | Patients in Canada needing a family doctor or quick consult: Tia specifically markets itself as a solution for the estimated 4.8 million Canadians without a family doctor. By offering virtual walk-in and longitudinal visits, Tia targets patients who are orphaned from the healthcare system. It’s free in ON/BC/AB, so naturally residents in those provinces who have a health card but no easy access to a doctor are a core audience. Many users are likely those who are tired of waiting weeks for an appointment and want a faster alternative . Continuity (choosing the same doctor) also means it’s trying to serve as a replacement family practice for some. Healthcare Providers: Since Tia is part of WELL Health (which runs many clinics), the platform might also be used by WELL’s own network of doctors to see their patients virtually. However, to an independent practitioner, Tia isn’t openly advertised as a service you can license (instead, WELL has other telehealth platforms for practitioners). Essentially, Tia’s focus remains on patient empowerment – letting patients book with their choice of providers and receive holistic care (from general medicine to specialists and allied health). There isn’t a separate “clinic version” of Tia; rather, clinics get involved by having their doctors join Tia’s provider pool. |
| Rocket Doctor | Patients in underserved or remote areas: Rocket Doctor’s mission highlights providing access for rural and underserved communities . It partners with community pharmacies and even deploys in-pharmacy virtual kiosks to reach patients who might not have good internet at home . So, a key audience is rural Ontarians or others who struggle to find local doctors. Unattached patients & quick specialty access: Patients without family doctors, or who face long waits for specialists, find value in Rocket Doctor. For example, someone awaiting a specialist consult in the public system might use Rocket Doctor to see one sooner online. Also, during the pandemic, many who couldn’t see doctors in person turned to this service. Physicians and Healthcare Entrepreneurs: Rocket Doctor appeals to doctors by offering them a chance to start a virtual practice easily . New graduates or physicians looking to work from home can join the platform. Rocket Doctor also engages partners like employers (to offer telemedicine to employees) and brokers (perhaps insurance brokers) . Additionally, because it champions virtual care policy (they have a petition to restore OHIP funding for virtual visits ), it’s seen as a platform aligned with physician advocacy for telehealth. In summary, Rocket Doctor straddles B2C and B2B: it’s consumer-facing for patients, but also positions itself as a telehealth solution for providers and communities who need one. |
| TELUS Health MyCare | Canadian patients (in provinces where available): Telus MyCare targets individuals in Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan (the provinces covered) who want convenient healthcare via an app . Being free with health insurance, it naturally draws those who prefer not to pay out-of-pocket (as they might have to with Maple). It’s popular among patients who value the backing of a large company and might not have a family doctor or can’t easily get to one. MyCare is also a go-to for people who already use other Telus health products or those who want integrated care with Telus clinics. Primary care attachment: Telus actively uses MyCare to attach patients to its physical clinics. If someone needs ongoing care, Telus can enroll them in a Telus Health clinic (for in-person needs), essentially becoming their family physician provider. Thus, the app can serve as an entry point to a broader care system. Employers/Insurers: While Telus MyCare itself is direct-to-consumer, Telus also offers employer-sponsored virtual care (formerly Akira). There might be some overlap (e.g., an employer might encourage using MyCare app which is free for insured services). But generally, Telus has separate solutions for corporate clients. MyCare’s main audience is everyday patients looking for an alternative to walk-in clinics, especially those who prefer video calls over text-based consults. Providers: Doctors and NPs working with Telus MyCare are typically hired or contracted by Telus (rather than independent users). From a clinic perspective, Telus doesn’t license the MyCare app out, but clinics can partner by referring patients or by Telus acquiring clinics. Overall, the platform is patient-centric, leveraging Telus’s brand trust. |
Sources: Platform about pages, company profiles, and news releases.
