Help & Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Sesame created? What's the backstory?

We created Sesame because health care is a mess.

It's impossible to know how good a health care provider is and if it's worth it to see them. It's even harder to know how much it will cost you to see them. Not only are health care prices high, the hidden costs, unexplained charges, unexpected late bills, and invoices from third parties make seeking care intimidating and (ultimately) unaffordable.

Sesame's founders think there is a better way. We believe in connecting providers and patients directly, with up-front prices and clear descriptions of their medical services.

Sesame is designed for people who are uninsured or willing to pay their provider directly.
We connect these patients and providers, making quality health care more accessible, affordable, and transparent.

How are Sesame health care providers able to offer such great prices?

Providers use Sesame to help them fill available times. If their schedule opens up, they use Sesame to set a fair price for an appointment slot that would otherwise go unused. They can see patients who are looking for care, which gives you access to great providers at affordable prices.

Because Sesame is pre-paid, providers know they are getting paid up-front for their services. This allows them to charge less.

You know exactly how much it will cost before you go and your health care provider knows how much they will receive for their work before you arrive. It's a win-win.

How does Sesame source their providers?

Sesame checks the license, disciplinary history, and education of health care providers before they are able to offer services through Sesame. However, the inclusion of any provider on the Services shall not be considered as an endorsement of such health care provider by Sesame. You should conduct your own due diligence concerning the qualifications of a health care provider prior to paying for or receiving care.

How does Sesame work with my health insurance?

Sesame services are paid out-of-pocket, separate from health insurance.

If you are uninsured, Sesame is the best place to look for a fair price.

We help you access health care providers at an affordable rate, potentially lowering your overall health care costs.

Why does Sesame require that I not file an insurance claim for services I book?

Insurance claims add a lot of administrative effort and costs to providers. They are only able to offer great prices to patients who pay directly for their care upfront, removing the extensive paperwork of insurance reimbursement.

Should I cancel my health insurance and just use Sesame for my care?

We do not recommend doing this, since Sesame is not a replacement for health insurance.

Health insurance provides you with essential financial protection, especially in the case of major illness or accident. For patients who cannot afford insurance or are seeking alternatives for routine care, Sesame is offering fair up-front prices for the most convenient care.

What payment options do I have?

On Sesame you can pay using VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You cannot pay by check, money orders, or cash.

Is my payment information safe?

Sesame uses Stripe, the most trusted, secure third-party payment platform in the world. Stripe is used by large technology platforms like Lyft, Etsy and Open Table.

Stripe keeps your payment information for all future purchases on their secure servers and no one else receives access to your payment information.

Why does Sesame only have appointments in the next 12 days?

Sesame's twelve-day window is part of how we keep prices affordable. Care providers share available times they are looking to fill. Schedules are more unpredictable 12+ days in advance, so we focus on the near term to help make logistics easier for everyone.

Why are prices different depending on the time of day?

Some Sesame health care providers can be busier (or quieter) at different times of the day. If you are able to come at a time when they are less busy, you'll get a lower price. It's really that simple.

How do I contact Sesame?

There are several ways to contact Sesame's Customer Support team:

Email: support@sesamecare.com

Chat: Open chat window

Call: 1-877-249-4223

Can I call Sesame to purchase appointments over the phone?

All appointments on Sesame are purchased online. If you're having trouble buying an appointment online, please email: support@sesamecare.com

How do I know what provider to choose?

Only you can select the right health care provider for your particular needs. When you're choosing one, you can look at their profile, specialties, education, and languages spoken and use this information to help you decide if they are the right fit for you.

Can I use Sesame to see any provider in the United States?

Not yet, but we're working on it!

You can currently buy services from health care providers in Kansas City who appear in searches on Sesame. We're adding new providers and services every day and will be adding new cities soon. Are you interested in finding out when Sesame is coming to where you live? Send us an email: support@sesamecare.com

What if there are additional costs recommended as a result of my appointment with the health care provider?

Any services needed beyond your initial visit may require another appointment and/or additional fees. This should be discussed directly with your provider.

What is the cancellation policy?

We get it - stuff happens. That's why we make it easy to cancel your appointment if something comes up. With Sesame, you can cancel any service up to 24 hours before your appointment time — for free.

Plus, if you don't receive the care you bought at your appointment, we'll refund your payment in full.

We are unable to offer refunds within 24 hours of your appointment time or for no-shows. If there's a mistake in your purchase, contact us as soon as possible. Email us at support@sesamecare.com or call us at 1 (877) 249-4223 between 9 AM and 5 PM Central, Monday through Friday. We'll resolve any questions as quickly as we can.

We're here to help.