Medical costs without insurance

Without insurance you pay the provider’s self-pay price, so the setting you choose decides most of the bill. The table above gives the national price range for each guide in this section, from a $40 telehealth visit to a pair of hearing aids, and every figure links to its source.

How much does a doctor visit cost without insurance?

An independent primary care office charges about $75 to $300 a visit, with a national median of about $160 for a returning patient. New patient visits cost more because they take longer, and hospital-owned clinics can add a facility fee of $150 to $500.^[2] Federally qualified community health centers charge $20 to $80 a visit on a sliding scale based on income.^[2] For a quick problem that needs no exam, a telehealth visit costs $40 to $100.^[1]

Is it cheaper to pay cash?

Often, but you have to ask. CoveredUSA says self-pay discounts of 20% to 40% off the full charge are typical at doctor offices.^[2] Most urgent care centers give 10% to 30% off for paying at the time of service, and the discount is often not advertised.^[11] Ask for the cash price at the front desk before you register, and ask what tests or procedures would add to it.

Urgent care vs ER cost without insurance

A basic urgent care visit costs $150 to $280, and a visit with an X-ray $250 to $500.^[1] CoveredUSA puts an ER visit for a non-emergency problem at $1,500 to $3,000 or more, so urgent care is far cheaper for minor injuries and illnesses.^[1] Go to the ER for emergencies such as chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke.

Will I get a bill later?

Usually you pay at the visit, but lab work can arrive separately. If a blood or urine sample goes to an outside lab, that lab bills you on its own, sometimes days or weeks later.^[11] Ordering routine tests directly costs less in many cases: a CBC is $29 and an A1c $39 at Quest and Labcorp.^[3][4] If a large balance arrives, most urgent care centers will set up a payment plan rather than send it to collections.^[11]

Your rights when you pay without insurance

If you are not using insurance, a provider must give you a good faith estimate of expected charges if you ask for one or schedule care at least 3 business days ahead.^[7] If the bill is at least $400 more than the estimate, you can dispute it within 120 calendar days of the bill date. The dispute costs a $25 fee, which is taken off what you owe if you win.^[8]

Eye and hearing care

Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, or hearing aids and fitting exams, so many older adults pay for these out of pocket too.^[12][13] Retail stores cost less than private practices for both: a Costco eye exam runs $79 to $110, and Costco hearing aid buyers paid $1,674 a pair on average against $4,727 at a traditional clinic without insurance.^[5][6]

Ways to pay less without insurance

1. Ask for the cash price before care. Many urgent care centers and offices give self-pay discounts or flat fees.^[1][2]
2. Match the setting to the problem. Telehealth for problems that need no exam, urgent care for minor injuries, the ER only for emergencies.
3. Order routine lab tests directly from a lab instead of through an office that sends them out.
4. Avoid hospital-owned clinics for routine care. They can add a facility fee of $150 to $500 to a doctor visit.^[2]
5. Use a community health center if your income is low; fees start at $20 a visit.^[2] Care Anytime members can also see a doctor by phone or video through Virtual Physician Access.