Pricing Models (Patients and Providers)
Pricing varies significantly across these services. Some are publicly funded (free with a health card) while others charge per visit or via subscriptions. Below is a breakdown of pricing for patients (and any relevant info on provider-side pricing):
| Platform | Patient Pricing | Provider/Clinic Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Ogaei | OHIP-Covered: For Ontario patients with OHIP, most general medical visits are billed to OHIP (no cost to patient). Ogaei operates on a membership model for additional services: an individual membership is $9.99/month (currently discounted to $4.99/month for the first 3 months). This membership gives unlimited virtual visits and covers services not paid by OHIP (e.g., sick notes, faster specialist access, wellness services). Without membership, an OHIP-covered patient can still use Ogaei for covered services, but the membership provides premium access (same-day appointments guaranteed, etc.). For patients without OHIP (e.g., out-of-province or not eligible), Ogaei charges per visit – additional fees apply in those cases (exact fees are not publicly listed, but presumably in the range of typical telehealth consults ~$30-$75). Ogaei also offers a family plan: adding family members to a membership for an extra $4.99/month each, making it cost-effective for households. |
Ogaei is not known to charge physicians to use the platform – instead, doctors are part of Ogaei’s network. There’s no indication of a standalone provider fee. Clinics or third parties are not Ogaei’s focus, so no clinic pricing. Ogaei’s revenue comes from memberships and possibly unsubsidized visit fees. |
| Maple | Out-of-Pocket Model: Maple is not covered by OHIP or other provincial plans (except in some employer/insurer arrangements). Patients have two main options: pay-per-visit or membership. A one-time general practitioner consult on demand costs $210 on average (daytime rate for Ontario; rates can vary by time). Specialists on Maple start at $160 per consultation (for example, dermatology or therapy sessions), with the price depending on the specialty. For frequent users, Maple offers a membership at $79.99/month (personal plan). The membership includes unlimited on-demand visits 24/7 with GPs or NPs, plus a monthly credit of $80 toward specialist appointments. There’s also a family membership (~$50/month for the family) mentioned in some sources, which covers 5+ family members, but the standard offering on the website is individual. Additionally, many users access Maple through insurance or workplace benefits, in which case the cost is covered by the plan (Maple has partnerships that make it free or low-cost at point of use). If a patient doesn’t have coverage, they pay the fees above. Note: Maple occasionally runs promotions (e.g., first visit discounts) but generally it’s premium-priced. |
Providers: Maple does not charge doctors to join; instead it pays them per consult. For example, a physician might earn a set fee for each visit they complete on Maple. Clinics/Hospitals: If a clinic wants to use Maple’s platform (e.g., to integrate virtual care), pricing is not public – it’s likely a custom SaaS or partnership agreement. Maple’s enterprise solutions would be priced based on usage or licensing. These details aren’t public, but Maple’s focus is growing its user base via partnerships. In summary, providers incur no direct costs to use Maple in serving Maple’s patients (Maple is the one charging patients or their insurers). Maple’s monetization is through patient fees and B2B contracts, not provider fees. |
| Tia Health | Publicly Funded (OHIP/MSP/AHCIP): In Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, all standard appointments on Tia are free for patients with a valid provincial health card. This includes seeing family doctors or nurse practitioners for insured services (which covers most routine consults). The platform directly bills the provincial health plan. There is no membership fee required for these patients. For patients in other provinces (or without a health card in the three provinces), Tia charges out-of-pocket fees. They advertise the lowest pricing in Canada, starting at $30 per appointment. For example, a straightforward GP consult might be $30; certain specialist or allied health visits could cost more. (A Facebook page mentions $69 per appointment for some services, but the official site emphasizes $30+). Tia also provides receipts for those who want to claim the cost via Health Spending Accounts or insurance. There’s no subscription fee for patients – it’s either covered by health card or pay-per-use. Ancillary services like therapy through partner platforms may have separate pricing (e.g., an ongoing therapy program might have its own fees). But for core doctor visits, it’s either $0 with health card or a flat fee per visit. |
Providers/Clinics: Tia Health is part of WELL Health, which likely means doctors are either salaried or paid per consult by Tia/WELL. Healthcare providers don’t pay to use Tia; instead, they sign up to provide services (WELL handles the billing with provinces or patients). For clinics, WELL Health might integrate Tia for its own clinics to do virtual care, but there’s no indication Tia is sold as a product to external clinics (WELL has other platforms for that). So, no published pricing for clinics. In essence, Tia’s financial model is to bill provincial insurance or collect fees from patients, and then compensate doctors accordingly – not to charge physicians. |
