How to Get a Free Second Opinion from Mayo Clinic Online (2025 Edition)

When facing a life-altering health decision, it’s natural to want assurance. You want to be absolutely sure the diagnosis is accurate, that the treatment plan is the best possible, and that there are no overlooked alternatives. That’s where a second medical opinion becomes invaluable—especially when it’s coming from one of the world’s most respected institutions, the Mayo Clinic.

But many patients ask: Can I get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic online, and is there a way to get it for free?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to request a Mayo Clinic second opinion, how to potentially get it at no cost, who qualifies, and how to make the process smooth and effective.

What Is a Second Opinion in Healthcare, and Why Does It Matter

A second opinion is a professional review by a different physician or medical team from the one that provided your first diagnosis or treatment plan. Its main purpose is to offer:

• Confirmation of your current diagnosis

• Alternative viewpoints on the medical condition

• Suggestions for better or less invasive treatment options

• Reassurance before undergoing major surgeries or therapies

Studies have shown that second opinions can change the diagnosis or treatment plan in up to 30% of cases. When dealing with complex conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune illnesses, this insight can be life-saving.

And when the second opinion comes from a powerhouse like Mayo Clinic, you’re tapping into a pool of world-class specialists, cutting-edge technology, and decades of research-backed expertise.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for a Second Opinion

Mayo Clinic is not just another hospital—it’s consistently ranked among the top three hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. With locations in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida, Mayo is a referral center for the most complex and rare conditions. Their approach is team-based, meaning your case may be reviewed by multiple specialists across departments.

Key reasons to consider Mayo Clinic include:

• Expertise in complex diagnoses

• Access to the latest clinical trials and treatment innovations

• Comprehensive and collaborative case reviews

• Reputation for unbiased and thorough assessments

Does Mayo Clinic Offer Free Second Opinions Online

The direct answer is: Yes, in specific cases—but not for everyone.

While Mayo Clinic doesn’t have a public-facing program that offers free second opinions to all individuals, there are several pathways to getting a free or heavily subsidized second opinion online.

Let’s break them down.

Use Your Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits (If Applicable)

Many major corporations in the U.S. have partnerships with Mayo Clinic or third-party platforms that connect employees to Mayo specialists. This may be part of your employee wellness benefits or health insurance perks.

Steps to Check:

1. Log into your company’s HR or benefits portal.

2. Search for terms like “Expert Second Opinion“, “Mayo Clinic Care Network“, or “Virtual Consults“.

3. Contact your HR department or insurance provider to confirm if Mayo services are included.

If your employer uses services like Grand Rounds, Summus Global, or Teladoc Health, you’re likely eligible for a Mayo Clinic second opinion at no cost to you.

Example:

Companies like Walmart, Salesforce, and Google offer access to expert medical opinions through platforms that include Mayo Clinic—completely free to employees and their families.

Explore Mayo Clinic’s Partnership Platforms

Mayo Clinic partners with several leading health platforms that facilitate remote second opinions. These include:

• Grand Rounds Health (now included in Included Health)

• Teladoc Expert Medical Opinion

• Summus Global

• Mayo Clinic Care Network

If your insurance or employer partners with any of the above platforms, you can often receive a Mayo Clinic second opinion online without cost.

How to Access:

• Visit the website of the platform (e.g., grandrounds.com)

• Use your employer email to check eligibility

• Submit medical records through their portal

• Get matched with a Mayo Clinic specialist for review

Qualify Through a Clinical Trial or Research Study

Mayo Clinic conducts hundreds of clinical trials across multiple specialties. Some of these trials involve detailed case reviews and second opinions as part of the screening process.

How This Helps:

If your case qualifies, you could receive free diagnostic review, testing, and expert opinion as part of the research protocol.

What You Should Do:

• Visit the Mayo Clinic Clinical Trials Database

• Filter by condition (e.g., lung cancer, MS, rare genetic disorder)

• Review open trials and contact the research coordinator

• Submit your medical profile for review

This path is especially helpful for patients with:

• Rare diseases

• Cancer diagnoses

• Genetic or autoimmune conditions

• Poor response to traditional treatment

Apply Through the Mayo Clinic Online Second Opinion Program (Fee-Based, But May Be Waived)

Mayo Clinic provides an official online second opinion service for U.S. and international patients. While this is usually a paid service, there are exceptions where the fee is waived.

How Much Does It Cost?

• Starts from $565 and can go up to $1800, depending on the complexity and number of specialties involved.

How to Request a Waiver:

• During the application, check the financial assistance section.

• Provide documentation of your income, insurance status, and medical urgency.

• Mayo Clinic staff may approve a full or partial fee reduction, especially for low-income or medically urgent cases.

Apply here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org

Get Help from Nonprofit Organizations and Patient Advocates

Numerous nonprofit organizations fund second opinions for patients who can’t afford them.

Top Organizations That Can Help:

• CancerCare – Offers grants for cancer patients to receive second opinions

• The Assistance Fund – Helps with rare disease second opinions

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Funds diagnostic reviews for blood cancer patients

• Patient Advocate Foundation – Helps coordinate low-cost or free second opinions

These groups often work in collaboration with major hospitals, including Mayo Clinic.

Ask Your Local Doctor for a Mayo Clinic eConsult

If your primary care physician or specialist is part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, they can directly consult Mayo experts about your case—without you having to travel or pay.

What Is an eConsult

It’s a digital case-sharing system where your doctor submits your records and gets Mayo’s input within a few days.

Steps:

• Ask your doctor if they are part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network

• If yes, request a clinical eConsult

• Mayo physicians review your case and send recommendations to your doctor

This service is typically free and allows you to benefit from Mayo’s expertise while staying in your local care system.

Prepare All Required Medical Records and Questions

Before requesting a second opinion, especially online, it’s crucial to have everything ready. A well-organized submission will:

• Reduce delays

• Help doctors provide a more accurate response

• Increase your chances of approval if seeking a fee waiver

What You’ll Need:

• A complete medical history

• Diagnosis summaries

• Pathology reports (biopsy results)

• Imaging scans (CDs or DICOMs of MRIs, CTs)

• Lab reports

• Your questions or concerns

Turnaround Time: How Long Does It Take

Once you submit your records and application:

• Most second opinions are returned in 7–14 business days

• Cancer-related reviews may be completed in as little as 5 days

• Complex, multi-specialist cases might take 2–3 weeks

You’ll be notified via email or patient portal, and you can often schedule a virtual consult to go over the results.

What If You’re Outside the U.S.

Good news—Mayo Clinic accepts international second opinion requests. The process is similar, but:

• You may need translated records

• Payment is typically required upfront

• Some embassies or international insurance providers may reimburse fees

You can apply through Mayo’s International Services Department, which assists with visa, language, and logistical support.

Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Mayo Clinic Access

Here are some other top hospitals offering virtual second opinions:

While not free, many offer financial assistance or partner discounts through insurance.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Access a Free Mayo Clinic Second Opinion Online—If You Know Where to Look

Getting a second opinion from Mayo Clinic can provide clarity, confidence, and in many cases, a new path forward in your healthcare journey. While not everyone qualifies for a free review, many patients do—without even realizing it.

Whether through your employer, insurance provider, a referring doctor, or a nonprofit organization, there are multiple legitimate ways to receive a world-class Mayo Clinic second opinion from home—at zero cost.