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Nurx is an online healthcare company providing birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings, skin care treatments, and more. The company offers convenient and discreet home delivery.
This article discusses the Nurx brand and its products and services. It also looks into the advantages and drawbacks of using Nurx products and alternative prescription medication services people can consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
All review quotes are by Sydney Hanan, a Manager from our sister company, Healthline, who independently purchased and reviewed Nurx’s services.
Nurx is a telemedicine company that offers birth control, emergency contraception, skin care, and other sexual health treatments and tests. It markets itself as a female-focused company.
It began business in 2015 and aims to offer affordable and convenient access to common medications and at-home health tests.
Nurx is a viable option for anyone who wants healthcare on demand, particularly online access to doctors, testing, and treatments.
Nurx offers a range of services, covering:
- women’s health
- birth control
- STI screening
- HIV prevention
- dermatology
- migraine
- mental health
A clear advantage of Nurx is that people do not need to wait in line for a doctor or prescription. Consumers can also get automatic refills and generic medication to save money when paying out-of-pocket.
However, Nurx has practical limitations and does not cater to every condition. For example, receiving a prescription can take up to 72 hours. This makes it unsuitable for individuals requiring urgent care.
It is also unsuitable for people experiencing a mental health crisis. In this case, people should contact emergency services or a mental health hotline, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The advantages and disadvantages of Nurx are as follows:
Pros
- makes healthcare more easily accessible
- cuts down on wait times for appointments and medication
- offers generic medication, including birth control pills
- offers emergency contraception
- offers at-home test kits
- offers skin care medications, including those for acne and rosacea
- provides personalized medication plans
- accepts copay and insurance
Cons
- does not offer an IUD for birth control
- does not provide Accutane prescriptions for acne
- does not provide therapy for mental health care
- can take up to 72 hours to deliver prescriptions
- can be costly without insurance
- receives low customer ratings
- receives criticisms regarding poor customer service
Nurx offers a range of health screenings and treatments, outlined below.
Below, we explain how a person can order a product or kit from Nurx. Fees and processes may differ depending on the product or service.
1. Choose a service
Users can access services and create an account via the Nurx website or iOS and Android apps.
After a person has chosen their desired service or product, they need to:
- indicate their home state
- provide their email address
- give their consent to telehealth
2. Complete a medical history
Customers must answer comprehensive questions regarding their medical history relating to the test or medication they wish to purchase. Anyone who wants to buy dermatological treatments must provide photos of their skin.
A person must also upload a photo ID and supply their name and date of birth before payment.
3. Medical consultation
Customers need to pay for a medical consultation once they submit their request.
The fee for a medical consultation varies according to the service but ranges from $15–60. This covers the following:
- an evaluation of the person’s medical history
- requests from state-licensed medical practitioners
- prescriptions, if needed
- personalized treatment plans
- scheduled follow-ups
- unlimited 1-year messaging with the Nurx medical team
4. Checkout and delivery
Following the medical consultation, the customer proceeds to the checkout stage. A state-licensed healthcare professional will then:
- review the person’s health assessment
- write a prescription
- order the person’s products
- arrange delivery of the medications or testing kits
The company will then ship the person’s test kit or prescription for free. The product will arrive in discreet packaging.
Home test kits also come with a prepaid return shipping label. The company partners with Molecular Testing Labs (MTL) for home testing kits.
Nurx ships prescription drugs from partner pharmacies that are fully licensed to dispense medications to their state. Nurx usually sends people a 3-month supply of medication. However, it can also send a 1-month supply if the person’s insurance only pays for 1 month at a time. In these cases, a $5 processing fee applies.
Each of Nurx’s product pages shows both out-of-pocket and estimated insurance prices. The final insurance cost varies depending on the person’s insurance coverage.
People may opt to pay the out-of-pocket price or go through their insurance. Nurx accepts online payments from Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. People can also pay using their Family Savings Account and Health Savings Account.
Nurx accepts most private health insurance for medications. However, a person needs to pay for all consultation fees out-of-pocket.
Several insurance plans are in-network with MTL for Nurx’s at-home testing kits. However, if a person’s plan is not in-network with MTL, it will bill them directly in addition to the fee for medical consultation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize Nurx as an online health organization offering many services, including testing, prevention, and treatment.
Nurx has an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has closed 369 complaints in the last 3 years. As of July 2023, the brand has a 1.71 out of 5 stars rating based on 512 customer reviews on the platform.
On the BBB page, there are few positive reviews. An early review praises the company’s communication and medical representative availability. Negative reviews frequently mention the following issues:
- delayed shipping
- payment charges without permission
- charging customers without providing a service
- difficulties canceling accounts
- poor customer service and communication.