| Rocket Doctor | Public Coverage + Private Fees: Rocket Doctor originally offered free visits under provincial plans, but due to Ontario’s policy changes, pricing has split by service type and province. In Alberta & BC, all appointments remain covered by provincial health insurance (free to patients). In Ontario, specialist consultations are covered by OHIP (no patient fee), but primary care or urgent care visits are no longer covered. Ontario patients must pay out-of-pocket for GP visits: Rocket Doctor lists a range of $55–$65 per primary care appointment in Ontario. (The exact fee may depend on time of day or complexity). This is a per-visit fee without any membership. Subscription Plans: To offer savings, Rocket Doctor introduced subscription packages for its text-based consult service in Ontario. For example, a Lite plan costs $150 per 3 months for 3 chat visits (effectively $50/visit), a Plus plan is $225/3 months for 5 visits ($45/visit), and a Premium is $330/3 months for 8 visits ($41/visit). There are also annual options with slightly better rates. These plans include some extra perks (e.g., a certain number of sick notes, and even non-medical perks like meal kit discounts). The subscription is optional – patients can still pay per visit if they prefer (approximately $74 for a one-off chat consult). Video appointments (especially specialist ones) are likely not part of the subscription and would be billed to OHIP if eligible or charged similarly to the GP rate if not. Other provinces: Rocket Doctor has started serving Atlantic Canada (e.g., Nova Scotia, Newfoundland). In those regions, there isn’t provincial coverage for virtual care, so patients would pay fees similar to Ontario’s model ($55-$65 per visit). Rocket Doctor provides receipts for insurance if applicable. Summary: Free in AB/BC, mixed in ON (free specialist, paid GP), and subscription options to reduce costs. Still no annual “unlimited” plan – the model is pay-per-use or packs of visits. |
Providers: Rocket Doctor appears free for physicians to join – they provide the technology and patient base, and in return take care of billing. Doctors are paid for the visits they conduct (either via billing the province where possible, or via the patient’s fee). Rocket Doctor’s pitch to providers (especially new ones) is that they don’t need to pay to start a virtual practice; Rocket supplies the platform, and possibly even malpractice coverage and admin support, at no direct cost. The company likely takes a percentage of billings or retains the patient fees to fund the platform operations. No explicit clinic pricing is published. However, they do partner with pharmacies and employers, possibly under custom arrangements (for example, an employer might pay Rocket Doctor a contract to provide X number of visits for employees). Those would be negotiated case by case. |
| TELUS MyCare | Provincially Funded for Doctors’ visits: Telus Health MyCare does not charge patients for standard doctor consultations in the provinces it serves. Ontario, BC, and Alberta residents pay $0 for a video visit with a doctor or nurse practitioner, as it’s billed to OHIP, MSP, or AHCIP respectively. (Saskatchewan is also supported; presumably SK visits are covered by Saskatchewan health as well, as SK introduced virtual care billing codes). If a patient in these provinces does not have a valid health card, or if they are from out-of-province, Telus charges $70 per visit. Mental Health and Dietitian Services: These are not covered by government insurance. Telus MyCare offers 50-minute counselling or dietitian sessions for $120 each. These fees can often be claimed under extended health benefit plans (Telus provides receipts for reimbursement). For clinical psychology, the initial assessment (50 min) is $225, and follow-ups might be similarly priced. While these prices are out-of-pocket, many clients have coverage through workplace benefits. No Subscription Needed: The app itself is free to download and use; you only pay when you use a service that isn’t provincially covered. There is no monthly membership fee for MyCare – Telus’s strategy is to leverage the health system funding for core services and charge for ancillary ones. In summary, for a resident of ON/BC/AB: seeing a doctor on MyCare costs nothing (government pays), seeing a counsellor or dietitian costs $120, and seeing a psychologist $225. For someone outside those provinces: $70 for any doctor visit (since provincial coverage wouldn’t apply). |
Providers/Clinics: Telus Health employs many of the MyCare doctors or has them on contract, so providers are paid by Telus per consult or by salary – they do not pay to use the platform. Telus does not offer MyCare as a product to independent clinics (instead, Telus has other digital health products, and Telus owns some clinics directly). So there is no pricing for a clinic to “buy” MyCare. For enterprises, Telus has a separate virtual care solution (Telus Health Virtual Care, formerly Akira), which employers pay for on a per-member per-month basis. That’s distinct from MyCare. The Telus MyCare app itself is consumer-focused and free for healthcare providers and patients to use, with Telus recouping costs through provincial billing and the fees for non-covered services. |
Sources: Pricing details from official pages. (All prices in CAD; current as of 2025.)
