Urgent care accepting
United Health insurance

United Health Urgent Care FAQs

• Is urgent care covered by health insurance?

  Yes, your insurance will cover a visit to an urgent care clinic. However, the cost of each form of urgent care can vary considerably, so be sure that you are well versed on what kind of policy you have with your insurance provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and go to the closest emergency room. If you are not experiencing a medical emergency, log on to your United Healthcare website or App and compare your symptoms to those requiring a trip to an urgent care clinic or a Virtual Visit. You will still receive quality medical attention, but you will save yourself a costly bill.

• Does United Healthcare cover urgent care?

  Yes, United Healthcare does cover the cost of urgent care visits. Coverage often varies, based on the type of policy you have, so be sure to read up on what kind of deductibles or copays you may have. As mentioned above, each form of urgent care comes with its own set of fees. Follow the links above to find out more about your options.

• Do retail clinics take United Health insurance?

  Yes, United Healthcare covers visits to retail-based clinics such as CVS MinuteClinics and Walgreens Healthcare Clinics. These clinics are often located in retail establishments, such as commercial pharmacies. Additionally, United Healthcare, through their subsidiary Optum, owns MedExpress urgent care, which has partnered with Walgreens to build urgent care centers connected to Walgreens stores. While more comprehensive than retail clinics, these urgent care centers offer patients the convenience of being seen by a physician and filling any resulting prescriptions in one place and will surely accept United Health insurance.

• What is my urgent care copay with United Healthcare?

  Your copay for each form of care, and the treatment you seek out, will vary based on your policy. Some policies have copay's as low as $50 per urgent care visit, while others may cost you as much as $100 per visit (source). Your copay, and the total cost of your visit to urgent care, may be higher if you choose a clinic or doctor that is out of your coverage network. You can use the "Cost of Care Estimates" link above to find doctors and clinics in your network, as well as compare the cost of care at specific providers and particular treatments within that network. For example, if you require an X-ray, and you've chosen a clinic that is out-of-network, your insurance may not cover the cost of radiology for your visit, leaving you with an expensive bill. If you're not experiencing a medical emergency, it may be worth taking a few extra minutes to ensure that you visit an urgent care clinic that is within your coverage network.

• Can I use Medicare at urgent care?

  While Medicare Part A will cover the cost of inpatient treatment at a hospital, it does not cover visits to urgent care. Medicare Part B, however, does cover the cost of urgent care. According to MedicareSupplement.com, Medicare Part B will cover up to 80% of the cost of a visit to urgent care, as long as the clinic has chosen to participate in Medicare. You will also need to keep in mind that not all services are approved for Medicare coverage. If you choose a clinic that does not participate in Medicare, or you receive a form of treatment that has not been approved, your Medicare coverage will not cover the cost of your visit, and you will be responsible for the resulting bill.

• How much does urgent care cost without insurance?

  The precise cost will depend on the services required for your care and which facility you choose to go to, but according to a variety of sources, the average cost of a trip to urgent care is $176. This is certainly a better option than going to an emergency room for a minor ailment, which comes with an expensive facilities fee, and will run you a minimum of a few hundred dollars. If you require medical care without a pre-planned appointment, you have several options to choose from. Visit an urgent care clinic if you are experiencing symptoms that must be evaluated by a physician. You will have a chance to get relief from the symptoms that are keeping you down, without having to wait to see your doctor. United Healthcare also offers you the option to speak with a doctor from your phone, tablet, or computer through their Virtual Visit program. The doctor can conduct an exam and even generate prescriptions remotely through the United Healthcare App or website. If you’re not feeling well never fear, help is available when you need it.

• Urgent care vs ER vs walk-in clinic

  First off, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 and go to an emergency room immediately. If you need to see a doctor on short notice, you have a few options to choose from. Your first thought may be to go to the emergency room, but unless you are in the midst of a medical emergency, you will be faced with long wait times and a large bill at the end of the day. Urgent care clinics often accept insurance, and you will still be seen by a physician without breaking the bank. If you are unable to wait for an appointment with your general practitioner, urgent care clinics are typically available outside of regular business hours, and will cost you significantly less than a trip to the emergency department. Finally, retail walk-in clinics are a cost effective choice to be treated for simple medical ailments and immunizations. Plus, you can fill your prescription right there when you're done.