On TrustPilot, the company has a rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars based on 489 reviews. Customers frequently mention issues with receiving prescriptions, communication, and charges for care they did not receive. However, positive comments say the service is effective, and people are satisfied with its convenience.
The following brands are similar alternatives to Nurx:
- TwentyEight Health: It has been in business since 2023 and has replaced SimpleHealth’s services. It offers birth control medications, prenatal vitamins, and emergency contraception. Its services are also available to those looking for herpes treatment and abortion care.
- Hers: People can get female wellness products from Hers, such as birth control pills, hair products, and medications for anxiety and depression. It also offers online therapy sessions that cost $99. Read our Hers review.
The table below compares the different online health services featured in this article.
| Treatments and services | Products | Medical consultation options | Accepts insurance? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurx | • family planning • birth control • emergency contraception • STI screening • HIV prevention • migraine and headache treatments • acne and rosacea treatments • treatments for mental health conditions | • various birth control options • emergency contraception • HIV PrEP • rosacea over-the-counter skin care • fertility and pregnancy tests • COVID-19 tests • sexual health tests and screenings | online consultation required, costing between $15–$65 | • yes, including HSA and FSA • coinsurance and copayments may apply |
| TwentyEight Health | • birth control • emergency contraception • cold sores • genital herpes • abortion care | •contraceptive ring • FC2 female condom • birth control pills • genital herpes treatment • prenatal supplements | • $26 annual fee for medical evaluation, optional audio consultation, and unlimited direct messaging | accepts many private insurance plans |
| Hers | • birth control • genital herpes • sexual health and pleasure • cold sores • yeast infections • urinary tract infection (UTI) • hair loss • skin care • mental health conditions | • prescription mental health medications • various birth control options • sex toys • lubricants • supplements | • $39 for a primary care visit and $99 per therapy session • telehealth services available | • does not accept insurance, but the company claims its prices are 50–80% less than retail |
Although Nurx offers consultations with medical professionals, a person should see a doctor if their symptoms do not improve with treatment.
If a person is experiencing a mental health crisis or feels at risk of hurting themselves or others, they should not rely on Nurx’s mental health services. Instead, they should call 911 or a mental health hotline.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Below, we answer some common questions about Nurx.
Is Nurx legitimate?
Nurx is a legitimate business offering legitimate healthcare services and medication. The CDC recognizes Nurx as a legitimate business.
Does Nurx contact my doctor?
Nurx does not share a person’s information with their primary care physician without permission. However, Nurx encourages people to share the information they give to the company with a primary care physician.
Does Nurx prescribe Adderall?
Nurx does not prescribe controlled substances such as Adderall.
Does Nurx require a prescription?
Nurx does require a prescription for certain medications. People should speak with a Nurx healthcare professional to get the necessary prescription.
Is Nurx safe to use?
Medical professionals licensed in the customer’s state review all requests received through Nurx. Also, prescription drugs from Nurx follow the same rules and processes as any other licensed pharmacy.
A Nurx medical professional will only prescribe medications if they are safe for a person to use based on the medical information they provide.
However, individuals should consult their doctor before consulting with Nurx.
How long does Nurx take to process?
When the medical team reviews and approves a person’s request, one of Nurx’s partner pharmacies ships the prescription within 72 hours.
Customers can expect to receive their prescription within 3–5 business days. People also have the option to pay for expedited delivery.
Does Nurx automatically refill my birth control?
Nurx sends people a 3-month supply of prescriptions and automatically processes refills as scheduled.
How long does Nurx take to prescribe?
Individuals using Nurx can select the products they wish to order and answer a short questionnaire. After paying for the medical consultation fee, a doctor reviews the profile and provides a prescription, and then delivery takes place in discreet packaging.
Nurx states that this process takes up to 5 business days.
How does Nurx work without insurance?
Nurx’s services are available to people with and without insurance. Most products require customers to pay $15–$60 for the consultation, depending on the service they opt for, which insurance does not cover.
Nurx offers different pricing plans for those without insurance. For example, birth control medications start from $15 per month, and home test kits come with two plans starting from $94. These are for those opting for basic testing or comprehensive testing.
Nurx is an online healthcare company offering prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and home test kits through its website or mobile app. It also provides online consultations, free shipping, and automatic prescription refills.
Nurx receives mixed online customer reviews. Common complaints focus on shipping and customer service issues. However, positive reviews praise the convenience and discreet nature of the company’s services and delivery.