Appointment Availability and Wait Times
Timely access is a crucial factor in telemedicine. Here we compare how quickly a patient can get seen and the typical wait times or availability of each service:
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Ogaei: General practitioners are available with same-day appointments, often very quickly (within minutes to hours of booking) due to Ogaei’s focus on immediacy. They specifically advertise “same-day access to GPs”. For specialists, Ogaei aims for expedited access (within the same month), and in many cases much sooner – their membership promises faster specialist consults, reportedly sometimes within 48 hours for certain specialties. Officially, without membership, a specialist might take a few weeks, but still less than typical wait times. Ogaei also claims to offer 24/7 coverage for care, ensuring that even outside normal clinic hours patients can get help. (In practice, their core hours have been 9am-8pm on weekdays as the network grows, but 24/7 is an available service for urgent needs via their on-call doctors.) Overall, Ogaei patients can expect very prompt scheduling – often immediate or same-day for primary care, and specialist appointments much faster than the traditional system.
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Maple: Maple is known for instantaneous on-demand access. For primary care, Maple users can typically connect with a doctor in 2 minutes or less at virtually any time. (For example, users report midnight or 3am requests being fulfilled in minutes if a provider is online.) Maple’s site says you can see a GP “within minutes” from 6am to 11pm every day. In fact, Maple operates 17+ hours a day for on-demand, and for members there is 24/7 nearly round-the-clock availability. During peak times, wait might be a few minutes longer if demand is high, but generally it’s very quick. For specialists on Maple, you usually book an appointment (you might wait a few days or a week to see, say, a dermatologist, depending on availability). However, Maple often has relatively short waits for specialists too, because they have a large network – e.g., a dermatologist or therapist might have an opening within a couple of days or the same week. In summary, Maple leads in immediacy for urgent primary care (virtually no wait), and offers scheduled specialist visits faster than traditional referrals (but not instant).
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Tia Health: Tia works by scheduled appointments, so the wait time depends on when slots are available. The platform’s advantage is eliminating long waits for an appointment – they tout “no more waiting weeks” for a doctor. Many users can find a same-day or next-day appointment, especially for a general medical issue. Because you can choose doctors, you might pick one who has a time slot in the next hour or later that day. If you have a preferred doctor, you might wait longer for their availability. On average, patients in ON/BC/AB might book a visit within 24-48 hours. Tia is not 24/7 on-demand; it operates like a virtual clinic with doctors on schedules. Typical service hours are extended (covering days, evenings, and weekends) since they have many part-time doctors. If you go online at 2am, you likely won’t find an immediate Tia appointment until the next morning. However, during daytime, wait times can be just minutes to connect if you book a slot that just opened. The ability to schedule means you can plan a consultation at your convenience, but it’s not as instantaneous as Maple.
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Rocket Doctor: Rocket Doctor patients generally schedule an appointment after making a request. According to their FAQ, in most cases the appointment will be the same day or the next day. They try to accommodate requests quickly, but because it’s not a constant on-demand queue, you might wait a few hours for the next available slot. The new live text-chat service in Ontario could potentially reduce wait to near-immediate if a doctor is standing by to chat, but typically you still book that chat for the near future. Rocket Doctor’s model provides reasonably fast access: much faster than waiting weeks for an in-person visit, but not as fast as clicking “connect now” on Maple. Also, because Rocket Doctor focuses on comprehensive visits, they ensure a doctor has time set aside for you. If you log on in the morning, you might see an opening in the afternoon. For specialist appointments, Rocket Doctor often can schedule within a few days (they mention specialist access within a couple of days in many cases). Emergency physicians on the platform may be available after hours, but 24/7 service is not guaranteed. Overall, expect to get an appointment in ≤24 hours in many cases, which is in line with their stated goal of same-day/next-day care.
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TELUS MyCare: Telus MyCare operates more like a traditional clinic in terms of timing. They have set operating hours (e.g., roughly 8am-8pm weekdays, 9-5 weekends in many provinces). Within those hours, patients can often find same-day appointments. The app will show open time slots; depending on demand, you might get a slot within an hour or two on a good day, or you might have to book next day if it’s busy or after hours. Because you can pick a specific doctor, if you want a particular provider, you might wait days for that person. If you choose “first available,” you could be seen the same day quite often. However, outside of operating hours, you must wait until the next day – there is no overnight service (Telus does not have doctors on call 24/7 on MyCare). So, if it’s midnight, you’ll have to schedule for the next morning. Telus MyCare’s wait times are generally short during the day – many users report minimal waiting room time since it’s by appointment. In essence, MyCare offers convenience in booking but not the 24/7 immediacy; it trades instant access for a more structured schedule.
