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Key Points
- For individuals without health insurance, the average trip to urgent care can cost anywhere from $150 to $200.
- Factors impacting urgent care costs include location and services provided.
- Free or discounted healthcare options exist, but urgent care is not entirely free without insurance.
When you have a pressing medical issue, your first priority is getting to see a doctor, quickly. Getting an appointment with your primary care provider can be difficult on short notice—especially if you need to be seen during “off-hours” on the weekend, in the evening, or even on a holiday. The great news is you don’t have to have an appointment to see a medical provider at urgent care centers.
Urgent care clinics offer high-quality medical care and extended hours, as well as pricing that is usually more affordable than a visit to the emergency room.
How Much Is Urgent Care Without Insurance?
If you don't have health insurance, healthcare costs may be a huge concern. Based on data collected for Solv ClearPriceTM (for individuals without health insurance) the national average for a base visit to an urgent care can cost about $150.
Depending on the specific services you need and the severity of your injury or illness (as well as the location of the clinic), that price could increase to $350+ in total. That’s still cheaper than an emergency room visit, which can cost upward of $2,600 on average, according to United Health.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Urgent Care
The actual cost of an urgent care visit can be difficult to pinpoint because each clinic charges different prices based on the services you need and the fluctuating national averages of healthcare services. Here are a few of the main factors that may affect your urgent care costs, based on internal Solv research.
Urgent care location
The location of your preferred urgent care clinic has an impact on your cost of treatment. According to data from Solv ClearPriceTM, the service prices at urgent care clinics vary from city to city and from rural locations to urban locations.
Services provided
The range of services that any urgent care provides to you will depend on your condition and the severity of your condition. These services have a big impact on the overall cost of your visit. Things like x-rays, laboratory tests, stitches, and bandaging all come at a cost.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some urgent care locations use a pre-defined level of care to calculate the cost of your visit. There are typically three to four different levels of care. Standard care visits for minor problems like earaches and sore throats are on the lower end of the cost spectrum—usually considered level 1 or level 2. But if you break a bone, require stitches, or have a more severe medical issue, that would be considered a level 3 or 4 visit.
Urgent Care Cost vs. Emergency Room Cost
Compared to emergency rooms, urgent care is often much more affordable for minor illnesses and injuries. According to Debt.org, an emergency room visit can run you around 10 times more expensive than a visit to an urgent care clinic.
Finding Affordable Urgent Care
If you don't have insurance, finding affordable urgent care is important. Below are some tips from Solv for finding the most cost-efficient urgent care clinics.
- Research low-cost clinics in your area - Look for clinics in your area that advertise low costs or fees based on a sliding scale.
- Consider telemedicine - Some urgent care clinics offer virtual urgent care visits for a lower cost than in-person visits.
- Ask about payment plans - Some urgent care clinics offer payment plans to help patients manage the cost of their care.
- Compare prices - Call different urgent care clinics in your area and ask about their prices. You may be able to find a clinic that offers a lower price for the same services.
Uninsured Self-Pay Costs at Urgent Care
Even if you do not have insurance, you can still receive medical care at an urgent care clinic. However, you will need to pay for services you receive on your own—this is known as “self-pay”. As we mentioned above, the cost of these services will depend on the urgent care you visit and the type of care you need.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Self-Pay Option
The self-pay option at urgent care can be beneficial because you can get medical care without the hassle of dealing with deductibles, copays, or other insurance-related fees. Additionally, there may be some urgent care clinics that offer discounts for self-pay patients.
However, a drawback of the self-pay option is that the cost of medical care can be expensive. With a base cost of around $150, according to SolvClearPriceTM, and additional costs for tests and treatments, the bill can quickly add up.
Uninsured Self-Pay Costs vs. Insured Co-Pay Costs
If you have insurance, the cost of urgent care visits will depend on your coverage. You may have to pay a copay for each visit, and if you have not met your deductible, you may need to pay the full cost of the visit until you do.
In comparison, the self-pay option can be more expensive than insurance—but not in every case. If you have health insurance, you can review your plan documents or call a representative to find out what your co-pay and deductibles are.
How Much Is Urgent Care Without Insurance in California?
If you’re in California and thinking about going to urgent care, you can expect prices that are near national averages, according to Burbank Urgent Care. However, you should remember that the cost of your visit will vary depending on the type of care you need and where you go for treatment.
How Much Is a Physical at Urgent Care Without Insurance?
A physical exam may also be known as a “routine check-up”. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is useful to help evaluate your overall health and help prevent you from developing a chronic health condition (like diabetes or heart disease).
Physical exams involve a series of tests and assessments to check for potential health problems, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or signs of cancer. A physical exam can also help to identify any risk factors that may contribute to the development of certain health conditions (like obesity or family history).
According to Forbes, the cost of getting a physical exam at urgent care is around $138 on average. It's important to note that additional tests or treatments may be necessary based on the results of your physical exam, which can increase the overall cost of your visit.
If you’re due for your annual physical and your primary care physician is booked out for a while, going to urgent care can be a good option for you.
How Much Is STD Testing at Urgent Care Without Insurance?
STD testing is an important part of maintaining good health. The CDC recommends that sexually active people get tested at least once a year for common STDs. Urgent care clinics are a fast and cost-effective way to get STD testing. A huge benefit to getting tested at urgent care is that you can get treatment right away if you test positive.
The average cost of STD testing at urgent care can vary depending on the type of tests you get and the location of the clinic. The cost may be higher if you need additional tests or treatments.
