The verdict in three sentences
A custom telehealth platform costs between 80,000 and 180,000 EUR in 2026 depending on the level of secure video, e-prescription and integration. Against SaaS billed 2 to 5 EUR/consultation, custom becomes profitable beyond 40,000 to 60,000 consultations/year. The choice depends as much on volume as on your customisation and branding requirements.
Functional scope and budget
A serious telehealth platform goes far beyond simple video: you need the queue, the record, the prescription, the payment and compliance. Here is the 2026 breakdown.
| Module | Range EUR | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Secure video + virtual waiting room | 20,000 - 40,000 | 8 - 12 weeks |
| Booking + telehealth queue | 12,000 - 22,000 | 5 - 7 weeks |
| E-prescription + documents | 12,000 - 25,000 | 6 - 9 weeks |
| Online payment + billing | 10,000 - 20,000 | 5 - 7 weeks |
| Record + shared summary | 12,000 - 25,000 | 6 - 8 weeks |
| Compliant hosting + compliance | 8,000 - 18,000 | ongoing |
The total lands in the 80,000 - 180,000 EUR range for an overall delivery of 6 to 10 months.
Custom build vs telehealth SaaS
Per-consultation SaaS is ideal at low volume. At high volume, the variable cost becomes a brake.
| Annual volume | SaaS at 3 EUR/consult | SaaS at 5 EUR/consult | Custom (amortised 3 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 consult/year | 30,000 EUR/year | 50,000 EUR/year | ~ 50,000 EUR/year |
| 30,000 consult/year | 90,000 EUR/year | 150,000 EUR/year | ~ 55,000 EUR/year |
| 60,000 consult/year | 180,000 EUR/year | 300,000 EUR/year | ~ 60,000 EUR/year |
| 100,000 consult/year | 300,000 EUR/year | 500,000 EUR/year | ~ 65,000 EUR/year |
At 60,000 consultations/year, a SaaS at 5 EUR means 300,000 EUR/year; amortised custom (build 150,000 EUR over 3 years + hosting/maintenance) comes to about 60,000 EUR/year. The gap becomes massive as you scale.
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Mini case study
An Amsterdam health network runs 45,000 teleconsultations/year and pays a SaaS at 4 EUR/consultation, i.e. 180,000 EUR/year. It invests 150,000 EUR in a custom platform + 600 EUR/month hosting and maintenance (7,200 EUR/year). Over 3 years, the SaaS would cost 540,000 EUR versus 171,600 EUR for custom: a saving of 368,400 EUR over 3 years, with platform and data owned. Break-even reached in the first year.
FAQ
From what volume is custom profitable? Beyond 40,000 to 60,000 consultations/year, amortised custom becomes cheaper than a SaaS at 3-5 EUR/consultation.
Is e-prescription complex to integrate? It represents 12,000 to 25,000 EUR and requires strict documentary compliance, but it is essential to a complete pathway.
What hosting for health video? Compliant hosting is mandatory, with end-to-end encryption of the video; budget 150 to 400 EUR/month depending on volume and redundancy.
How long to deliver the platform? Between 6 and 10 months for a full scope, or 4 months for a first video + booking + payment core.
Can we start on SaaS then switch? Yes, many networks validate usage on SaaS then migrate to custom once volume is established.
Let's scope your project. Share your consultation volume, your priority modules and an indicative budget: we cost a compliant platform with documented ROI. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