In summary, Maple is best for instant 24/7 answers (virtually no wait for a doctor during service hours), Ogaei and Rocket Doctor strive for same-day service (often within hours), Tia Health offers speedy appointments usually by next day (free in key provinces, which might offset waiting a bit), and Telus MyCare ensures you get an appointment often same-day but only during set hours. All significantly beat traditional clinic wait times, with Maple being the fastest option and Telus MyCare focusing on scheduled quality time.
Sources: Platform claims and user experiences.
Language Support
Canada’s multicultural and bilingual population means language support can be important. Here’s how each platform handles languages:
| Platform | Language Support |
|---|---|
| Ogaei | Primarily English. Ogaei’s website and app are in English only, and it is targeted at Ontario (where English is the primary language of healthcare). There is no official mention of French or other language interfaces. It’s likely that most Ogaei doctors speak English; some individual doctors may speak additional languages (common in Ontario), but the platform does not currently offer a way to search by language. Non-English support is not advertised, so patients should expect service in English. |
| Maple | Bilingual (English and French): Maple’s platform is available in both languages – the website has a Français option, and the app supports French. Maple being nationwide, it accommodates French-speaking users, especially in Quebec and New Brunswick. Additionally, because Maple has providers across Canada, you may find doctors who speak other languages too. (There are francophone doctors, and likely some who speak Mandarin, Punjabi, etc., given the diversity of Canadian physicians.) However, the app doesn’t have a built-in language filter for doctors; you might use the platform in French and still get an English-only doctor if in an English province. For official documentation and support, Maple provides both English and French. |
| Tia Health | English-focused: Tia Health’s interface and booking system are in English. There’s no French version of the site visible, and no mention of French service, which suggests that Tia is primarily an English service. This aligns with the fact that Tia hasn’t been marketed in Quebec (where French is essential). That said, some doctors on Tia may speak languages other than English (WELL Health employs multilingual physicians). If a patient prefers another language, they would have to manually find a doctor who can accommodate that – the platform itself doesn’t list an array of language options publicly. In practice, for Ontario, many doctors might speak a second language (French, Arabic, Cantonese, etc.), but English is the default for Tia Health communications and support. |
| Rocket Doctor | English is the primary language of service. The Rocket Doctor website and patient materials are in English. They operate in provinces outside Quebec, so bilingual French support has not been a focus. There’s no indication of a French interface or guaranteed French consultations. However, Rocket Doctor’s team likely includes some bilingual doctors (for example, in Ontario or New Brunswick, there could be French-speaking physicians). If a patient needs a different language, Rocket Doctor doesn’t advertise a concierge to match you with, say, a Punjabi-speaking doctor – it might happen by chance or through asking support. Officially, communications (email, instructions, prescriptions) are provided in English. So, non-English speakers would need a translator’s help or stick with platforms that explicitly support their language. |
| TELUS MyCare | Multilingual support available: Telus MyCare app is available in English, and possibly French (Telus being a national company, their app and support can accommodate French – for instance, the App Store description is bilingual, and Telus has French-speaking staff). In fact, Telus notes that if you need a provider who speaks a specific language, you can call their support line to arrange it (they list languages like French, Cantonese, Punjabi, Farsi, etc. available by request). The footnote in their documentation states that while booking is default in English, they will try to match you with a doctor in your preferred language if you contact support, though it may lead to longer wait times. All written outputs (consultation notes, prescriptions) will still be in English. This suggests Telus has a commitment to serving Canada’s diverse population. So, a patient could get, for example, a Cantonese consultation if scheduling allows. French is certainly supported (Telus likely complies with bilingual requirements for national services). Overall, Telus MyCare has the strongest explicit multilingual support among these platforms, thanks to its ability to tap into a large provider network and corporate resources. |
Sources: Platform FAQs/footnotes on language, Maple site language toggle.
