The 7 Best Online Prescription Delivery Services (And How to Choose One)

Key Takeaways

• Most prescription delivery services require an existing prescription, so if yours has expired or run out of refills, look for a platform that offers a provider review, like TelyRx.
• Same-day delivery is usually limited to select cities, while next-day and standard shipping are more widely available.
• The medication price is only part of the cost. Delivery fees and membership costs can change what you actually pay.

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For many people, the hardest part of taking medication is getting the next refill. In a recent TelyRx survey, 36% of adults who had run out of or rationed medication said it was out of stock or delayed at the pharmacy. Another 30% were too busy or otherwise unable to pick up their refill.

Prescription delivery can take a lot of that hassle off your plate, but services vary widely. Some only deliver quickly in select cities, while others lock key perks behind memberships or fees you won’t see until checkout. 

To help you find the right fit, we compared seven prescription delivery services by how they charge and how quickly they deliver.

The Best Prescription Delivery Services at a Glance

1. TelyRx

• Best for: People without insurance or with high copays who need a new prescription or renewal

TelyRx is a LegitScript-certified online pharmacy platform that delivers FDA-approved medications to your door. Our formulary covers a wide range of medications, and we offer multiple shipping options, like next-day delivery. You’ll also see upfront pricing and can order multi-month supplies.

You can use TelyRx even if your prescription has expired or you need a new one. For a flat $22 provider review fee, you complete a health and physical attestation form with your request, and an independent U.S. doctor reviews it (no appointment required).

TelyRx is cash-pay, so you don’t need insurance to use it. If you have a high deductible, high copays, or no coverage for the medication you need, paying cash can cost less than going through insurance.

Key Features

• Skip the doctor’s office with seamless pharmacy-to-door prescriptions: If you’re out of refills, an independent, state-licensed provider can review your request. If approved, the prescription goes straight to one of our licensed pharmacies for fast shipping.
• Transparent pricing, zero hidden fees, and no subscriptions required: You see the price of each medication before you check out, with no membership needed.
• FDA-approved medications from licensed U.S. pharmacies: TelyRx dispenses FDA-approved, non-controlled medications from one of its two U.S.-licensed pharmacies and doesn’t sell compounded alternatives.
• Pricing: $22 flat provider review fee; prices vary by drug

2. Amazon Pharmacy

• Best for: Amazon Prime members who already have a prescription

Amazon Pharmacy is a full-service online pharmacy built into the Amazon ecosystem. With a Prime membership, you get access to a wide range of savings on both generic and brand-name medications.

Those who already have a prescription in hand, either transferred from another pharmacy or sent directly by their provider, can get their medicine in the same familiar, easy-to-use platform where they shop online. You can order refills and utilize your insurance coverage if eligible. 

Key Features

• Prime member discounts and RxPass savings: With RxPass, members get access to 50+ generic medications for a flat $5 per month.
• Free delivery for Prime members: Get free two-day delivery on prescriptions, with same-day delivery in a growing number of areas
• Transfer from current pharmacies: Tell Amazon your current pharmacy and medications, and they’ll handle most of the transfer for you.
• Pricing: $5/month for eligible generics through RxPass; prices vary by drug

3. Capsule

• Best for: Urban dwellers who want same-day delivery and easy pharmacist access

Capsule is an online pharmacy and prescription delivery service built around convenience, with automatic refills and fast delivery. It also lets patients chat privately with pharmacists, much like the personalized service of a local pharmacy.

However, Capsule doesn’t deliver to all ZIP codes, so you won’t be able to access the service if you’re not in a covered area. You’ll also need an existing prescription to use the service.

Key Features

• Same-day delivery in select cities: If you’re in a covered area, Capsule promises free, same-day delivery on all orders and refills.
• Direct pharmacist messaging for questions: You get 24/7 access to pharmacists who can answer any questions via text, call, e-mail, or chat.
• Automatic refill reminders and simple prescription transfers: Capsule manages the insurance and prescriber interactions so you don’t have to coordinate refills.
• Pricing: Prices vary by drug; free delivery is available

4. CVS Pharmacy

• Best for: Existing CVS customers who want delivery and in-store pickup options

CVS is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S. It has an extensive formulary, nationwide coverage, and is accepted by the majority of health insurance plans. 

If you already fill prescriptions at a CVS store, you can switch to delivery without transferring anything or signing up for a new service. Same-day in-store pickup is also available for some medications.

CVS’s online pharmacy is a convenient option, but the other alternatives for prescription delivery on this list offer different perks that make them worth considering even if you already use CVS.

Key Features

• Large formulary with thousands of medicines: CVS Pharmacy has one of the largest selections of medicines available in the country, so there’s a high likelihood they’ll have what you need.
• ExtraCare Plus for perks and discounts: Members get 20% off CVS Health, free shipping, free same-day delivery on qualifying orders, and access to a 24/7 helpline.
• Flexible fulfillment – same-day delivery, mail order, or in-store pickup: You can pick up your prescription in store or have it mailed to your door.
• Pricing: Prices vary by drug; ExtraCare has a free plan and a $5/month plan (shipping and delivery are free with ExtraCare Plus)

5. Express Scripts Pharmacy

• Best for: Insured patients whose plan uses Express Scripts

Express Scripts Pharmacy is one of the largest prescription delivery services in the U.S. The company’s own internal data says patients save an average of 32% compared to retail pharmacies. There’s also offers free standard shipping, flexible payment options, and 24/7 pharmacist support. 

