Finding the best telehealth for CGM prescription has become a priority for millions of Americans managing diabetes or exploring metabolic health. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide near-real-time blood sugar data that can transform how you manage your health, and telehealth has made accessing these devices faster and more convenient than ever. At the same time, the launch of over-the-counter CGMs in 2024 has changed the picture, so this guide explains both routes.
Whether you have Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or are simply interested in metabolic health tracking, this guide reviews the best telehealth for CGM prescription platforms available in 2026, the newer no-prescription options, costs, insurance considerations, and what to expect from the process.
TL;DR: You can get a CGM three ways in 2026: (1) through your own doctor via telehealth and bill it to insurance or Medicare if you qualify — usually the cheapest route for people with diabetes; (2) through a cash-pay telehealth or metabolic-health platform that bundles the prescription, device, and coaching; or (3) by buying an over-the-counter CGM (such as Dexcom Stelo or Abbott’s Lingo and Libre Rio) without any prescription if you are an adult who does not use insulin. A CGM is a monitoring tool, not a substitute for medical care. Platform names and prices change quickly, so verify current details, and treat very high or very low blood sugar as a medical emergency.
What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?
A continuous glucose monitor is a small wearable device that tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night. A tiny sensor inserted just beneath the skin measures glucose in the interstitial fluid and transmits readings to a smartphone app or dedicated receiver every one to five minutes.
The primary CGM devices available in 2026 include:
- Dexcom G7: One of the most popular CGMs for people with diabetes. It provides real-time glucose readings, customizable alerts, and integrates with insulin pumps and smartphone apps. The standard sensor lasts about 10 days, and Dexcom has introduced an extended-wear (up to about 15-day) version.
- FreeStyle Libre 3 / Libre 3 Plus (Abbott): A smaller CGM option that provides continuous readings through a smartphone app and does not require finger-stick calibration. Sensor wear is about 14 to 15 days depending on the version.
- FreeStyle Libre 2 / Libre 2 Plus: Earlier models still widely used, offering roughly 14 to 15 days of wear with optional real-time alerts.
- Dexcom Stelo: An over-the-counter sensor cleared by the FDA in 2024 for adults 18 and older who do not use insulin, including people with Type 2 diabetes managed without insulin, people with prediabetes, and health-conscious users. No prescription required. It is not intended for people with problematic hypoglycemia.
- Abbott Lingo and Libre Rio: Abbott’s over-the-counter biosensors, also cleared by the FDA in 2024. Lingo is marketed toward general wellness and metabolic awareness, while Libre Rio is aimed at adults with Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. Both are sold without a prescription.
- Eversense (Senseonics): An implantable CGM inserted by a healthcare provider. Newer versions extend wear time up to about one year. Requires an in-office procedure and a prescription.
CGMs have been shown to improve glycemic control (lower A1C levels), reduce hypoglycemic episodes, and increase time in range (the percentage of time glucose stays within the target zone) in people with diabetes, according to research summarized by the American Diabetes Association and published in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine. Evidence for CGM use in people without diabetes is still emerging and less established.
Do You Even Need a Prescription Anymore?
Until recently, every CGM in the United States required a prescription. That changed in 2024, when the FDA cleared the first over-the-counter CGMs. If you are an adult who does not use insulin, you can now buy Dexcom Stelo or Abbott’s Lingo or Libre Rio directly, without a telehealth visit or prescription. These OTC sensors are designed for education and lifestyle insight rather than for making insulin-dosing decisions, and they are not appropriate for people who experience problematic low blood sugar.
For people who use insulin, who want an alarm-equipped device to catch dangerous lows, or who want insurance to help pay, a prescription CGM (obtained through telehealth or in person) is still the right choice. The sections below cover the prescription route, which remains the best option for most people with diagnosed diabetes.
Top Telehealth Platforms for CGM Prescriptions
Several telehealth platforms specialize in prescribing CGMs or bundling them with coaching, each with different pricing, services, and target populations. Availability, branding, and prices change frequently, so confirm current details directly with each service. Leading options have included:
Metabolic-Health Membership Platforms (e.g., Levels, Nutrisense, Veri)
Several companies pair a CGM with a software platform and coaching that interpret your glucose data and provide personalized insights. Some target people with diabetes and prediabetes, while others focus on health-conscious individuals optimizing their metabolic health.
- Cost: Typically a monthly membership in the range of roughly $150 to $225 or more, often including the sensors, app access, and support; some now integrate the cheaper OTC sensors, which can lower the price.
- CGM used: Varies by platform and plan (Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre sensors, or their OTC equivalents).