Notable Strengths and Limitations
Finally, a concise look at the key strengths and drawbacks of each platform:
| Platform | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Ogaei | – OHIP-covered virtual care for Ontario patients – no direct cost for GP consultations (making healthcare accessible and affordable). – Low-cost membership model: for ~$5–10/month, patients get unlimited visits and premium access (including free sick notes, faster specialist referrals, and some non-OHIP services). This is significantly cheaper than competitors’ subscriptions, broadening access. – Quick specialist access: Ogaei aims to connect patients with specialists in days, not months – a game-changer in Ontario’s context where specialist wait times are long. They advertise specialist consults within ~48 hours for members. – Integrated care platform: All-in-one features (video, chat, e-prescriptions, lab requisitions) on a secure, PHIPA-compliant system. It’s designed specifically for Ontario’s healthcare system, potentially integrating with existing clinics/hospitals seamlessly. |
– Ontario-only: Ogaei is not available outside Ontario. This geographic limitation means it serves a smaller user base and cannot be used when traveling out-of-province or by those in other regions. – Newer platform (startup in 2024): It’s relatively new, so it lacks the track record of older services. The network of doctors, while growing, is smaller than Maple’s or Telus’s large pool. Some specialist areas may still be limited until they expand. – Service hours still expanding: Although Ogaei advertises 24/7 care, its practical coverage in early 2025 may be closer to extended business hours (with overnight availability improving as demand grows). Patients might not always get an after-midnight response until the platform fully scales its 24/7 staffing. – Membership required for full benefits: While OHIP covers the medical visit, certain conveniences (like guaranteed same-day slots or non-OHIP services) require the paid membership. This could be a barrier for those who don’t want a subscription (though the fee is low). |
| Maple | – 24/7 on-demand access: Maple offers unparalleled convenience – patients can get medical advice anytime, anywhere within minutes. It’s the only platform of the group with true 24/7 availability for primary care, which is invaluable for urgent needs at odd hours. – Large network and variety: Maple boasts over 2,000 healthcare providers across Canada and 25+ specialties available. This means diverse expertise (from dermatology to endocrinology to mental health) is readily accessible, often without referral. It’s essentially a one-stop-shop for many healthcare needs. – Nationwide and bilingual: Maple serves all provinces (and travelers abroad seeking Canadian care). It’s fully bilingual and has providers licensed across the country, making it inclusive for English and French speakers. – Feature-rich platform: Maple’s app is mature – offering not just video consults, but also digital prescriptions with free delivery, instant lab requisitions, specialist referrals, and even integration with insurance billing in some cases. The user experience is highly rated for being quick and convenient. Maple has also integrated with pharmacies and partnered with insurance, enhancing its value. |
– Costly for patients if uninsured: Maple is not covered by provincial health plans. The fees are high, with a single consult costing over $200, which can be prohibitive for many. The $79.99/month membership, while comprehensive, is expensive, especially compared to “free” options like Tia or Telus for basic care. Those without employer coverage might find Maple’s cost a major downside. – No continuity by default: Maple’s on-demand model means you likely get a different doctor each time. While the care quality is high, it’s not ideal for building a doctor-patient relationship. (They do have appointment options to see the same provider, but it’s not the core design). In contrast, Tia or Telus can offer more continuity. – Sick notes and forms cost extra: Because not covered by OHIP, if you use Maple to get a doctor’s note or a form filled, that’s part of the paid visit (whereas your own OHIP-covered doctor might do a simple note for free or a small fee). Maple’s convenience comes at a premium for even simple needs. – Quebec limitations: Maple operates in Quebec in a limited capacity (due to provincial rules, fully private telemedicine is restricted). Quebec residents often can’t use Maple for OHIP-covered equivalents, limiting Maple’s reach in that province. (This is a regional limitation, though not an issue in Ontario). |
| Tia Health | – Free for patients in key provinces: The biggest strength – Ontario, BC, and Alberta patients pay $0 for using Tia Health (covered by health insurance). This makes virtual care accessible to all, including those who can’t afford out-of-pocket fees. It’s a clear advantage over platforms like Maple for residents of those provinces. – Continuity of care: Tia lets you choose your doctor and stick with them. This is more like a traditional family practice experience, which can improve quality of care over time. Patients can build a relationship with a doctor or NP via repeat visits, which is harder on purely on-demand platforms. – Multi-modal consultations: Support for video, phone, and text gives patients flexibility. Someone without a strong internet connection can do a phone call; someone with a simple question might do messaging. This flexibility can lead to higher patient satisfaction. – Range of services under one roof: Tia doesn’t just have family doctors – it also has specialists, therapists, naturopaths, even veterinarians. So patients can access a variety of care types. It also continually expands services (leveraging WELL Health’s network). – Strong backing and integration: Being part of WELL Health means Tia has stability (WELL is a large healthcare company). It can integrate with physical clinics and digital records that WELL operates, meaning a more seamless experience if you also visit a WELL clinic. |
