Over 5 million patients in England face waits of more than two weeks for GP appointments, impacting workplace productivity and costing UK businesses £100 billion annually. Virtual GP services offer 24/7 access to doctors via phone or video, addressing health issues quickly without long absences from work.
Why Virtual GP Services Matter for Your Business
Quick Access: Consultations often take just 15–20 minutes, eliminating the need for employees to take half-day absences for routine medical appointments.
Convenience: Employees can attend appointments from work, home, or anywhere with an internet connection, maintaining productivity while addressing health concerns.
Workplace Benefits: 42% of organisations now include virtual GP services in their benefits packages, recognizing their impact on employee satisfaction and retention.
Cost Savings: Companies can save millions annually by reducing sickness absences and improving early intervention for health issues.
Top Virtual GP Providers: Expert Analysis
Based on our comprehensive review of the UK's leading virtual healthcare platforms, here are the top providers transforming workplace healthcare:
1. eMed Healthcare
What it offers: eMed Healthcare provides a comprehensive digital healthcare platform connecting employees with medical professionals through telehealth consultations, prescription management, and health monitoring tools.
Key Features:
- Virtual GP Consultations: On-demand video consultations with qualified GPs within 10 minutes
- Digital Prescription Management: Electronic prescriptions fulfilled at partner pharmacies or delivered directly to employees
- Health Tracking Dashboard: Secure portal for monitoring health metrics and accessing medical history
- Employer Analytics Platform: Anonymised health data to help optimise wellness initiatives
- Specialist Referral Network: Preferential appointment scheduling for eMed members
Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size and features - contact for quote
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses seeking comprehensive digital healthcare solutions with strong analytics capabilities.
Why Choose eMed: The platform stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive approach.
2. Health Hero
What it offers: Health Hero provides on-demand access to virtual healthcare services, including GP consultations, mental health support, specialist referrals, and prescription management, with strong multilingual capabilities.
Key Features:
- 24/7 GP Access: Video, phone, or chat consultations with licensed doctors at any time
- Mental Health Platform: Evidence-based resources and direct access to therapists and counsellors
- Multilingual Service: Available in 7+ languages for diverse workforces
- Prescription Services: Complete medication process from prescription to delivery
- Health Tracking & Analytics: Workforce health trends and platform usage insights
Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size and features - contact for quote
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses with diverse or international workforces needing multilingual healthcare support.
Why Choose Health Hero: Particularly valuable for organisations with language barriers in healthcare access.
3. Livi
What it offers: Livi connects employees with licensed GPs through video consultations, focusing specifically on reducing workplace absenteeism through rapid healthcare access.
Key Features:
- Digital GP Consultations: Video appointments with licensed GPs, typically available within minutes
- Prescription Services: Digital prescriptions issued after consultations for pharmacy collection
- Fit Notes & Referrals: Official documentation and specialist referrals when needed
- Health Assessments: Digital health checks and preventative care guidance
- Employer Dashboard: Usage patterns and health trends with appropriate privacy controls
Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size and features - contact for quote
Best For: Medium to large businesses seeking to reduce absenteeism and support employee wellbeing through rapid GP access.
Why Choose Livi: Companies report up to 30% decrease in short-term absences.
4. Teladoc Health
What it offers: Teladoc Health is a comprehensive virtual healthcare delivery platform connecting employees with board-certified physicians, mental health professionals, and specialists across 450+ sub-specialties.
Key Features:
- Virtual Primary Care: Ongoing care relationships with primary care physicians, not just one-off consultations
- Mental Health Services: Access to therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health coaches
- Specialty Care Consultations: Expert access across 450+ sub-specialties including dermatology and nutrition
- Global Care Network: Services in over 175 countries and 40+ languages
- Integration Capabilities: Seamless connection with existing benefits platforms and HRIS systems
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing - contact for quote based on organisation size and selected services
Best For: Mid-size to enterprise companies (500+ employees) with complex healthcare needs and global operations.
Why Choose Teladoc: Serves more than 40% of Fortune 500 companies.
Virtual GP Comparison
| Feature | eMed Healthcare | Health Hero | Livi | Teladoc Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Starting Price | Custom Quote | £6/month | £5-12/month | Enterprise Quote |
| Best For | SMBs seeking comprehensive solutions | Multilingual workforces | Reducing absenteeism | Large enterprises |
| Mental Health | Basic | Strong | Basic | Comprehensive |
| Global Coverage | UK-focused | Limited international | UK-focused | 175+ countries |
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Business
For Small Businesses (Under 50 employees)
Recommended: Health Hero's Essential plan offers the best value with transparent pricing and comprehensive features without complex enterprise requirements.
For Medium-sized Companies (50–250 employees)
Recommended: eMed Healthcare or Livi, depending on whether you prioritise comprehensive analytics (eMed) or proven absenteeism reduction (Livi).
For Large Enterprises (250+ employees)
Recommended: Teladoc Health for its enterprise-grade features, global coverage, and proven track record with large organizations.
For International/Multilingual Workforces
Recommended: Health Hero for its 7+ language support, or Teladoc Health for truly global operations.
Implementation and ROI Considerations
Typical Implementation Timeline: 2-4 weeks across all providers, with enterprise solutions potentially requiring longer setup periods.
Expected ROI Metrics:
- 30-40% reduction in sick days (reported across multiple providers)
- Significant reduction in time off for medical appointments
- Improved employee satisfaction and retention
- Reduced healthcare-related administrative burden
Key Success Factors:
- Clear communication to employees about the service
- Integration with existing benefits packages
- Regular monitoring of usage and satisfaction metrics
- Ongoing support and account management
Virtual GP services are transforming workplace healthcare by providing immediate access to medical care, reducing absenteeism, and improving employee wellbeing. The choice between providers depends on your organization's size, budget, international presence, and specific healthcare priorities.
For most UK businesses, the investment in virtual GP services pays for itself through reduced absenteeism alone, with the added benefits of improved employee satisfaction and streamlined healthcare administration making these platforms essential components of modern employee benefits packages.
Whether you choose eMed Healthcare's comprehensive platform, Health Hero's multilingual capabilities, Livi's absenteeism-focused approach, or Teladoc Health's enterprise-grade solution, implementing virtual GP services represents a strategic investment in your workforce's health and your organization's productivity.
This comparison is based on expert analysis and client feedback as of May 2025. Pricing and features may vary based on organisation size and specific requirements. Contact providers directly for detailed quotes and implementation timelines.