- Prescription process: Where a prescription is still required, a licensed physician affiliated with the platform reviews your health information; for OTC-based plans, no prescription is needed.
- Best for: People who want structured coaching, nutrition guidance, and detailed metabolic insights alongside their glucose data, including those with prediabetes.
Longevity and General Telehealth Clinics
Some longevity-focused and general telehealth clinics offer CGM prescriptions alongside other metabolic health services.
- Cost: CGM packages generally start around $150 to $200 for a month’s supply, sometimes plus a consultation fee.
- CGM used: Commonly FreeStyle Libre or Dexcom sensors.
- Prescription process: Online medical questionnaire and physician review, sometimes with a video visit.
- Best for: Individuals focused on longevity and metabolic health optimization who want a clinician involved.
Your Endocrinologist or PCP via Telehealth
Many endocrinologists and primary care physicians offer telehealth visits and can prescribe CGMs. This route is best for people with diagnosed diabetes who want insurance to cover the device.
- Cost: Copay for the telehealth visit plus insurance-covered CGM costs.
- CGM options: Any FDA-approved device your clinician recommends.
- Prescription process: Standard medical appointment via video call.
- Best for: Patients with diagnosed diabetes who want insurance coverage and a continuing doctor-patient relationship.
A direct primary care membership is another way to get consistent, low-cost help managing diabetes and obtaining a CGM prescription; see our guide to direct primary care for diabetes. For people managing diabetes who want to explore additional telehealth options, see our guide on best telehealth for diabetes.
How Much Does a CGM Cost?
CGM costs vary significantly depending on whether you use insurance, which device you choose, and which platform you use. The estimates below can change, so verify current pricing before buying:
Without insurance (cash pay):
- FreeStyle Libre 2/3: roughly $75 to $150 per month (about two sensors)
- Dexcom G7: roughly $200 to $350 per month
- Over-the-counter sensors (Dexcom Stelo, Abbott Lingo/Libre Rio): roughly $50 to $100 per month, depending on the product and retailer
- Telehealth or metabolic-health platform membership (may include the CGM and coaching): roughly $150 to $250 per month
With insurance:
- Many insurance plans cover CGMs for patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who meet specific criteria (such as insulin use, a history of problematic low blood sugar, or other clinical factors)
- Medicare covers CGMs under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit for beneficiaries who meet its criteria; in recent years Medicare expanded eligibility to include people who use any insulin and, in certain cases, people who do not use insulin but have a history of problematic hypoglycemia
- Typical copay with insurance: often around $15 to $75 per month, though this varies widely by plan
- Prior authorization may be required
For metabolic health enthusiasts without diabetes, insurance generally does not cover CGMs, making cash-pay or over-the-counter options the primary route. CGM costs may intersect with other health-related expenses; for a comparison, see our article on semaglutide cost.
Who Should Use a CGM?
CGMs were originally developed for people with Type 1 diabetes but have expanded to serve a broader population:
- Type 1 diabetes: CGM is considered standard of care. Real-time glucose data helps guide insulin management, reduce dangerous hypoglycemia, and improve time in range. The American Diabetes Association strongly supports CGM for people with Type 1 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes on insulin: CGMs help insulin-treated Type 2 patients manage their glucose and reduce variability.
- Type 2 diabetes not on insulin: Increasingly used. CGM data can motivate lifestyle changes by showing the direct impact of food, exercise, and stress on blood sugar levels; OTC sensors have made this more accessible.
- Prediabetes: CGMs can help people with prediabetes identify glucose spikes and make dietary adjustments, though clinical evidence for routine use is still developing.
- Gestational diabetes: Under a clinician’s guidance, CGMs can help pregnant patients monitor glucose more closely than finger-stick testing alone.
- Metabolic health optimization: A growing number of people without diabetes use CGMs to understand their body’s response to food, exercise, sleep, and stress. Interpret this data cautiously, as glucose readings in people without diabetes can be normal even when they look alarming.
Red-flag symptoms — do not rely on a CGM alone: A CGM is a monitoring tool, not a treatment or a diagnosis. Seek urgent or emergency care for signs of very high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — excessive thirst and urination, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid or deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, or confusion — and for severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) causing shakiness, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. If you use insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, never change your doses based only on a consumer device without your clinician’s guidance, and confirm unexpected low or high readings with a finger-stick when possible. Call 911 for severe symptoms.
What to Expect From the Telehealth CGM Prescription Process
The process for getting a CGM prescription through telehealth is straightforward:
- Choose a route: Decide between your own doctor (best for insurance coverage), a cash-pay platform, or an over-the-counter sensor if you qualify and do not use insulin.