– Not 24/7: Tia is not an instant, around-the-clock service. If you need help at 2 AM, Tia won’t have a doctor available until the next day. This limitation means it’s not ideal for urgent nocturnal issues (patients would have to use Maple or go to ER for immediate attention). – Provincial availability: While free in ON/BC/AB, Tia either charges in other provinces or is not available. It essentially doesn’t operate in Quebec or other provinces with restrictive telemedicine rules. So its reach is somewhat limited (though those three provinces cover a majority of Canadians). – Potential wait times for popular doctors: Continuity is a double-edged sword – if you want your doctor, you might wait longer for their next slot. Some patients might feel wait times for a specific physician on Tia could be days or a week, resembling the traditional system (albeit you could choose another provider sooner). – Less specialist depth than Maple: While Tia has various specialists, it might not have the breadth or immediate availability that Maple’s paid network does. Often Tia’s approach is to refer to in-person specialists through OHIP. For example, you can get a referral to a dermatologist via Tia, but you may not directly video-chat with a dermatologist on Tia the way you could on Maple. This can mean actual specialist consults might still follow normal wait times outside the platform. |
| Rocket Doctor | – Provincial coverage (mostly free): In BC and AB, Rocket Doctor remains fully free to patients (covered by health plans). In Ontario, specialists are free via OHIP. This significantly reduces cost barriers for many users, especially for specialist care that would be hard to get otherwise. Rocket Doctor has been a champion of publicly funded telemedicine. – Focus on underserved areas: Rocket Doctor’s initiatives to serve rural communities (telemedicine kiosks, etc.) are a strength. It reaches patients who might have no other access. This mission-driven approach means they tailor solutions for those who need it most. – Quick specialist access: The platform shines in allowing patients to see specialists faster than through usual referrals. Because they have specialists on-platform, a patient in need (e.g., an endocrinology consult) can get one in days rather than months. This “one network” approach to multi-specialty care is a big plus. – Hybrid consultation options: Offering text chat consults (unique among these, aside from Maple’s text feature) is a convenient strength. Also, the subscription packages for frequent users make it more affordable if you need multiple visits, which is innovative in the telehealth space. – Provider-friendly platform: Rocket Doctor actively recruits physicians, offering them flexible work and a built-in practice. It’s positioned as a doctor-friendly platform (even co-founded by physicians), which could translate to more satisfied providers and potentially better patient care. They also incorporate advanced tools (they’ve piloted integration of digital stethoscopes, for example) making it forward-looking. |
– Reduced OHIP coverage for primary care in Ontario: A major limitation is that Ontario patients now have to pay for primary care visits ($60 range), which used to be free. This change (due to government policy) makes Rocket Doctor less attractive in Ontario for basic needs compared to free options like Tia or Telus MyCare. It also creates confusion: some patients might not realize a service is no longer free until booking. – No instantaneous service: Rocket Doctor is not “on-demand in minutes.” Patients must request and schedule, which might not suit acute issues that occur outside schedule times. There’s also no guaranteed service overnight or very early morning. Maple’s immediacy outperforms Rocket Doctor’s appointment model for urgent queries. – Geographic coverage: While they mention Atlantic Canada, Rocket Doctor is still not truly nationwide and completely absent in Quebec. The platform’s utility is strongest in ON/BC/AB; elsewhere it’s either not available or requires out-of-pocket pay, limiting its broad adoption. – Scaling challenges: As a younger company with a heavy service offering (free care = relying on physician availability and lower margins), Rocket Doctor may face scaling issues. Some users report that after OHIP changes, it became harder to get a timely GP appointment (fewer doctors available for paid consults). The long-term sustainability in Ontario might be a concern if policies don’t revert. Additionally, their multi-province operations mean varying rules, which can be complex to navigate. |
