Urgent care vs. emergency room visit cost
Urgent care vs. emergency room visit cost
$150 – $250 average urgent care visit cost (without insurance)
$1,500 – $3,000 average ER visit cost (without insurance)
Emergency room vs. urgent care cost
The average urgent care visit costs $150 to $250 without insurance, while an emergency room visit costs $1,500 to $3,000 for the same service. While you should go to the ER for serious health concerns, visiting an urgent care center is the best choice for most non-life-threatening health issues.
| Factor | Urgent Care | Emergency room |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost without insurance | $150 – $250 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Average wait time | 30 minutes | 90+ minutes |
| Best for | Minor health issues | Life-threatening situations |
What's the difference between urgent care and the emergency room?
Urgent care centers are meant for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening. These same-day clinics also provide other healthcare services, like routine physicals, imaging, and lab tests.
The emergency room is intended for critical, life-threatening situations that need immediate attention, such as a major injury, heart attack, stroke, or uncontrollable bleeding.
Cost comparison for common conditions
Many people go to the ER for health concerns that could be handled at an urgent care center for much cheaper. The cost of an urgent care visit is typically much less than the cost of an emergency room visit to treat the same ailment.
The table below shows the average costs for common conditions treated at an urgent care center or the ER.
| Condition / treatment | Average ER cost (without insurance) | Average urgent care cost (without insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Acute bronchitis | $800 – $2,500 | $150 – $300 |
| Allergic reactions | $400 – $4,500 | $100 – $200 |
| Sprains & strains | $1,000 – $2,000 | $100 – $400 |
| Pink eye | $300 – $400 | $80 – $200 |
| Sore throat | $500 – $2,700 | $100 – $200 |
| Open wound / stitches | $500 – $1,500 | $200 – $400 |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | $1,200 – $3,000 | $125 – $200 |
If you have health insurance, your urgent care visit copay may be higher than your copay to see a primary care doctor but will likely be less than the out-of-pocket cost for an ER visit.
When to go to urgent care vs. the emergency room
Research shows 30% to 50%+ of emergency room patients could have been treated at an urgent care facility, often at a much lower cost. With healthcare prices constantly increasing, consider your options to make the best decision for your situation.
Call 9-1-1 or go to the ER for any serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as:
Deep wound
Fever that does not resolve with over-the-counter medicine
Major broken bones
Poisoning
Trouble breathing
Seizure
Serious head injury
Severe allergic reaction
Severe burn
Signs of a heart attack or stroke
Sudden severe pain
Sudden change in vision
Sudden confusion
Suddenly feeling weak or unable to move, speak, or walk
Uncontrollable bleeding
Consider an urgent care facility if you are experiencing a non-critical health issue and your primary doctor's office is closed or cannot fit you into the schedule. Urgent care centers can handle most non-emergency healthcare services, including:
Treatment for minor illnesses and injuries
Physicals needed for sports, school, or employment
Diagnostic lab testing
X-rays
Vaccines
Medications
Medical equipment
Tips to save on urgent care and ER costs
No matter where you get treated, healthcare bills can add up quickly, even if you have insurance. Here are some guidelines to ensure you don't overpay for your care:
Assess your situation before heading straight to the ER. If your health issue is not life threatening, consider going to an urgent care center instead as the cost for the same services can be much lower.
If you do need emergency care, go to a hospital-based ER when possible. Freestanding ER centers typically cost more than hospital-based emergency rooms.
Call ahead to confirm the current wait time, costs, and payment options. Many urgent care centers require payment at the time of service.
Consider asking the following questions up front to prevent surprises in your bill:
Do you have discounted pricing for uninsured patients?
Do you work with any charitable organizations that could help with my costs?
Will this cost less if I pay with cash?
What will the cost be for my specific issue?
Do you think I will need lab tests or scans, and what will they cost?
How much do you charge for X-rays and imaging?
If I need medication, how much will it cost?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.