Hajra Naz
Amazon is taking another big step into healthcare — this time for kids.
The company’s healthcare arm, Amazon One Medical, announced a new pay-per-visit virtual care service for children ages 2 to 11. Parents can now book quick, affordable online visits without needing insurance or a One Medical membership.
A message-based visit starts at $29, while a video visit costs $49.
Fast, Simple Care for Common Childhood Issues
The new service is designed for everyday health concerns that don’t always require an in-person doctor visit. It can help with things like pink eye, lice, rashes, eczema, bug bites, and skin infections. Parents can also renew EpiPen or asthma prescriptions right from home.
According to Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, family physician and national medical director for Amazon One Medical, the goal isn’t to replace a child’s pediatrician.
“This service is meant to fill the gaps,” Bhuyan said. “It’s for those in-between moments when parents need quick answers or can’t reach their child’s doctor right away.”
Building on Amazon’s Growing Health Network
This launch follows Amazon’s adult virtual care service, which began in 2024. The company has been steadily expanding its healthcare presence since entering the space several years ago.
In 2018, Amazon bought PillPack, an online pharmacy, for $750 million. It later launched Amazon Pharmacy in 2020, allowing customers to order prescriptions online. Then, in 2022, Amazon acquired One Medical for $3.9 billion, giving it a strong foothold in primary care.
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A Changing Healthcare Landscape
The timing is no accident. Other big retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are scaling back their in-person health clinics due to rising costs and slower patient demand.
Amazon, on the other hand, is leaning into digital care. The company recently introduced prescription vending machines at select One Medical clinics, starting in Los Angeles. These kiosks carry common medications like antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure drugs, allowing patients to pick up prescriptions without waiting in line.
Industry experts say moves like these could shake up traditional pharmacy chains, many of which are struggling.
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Rite Aid has closed all remaining stores.
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CVS has shut down over 1,000 locations since 2021.
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Walgreens closed 500 stores in the past year.
Amazon’s virtual care and smart kiosks could fill some of the gaps these closures have left behind.
What It Means for Families
For busy parents, Amazon’s virtual healthcare service offers a fast, low-cost way to get trusted medical advice. It also helps families who live far from clinics or can’t always get same-day pediatric appointments.
While it’s not a full replacement for pediatric care, it’s another step toward making healthcare more flexible and accessible — something Amazon seems determined to lead.
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FAQs
1. What ages does Amazon’s virtual healthcare service cover?
The new service is designed for children between 2 and 11 years old.
2. How much does a visit cost?
Message-based visits are $29, and video visits are $49, with no insurance or membership required.
3. What kinds of issues can the service treat?
It helps with common conditions like pink eye, lice, eczema, rashes, and bug bites, and also handles asthma and EpiPen renewals.
4. Do I need a One Medical account to use it?
No. The service works independently; anyone can book a visit without a One Medical membership.
5. Is this service available everywhere?
It’s rolling out across the U.S. in stages, starting in areas where Amazon One Medical already operates. More regions are expected to be added soon.