| TELUS MyCare | – Free for patients (with coverage): For Ontarians and others in supported provinces, using MyCare for a doctor’s visit doesn’t hit the wallet. This is a huge advantage – it’s as if you visited a regular OHIP-covered clinic, but virtually. Cost is a non-issue, encouraging people to seek care when needed. – Trusted brand & integration: Telus is a well-known, reputable company in Canada. MyCare benefits from that trust and from Telus’s existing healthcare infrastructure (electronic records, pharmacies like Telus Health Virtual Pharmacy, etc.). If you use other Telus health services, MyCare can integrate with them. The platform feels professional and robust, which can comfort users worried about telehealth. – All-in-one app for health: MyCare includes not just doctor visits but also mental health counselling and dietitian services. It’s convenient to have physical health and mental health in one app (and one account). The quality of these services is high, with licensed professionals and the ability to get reimbursed by insurance. – Language and provider choice: Telus stands out for offering multi-language support (you can request a doctor who speaks French, Mandarin, etc.), which is a big strength in serving Canada’s diversity. Also, being able to read bios and choose a specific provider is a plus for those who have preferences (e.g., female doctor, or someone you saw before). This level of choice is not present in purely on-demand systems. – Continuity with in-person care: If needed, Telus can refer you to its own clinics for physical exams or follow-ups, meaning there’s a continuum of care from virtual to brick-and-mortar. This is a strength for cases where virtual alone isn’t enough – Telus won’t leave you hanging; they have physical locations (in some cities) to support you. |
– Limited hours (no 24/7): Telus MyCare only operates during set hours – typically business hours and some evening/weekend coverage. It’s not available late at night. This is a significant limitation compared to 24/7 services; if you need help at midnight, you’ll have to wait. – Provincial restrictions: MyCare is only available in ON, BC, AB, and SK. If you live in or travel to Manitoba, Quebec, Atlantic Canada (except some pilot in NB possibly), you cannot use MyCare. So its reach is limited. (Telus likely is working on expanding, but nothing yet for those regions.) – Fewer specialties in-app: Telus MyCare intentionally limits direct specialist access – you cannot, for example, directly book a cardiologist or dermatologist in the app (whereas Maple or Rocket might allow that). They focus on primary care and a couple of allied health services. For any other specialty, you’ll just get a referral. This makes the scope of MyCare a bit narrower for complex issues; you may end up having to navigate the traditional system for specialist care. – No medical notes or form completion in virtual visits: As noted by users and even mentioned in Maple’s comparison, Telus MyCare doctors do not issue sick notes or other medical forms through the app. If you need a note for work or a prescription for massage therapy, MyCare won’t provide it virtually – they might tell you to see a doctor in person. This policy can be frustrating if you specifically wanted a quick virtual note. It’s likely an internal policy to avoid misuse of the free system, but it is a limitation in service offerings. – Potential wait for appointments: While usually quick, there are times when MyCare’s next available slot might be hours away or next-day, especially at peak times. It’s not the instant gratification of on-demand systems (though this is the trade-off for a free, scheduled model). |
Sources: Summarized from platform documentation and third-party analyses
Conclusion: Each telemedicine platform in Ontario has its niche. Ogaei offers Ontario-focused care with membership perks and OHIP coverage, Maple provides nationwide 24/7 service at a premium price, Tia Health delivers free appointments in key provinces with continuity of care, Rocket Doctor bridges gaps especially for specialist and rural care (combining public funding and innovation), and TELUS MyCare integrates virtual care into the healthcare system with no cost to the patient during working hours. Users should choose based on their priorities – be it cost (free vs paid), availability (on-demand 24/7 vs scheduled), continuity (seeing the same doctor vs quick one-off consults), and services needed (breadth of specialties vs primary care focus). All platforms are compliant with Canadian health privacy laws and aim to improve access to care in complementary ways.
What are the best platforms for telemedicine in Ontario?
At Ogaei, we recognize that Ontarians have several options for telemedicine. Popular platforms include Ogaei, Maple, Tia Health, Rocket Doctor, and TELUS MyCare. Each has unique features, but Ogaei focuses on same-day access to Ontario-licensed doctors, OHIP-covered visits, and faster referrals to specialists.
Are platforms for telemedicine in Ontario covered by OHIP?
With Ogaei, most general medical visits are covered by OHIP for Ontario residents. Other platforms may also offer OHIP-covered services, but many charge out-of-pocket fees for additional care. At Ogaei, we combine OHIP coverage with affordable membership options for services not included under OHIP.
How do platforms for telemedicine in Ontario compare?
Telemedicine platforms differ in cost, availability, and services. Ogaei is designed specifically for Ontario patients, providing OHIP-covered doctor visits, prescription renewals, lab requisitions, and mental health support. While Maple offers 24/7 access nationwide and Tia Health emphasizes continuity of care, Ogaei specializes in convenient, Ontario-focused care with faster access to family doctors and specialists.