Is Urgent Care Free Without Insurance?
Healthcare costs are a concern for many people, especially if you’re uninsured. While urgent care is generally more affordable than an emergency room visit, it's not free. However, there may be some free or discounted healthcare services available to you, if you meet certain criteria. These include things like planned parenthood, public health, or student health centers if you are enrolled in a school, college, or university.
Free Healthcare Options
Some communities offer free or discounted healthcare services, for some things. These services are usually paid for through government grants or run by volunteers, according to the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC).
The range of services provided by these centers varies, depending on their location and the scope of practice of those who work there. Those who are eligible to receive care will also vary, depending on each clinic or health center. In general, the NAFC notes that you may need to meet certain income or residency requirements. However, there are some health centers that will provide services to anyone.
Free Health Services vs. Urgent Care
While free health services may be a good option for some patients, it's not a substitute for establishing care with a primary care physician and not a substitute for getting emergency care if you need it, advises the NAFC.
Going to Urgent Care Without Insurance
If you don't have insurance, getting medical care can be expensive and stressful. However, urgent care clinics can offer affordable payment plan options for those who need immediate medical attention.
When you visit an urgent care center without insurance, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to bring all the necessary documents with you that you may need. These include:
- Your identification
- Your mailing or billing address
- Contact information for your next of kin
- Your medical history and a list of any medications you take
- A form of payment
If you’re wondering how much you may have to pay after your visit, give the urgent care a call before you go and ask about their fees and what their payment options are.
When Should I Go to Urgent Care?
Urgent care clinics are designed for people with a medical concern that is urgent but not necessarily an emergency. According to Solv’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rob Rohatsch, these non-emergency conditions can include:
- Cuts, minor burns, and rashes
- Fever, cough, and sore throat
- Ear infection
- Insect or animal bites
- UTIs
- STDs
- Allergies
- Mild asthma
- Immunizations
- Falls, sprains, and broken bones
Additionally, some urgent care clinics offer limited lab tests, including:
Although urgent care is not a replacement for seeing your primary care physician, it can be an excellent choice if you are unable to wait for an appointment with your PCP.
When should I go to The Emergency Room Instead of Urgent Care?
If you are experiencing symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition, you should go immediately to an emergency room for care, the Mayo Clinic. These include symptoms of conditions like:
- Heart attacks
- Severe asthma attacks
- Stroke
- Traumatic injuries
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe respiratory illness
In some cases, if you go to an urgent care clinic and the healthcare professionals there determine that you need more specialized care, they will refer you or transfer you to a nearby emergency room.
How Can I Reduce My Out-of-Pocket Cost of Urgent Care?
You are the best advocate for your healthcare and your finances—so before you head to urgent care, it is perfectly acceptable to contact the clinic and ask questions to get a better idea of how much the visit will cost. Calling ahead can also help you determine if you need to go to urgent care or if your medical condition can be addressed in a telemedicine appointment.
Some questions you may want to consider are:
- How much is the office visit fee?
- What additional expenses will I be charged?
- Do you think I will need tests and, if so, what is the cost?
- Do you think I will need an X-ray and, if so, what is the price?
You can get a better idea of what you’ll be charged for an urgent care visit using Solv’s ClearPriceTM online tool. This tool can help you save money on healthcare even if you have health insurance because it gives you an idea of the average “self-pay” rates at a clinic.
Solv Can Help You Find An Urgent Care Clinic Near You
If you’re looking for an urgent care clinic, our lab finder can help you find an urgent care clinic near you.
Solv’s telehealth services providers can also help you assess your injury or illness to determine if you need to go to an urgent care clinic and then get you connected with referrals and follow-up appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment to visit an urgent care center?
No, you don't need an appointment to visit an urgent care center. You can walk in and get medical attention, especially during off-hours when your primary care provider may not be available.How much does an urgent care visit cost without insurance?
The national average for a base visit to an urgent care center is about $150 for individuals without health insurance. However, depending on the specific services you need and the severity of your injury or illness, the price could increase to $350 or more.How does the cost of an urgent care visit compare to an emergency room visit?
An urgent care visit is usually more affordable than an emergency room visit. On average, an emergency room visit can cost upwards of $2,600, which is significantly higher than the cost of an urgent care visit.What factors can affect the cost of an urgent care visit?
The cost of an urgent care visit can be affected by several factors, including the location of the clinic, the specific services you need, and the severity of your condition. For example, services like x-rays, laboratory tests, stitches, and bandaging all come at a cost.How can I find affordable urgent care if I don't have insurance?
To find affordable urgent care without insurance, you can research low-cost clinics in your area, consider telemedicine options, ask about payment plans, and compare prices between different urgent care clinics.What are the benefits and drawbacks of the self-pay option at urgent care?
The self-pay option at urgent care can be beneficial because it allows you to get medical care without dealing with deductibles, copays, or other insurance-related fees. Some clinics may even offer discounts for self-pay patients. However, the cost of medical care can be expensive, and the bill can quickly add up.What are some conditions that can be treated at an urgent care clinic?
Urgent care clinics can treat a variety of non-emergency conditions, including cuts, minor burns, rashes, fever, cough, sore throat, ear infection, insect or animal bites, UTIs, STDs, allergies, mild asthma, and minor injuries like falls, sprains, and broken bones.When should I go to the emergency room instead of urgent care?
You should go to the emergency room instead of urgent care if you are experiencing symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack, severe asthma attack, stroke, traumatic injuries, severe allergic reactions, or severe respiratory illness.
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