Booking a dietitian used to mean hunting for a local clinic, checking whether they took your plan and waiting weeks for a slot. Fay is built to remove most of that hassle. Here is how it works, what it costs with and without insurance, and who it suits best.
Key takeaways
- What it is: a platform that matches you with a registered dietitian nutritionist for one-to-one care.
- Insurance: works directly with insurers such as Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- Cost: sessions can be as low as $0 with coverage, depending on your plan; cash pay is also available.
- Format: meet online or in person, with app support between sessions.
- Not included: prescriptions, which must come from a doctor or licensed prescriber.
The Basics
Fay is a US nutrition care platform that connects people with registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Rather than selling a meal plan, an app subscription or a supplement, it focuses on one-to-one sessions with a credentialed professional who builds guidance around your health goals, food preferences, budget and daily routine.
The main difference from most paid nutrition services is that Fay works directly with insurance companies. Many health plans include some form of nutrition counseling, but people rarely know how to use that benefit. Fay checks your coverage, matches you with a dietitian and handles the billing side.
Why Work With a Registered Dietitian?
Registered dietitians are trained, credentialed professionals who can translate nutrition science into practical changes. That matters because general advice such as "eat more vegetables" rarely accounts for your schedule, cultural food preferences, medical conditions or the medications you take.
A dietitian can help with weight management, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure goals, digestive issues, eating patterns during pregnancy, sports nutrition and building a healthier relationship with food. For people using GLP-1 medication, dietitian support can also help with protein intake, smaller meal planning and managing digestive side effects, alongside the care their prescriber provides.
Good to know: in the US, many plans cover diet and nutrition counseling as a preventive or medical benefit, especially for people with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Coverage rules differ between plans, which is why Fay checks eligibility first.
How Fay Works
Take a short quiz
You answer questions about what you want support with, such as weight management, blood sugar, digestive health or general healthy eating.
Get matched with a dietitian
Fay suggests registered dietitians based on your needs, and you can browse providers by state and city.
Meet online or in person
Sessions can be virtual, which makes it easy to fit appointments around work and family.
Pay with insurance
Fay checks your coverage and bills your plan where it is accepted. A cash-pay option is available if you are not covered.
Insurance and Cost
Fay lists major insurers including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. According to the company, sessions can cost as little as $0 with insurance. Your actual cost depends on your plan, deductible and copay.
| Payment route | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Insurance accepted | Sessions can be as low as $0, depending on your plan |
| Deductible not met | You may pay part of the session cost until it is met |
| Copay plans | A fixed amount per session set by your insurer |
| Cash pay | Available if you are uninsured or not covered |
Because coverage varies so much, confirming your benefits through Fay before your first appointment is the simplest way to avoid surprises.
What Is Included
Registered dietitians
One-to-one sessions with credentialed RDNs.
Insurance billing
Fay checks coverage and bills your plan.
Online or in person
Flexible session formats.
Fay app
Ongoing support between visits.
Rewards
Per Fay, can unlock funds for food and groceries.
Local search
Browse dietitians by state and city.
What a Dietitian Can Help With
| Goal | How a dietitian typically helps |
|---|---|
| Weight management | Realistic calorie and protein targets, portion strategies and habit building |
| Blood sugar | Carbohydrate distribution, meal timing and label reading |
| Heart health | Fibre, fat quality and sodium adjustments |
| Digestive health | Identifying trigger foods and structured eating plans |
| GLP-1 support | Protein-first meals, hydration and managing nausea or constipation |
Pros and Cons
What we like
- Works directly with many major insurers
- Sessions can cost as little as $0 with coverage
- Credentialed registered dietitians
- Online or in-person options
- App support between sessions
What to consider
- Out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan
- Does not prescribe medication
- Cash-pay rates not shown upfront
- Progress depends on following the plan
Who Fay Is Best Suited For
Fay is a strong option for people with insurance who have never used their nutrition benefit, anyone managing a health condition through diet with input from their doctor, people on weight management medication who want structured eating support, and busy adults who prefer virtual appointments.
If you are looking for prescription medication, Fay is not the right service on its own. Medication must come from a doctor or licensed prescriber, though many people combine both kinds of care.
How to Get the Most From Your Sessions
- Bring a food log. Three to five days of honest notes helps your dietitian spot patterns quickly.
- Share your medical context. Mention conditions, recent lab results and medications.
- Set one or two clear goals. Focused goals are easier to track than a long wish list.
- Book follow-ups. Nutrition change works best with regular check-ins rather than a single visit.
- Ask about practical swaps. Small changes to meals you already enjoy tend to last longer.
Find your dietitian
Take the short Fay quiz to check your coverage and get matched with a registered dietitian.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or health routine. Coverage and costs depend on your individual insurance plan.
Wellness Top 10 is an independent publisher and is not a medical provider. Pricing and features are based on information published by the provider at the time of writing and may change. This page contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure.