- Complete a health questionnaire: Provide your medical history, current medications, diagnosis (if any), and health goals.
- Physician review: A licensed physician reviews your information, which may include a video consultation or an asynchronous review.
- Prescription issued: If clinically appropriate, the physician prescribes the CGM. Some platforms handle pharmacy fulfillment directly; others send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
- Device delivery: The CGM is shipped to your home, usually within a few business days, or you buy an OTC sensor at a pharmacy or online.
- Setup and onboarding: Many platforms provide tutorial videos or coaching to help you apply the sensor and set up the companion app.
The entire process from sign-up to receiving your CGM typically takes about five to ten days for prescription devices, and can be nearly immediate for OTC sensors. For more on how telehealth is expanding access to healthcare, visit our telehealth guide.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your CGM
Once you have your CGM, these strategies will help you extract maximum value from the device:
- Log your meals: Track what you eat alongside your glucose data to identify which foods cause spikes and which keep your levels stable.
- Monitor exercise effects: Check glucose before, during, and after different types of exercise to understand how activity impacts your levels.
- Watch for patterns: Look at your glucose data over days and weeks rather than reacting to individual readings. Trends matter more than single numbers.
- Share data with your doctor: Most CGM apps generate reports (such as the standardized Ambulatory Glucose Profile) that you can share with your healthcare provider for more informed decision-making. See our A1C test explainer for how CGM data complements lab testing.
- Set appropriate alerts: On devices that support alarms, customize high and low glucose alerts based on your targets and your doctor’s recommendations.
- Be patient: It takes two to four weeks of consistent use to build a meaningful picture of your glucose patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a CGM prescription without diabetes?
Yes. Several telehealth platforms prescribe CGMs for metabolic health monitoring even if you do not have a diabetes diagnosis, and as of 2024 you can also buy over-the-counter sensors (Dexcom Stelo, Abbott Lingo or Libre Rio) without any prescription if you are an adult who does not use insulin. Either way, insurance generally will not cover a CGM for non-diabetic use, so you will pay cash or subscribe to a platform that includes the device.
Does Medicare cover CGMs?
Medicare covers CGMs under the Durable Medical Equipment benefit for beneficiaries with diabetes who meet its criteria. Coverage historically required insulin use, but Medicare has expanded eligibility in recent years to include people who use any insulin and, in some cases, people who do not use insulin but have a documented history of problematic low blood sugar. A Medicare-enrolled clinician must prescribe the device and document medical necessity. Widely used systems such as the FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G7 are covered when criteria are met, and you typically pay a share of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible. Verify current criteria with Medicare, as they change.
Are CGMs painful to wear?
Most users report minimal discomfort. The sensor’s insertion needle is very thin and retracts after insertion, leaving only a flexible filament under the skin. The insertion process takes a few seconds and is often described as similar to a small pinch. After insertion, most people forget they are wearing the sensor. Skin irritation at the adhesive site can occur in some users and may be managed with barrier wipes or medical tape.
How accurate are CGMs compared to finger-stick testing?
Modern CGMs are highly accurate. Leading sensors such as the FreeStyle Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 have a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of roughly 8 to 9 percent, meaning they are within about that margin of a laboratory glucose measurement on average. CGMs measure interstitial fluid glucose, which lags behind blood glucose by about five to ten minutes. During rapid glucose changes, or when a reading does not match how you feel, a finger-stick test may be more reliable for real-time decisions.
Can I shower and exercise with a CGM?
Yes. Most CGMs are water-resistant and designed to be worn during showering, swimming, and exercise. Devices like the Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre 3 are rated for submersion in water up to a certain depth and duration (commonly around one meter for up to 30 minutes; check your device’s specifications). The adhesive patch holds the sensor in place during physical activity, though some users apply additional adhesive patches or sports tape for extra security during intense exercise.
Key Takeaway
The best telehealth for CGM prescription depends on your specific needs. If you have diagnosed diabetes, working with your endocrinologist or primary care doctor via telehealth and leveraging insurance or Medicare coverage is typically the most cost-effective route. For metabolic health optimization without a diabetes diagnosis, cash-pay platforms and the newer over-the-counter sensors (Dexcom Stelo, Abbott Lingo, and Libre Rio) offer convenient options, some with coaching bundled in. Whichever route you choose, remember that a CGM is a tool for insight, not a substitute for medical care — pair it with guidance from a qualified clinician, and treat dangerous highs or lows as emergencies. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.