You can set up automatic refills for eligible medications, and Express Scripts can work with your doctor when you need a prescription renewal.

The catch is that Express Scripts Pharmacy is only available through an eligible health benefits plan. If your plan doesn’t use Express Scripts, whether through your employer or otherwise, you won’t be able to use it for prescription delivery.

Key Features

• Integration with many health insurance plans: According to Express Scripts, 1 in 3 Americans have a compatible health benefits plan. Those eligible get access to specialized care, potentially lower base prices, and text-based alerts about extra opportunities to save.
• 90-day mail-order supply at reduced cost: Eligible patients can get a 3-month supply of daily medications delivered at once, saving time and money in the long run.
• Specialty pharmacy support for complex or high-cost medications: For those with complex conditions, Express Scripts helps coordinate care through a separate specialty pharmacy.
• Pricing: Available via insurance plan; drug, copay, and shipping costs vary

6. Costco Pharmacy

• Best for: Shoppers who want low, transparent prices on generic medications

Costco Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy and prescription delivery service offered by one of the country’s largest retailers. While it is available to everyone, only Costco members receive special discounts. 

You can have prescriptions mailed to your door, pick them up at the pharmacy inside your local Costco, or get same-day delivery through Instacart. Costco’s formulary is large and even includes pet medications.

Key Features

• Low prices for generic drugs: Costco has transparent prices for generic drugs listed on its website. With a membership, you can access additional discounts. Eligible medications and prescriptions are available to purchase in larger quantities, including up to 365 daily dosages for some.
• Open to non-members for pharmacy services in most states: Costco Pharmacy doesn’t require you to be a member to access any of its services, but the special discounts you get with membership may be worth it.
• Delivery flexibility: You can have prescriptions delivered to your doorstep through the online pharmacy, order them for pickup at a physical location, or pick them up sooner if available.
• Pricing: Available for free or with a Costco membership; prices vary by drug

7. Birdi

• Best for: People with a prescription who want discounted cash prices and free delivery

Birdi is an online pharmacy focused on affordability and transparency for people with and without insurance. If you’re uninsured or your medication isn’t covered, you can access discounted cash pricing on certain prescriptions. And every order ships free with standard delivery.

They also run a specialty pharmacy for complex or high-cost medications, and you can upgrade to paid expedited shipping if you need your prescription faster.

Key Features

• Flat, transparent pricing with no insurance requirement or hidden fees: Through the Birdi Price, people without insurance can save on certain prescriptions. Birdi says the discount can reach up to 80% compared to most retail cash prices.
• Free standard home delivery on all orders: Birdi offers free standard shipping, with optional paid options for those who need quicker delivery. 
• Simple online ordering and prescription transfers: Just share your prescriber and pharmacy details, and Birdi handles the transition on its end.
• Pricing: Prices vary by drug; free shipping is available

How to Choose the Best Prescription Delivery Service

With so many mail-order prescription services available, it helps to know what to compare. These factors can help you avoid scams and find the right platform for your needs.

Check Whether the Service Requires an Active Prescription with Remaining Refills

Most pharmacy delivery services require a valid prescription before you can place an order. If yours has expired or run out of refills, look for services like TelyRx, which offers prescribing services to help you get a new prescription with proper clinical review — all without waiting for an appointment.

Compare Total Cost for a More Accurate Price

The medication cost is only one part of the equation. Factor in delivery fees, shipping fees, subscription rates, and any other expenses associated with the platform. The best pharmacy delivery services make the total cost of each order easy to understand and don’t hide perks behind surprise fees or paywalls.

Look for FDA-Approved Medications from Licensed Pharmacies

Legitimate pharmaceutical delivery services dispense FDA-approved medication through licensed pharmacies. Avoid those selling compounded alternatives with misleading messaging about FDA approval, and also without a clear, documented rationale and extensive information.

Consider Delivery Speed and Availability in Your Location

Same-day delivery is often limited to select areas, and standard mail delivery can take anywhere from a few business days to a week or more (depending on the service). 

Look for a pharmacy delivery service with fast, reliable shipping in your area. TelyRx offers next-day delivery to 48 states, along with standard shipping options.

Check Whether a Subscription Is Required

By law, pharmacies can’t require you to purchase a subscription to access prescription medications. However, voluntary subscription programs like those offered by Amazon Prime and CVS are fully legal and can be useful for those who already utilize these services for non-pharmacy needs.

Verify That a Licensed Provider Reviews Your Prescription Request

You should avoid medication delivery companies that promise guaranteed or instant approvals. Proper clinical review from U.S.-licensed doctors is required by law and non-negotiable for your own safety.

Affordable Prescriptions, Delivered to Your Door

Once you know how you’ll pay for medication and how quickly you need it, the choice gets easier. For insured patients in a covered area, an insurance-based pharmacy with local delivery may offer the convenience you want.

If you’re uninsured or need a new prescription without waiting for an appointment, TelyRx can help. Submit a health and physical attestation, and once an independent, state-licensed provider approves your request, your medication can arrive as soon as the next day.

Find your prescription at TelyRx to get started.