How to see a doctor when you don’t have health insurance

In this article:

• How to see a doctor without insurance
• Without insurance doctor visit costs
• Without insurance specialist costs
• Without insurance medical care options
• Savings

In this article

• How to see a doctor without insurance
• Without insurance doctor visit costs
• Without insurance specialist costs
• Without insurance medical care options
• Savings

If you’re sick, you make an appointment to see a doctor, right? Well, if you’re in the United States and are one of the many people who are either uninsured or underinsured, getting medical care isn’t quite so simple. The healthcare system can be wildly expensive for those without insurance—or for those whose insurance doesn’t cover enough. Out-of-pocket medical bills can range from $150 to $400 for a visit to your primary care physician, and that is only for the doctor’s fee. Other services like imaging and blood work will run that bill up even more. The average cost for a basic physical exam without insurance is $387. So, how do you access a doctor without health insurance? Luckily, there are a few options available. However, they vary by where you live, what kind of treatment is required, and other factors specific to your circumstances. Healthcare costs can be very intimidating, but the good news is that there are ways to be informed and make decisions that minimize your medical expenses.

RELATED: Why are Americans skipping healthcare services?

How to see a doctor without insurance

First and foremost, people should not avoid going to the doctor strictly because of cost. It could cost your health and your wallet more down the line if you postpone getting the care you need. Even if you don’t have health insurance, you can still see a doctor and receive medical treatment—preventive care, acute care, urgent care, or emergency care. The difficult part is to find services that are affordable. Surveys have shown that most providers will provide you with pricing information upfront before scheduling, particularly if you are uninsured. This knowledge allows you to shop for the best price and limit surprises regarding the cost of a doctor’s visit. Quoting out-of-pocket costs with marketplace or high-deductible plans is a little more complex, and not every healthcare provider is willing to do this before the visit.

How much does it cost to see a doctor without insurance?

Unfortunately, getting medical care can be quite costly if you’re uninsured. Just how costly is difficult to determine, as it varies by the medical issue you’re having, the type of provider you’re seeing, and where you live. While debt.org lists the average cost of a doctor visit somewhere between $150 and $400, this number rises if you need additional testing or prescriptions. It can be astronomical if you need to visit the emergency room. The healthcare costs for various accidents and illnesses can add up quickly when you factor in billable items like blood tests, X-rays, and ambulance rides. Many people end up being surprised by large bills after a medical event. 

The average cost for diagnostic tests can also vary by quite a bit depending on your region and where you went. According to the Healthcare Bluebook, a database that compiles rates, a blood count lab test can range anywhere between $15 and $100, a chest X-ray can range between $40 and $250, and a fetal ultrasound can set you back between $89 and $480. As you can see, it can be a real challenge to estimate just how much medical care might cost if you need it.

However, how much you pay can also depend on where you receive care. Some clinics can give discounts or allow you to pay on a sliding scale based on your income. Community clinics may be cheaper than a direct care provider, and urgent care clinics are less expensive than ER trips. Ultimately, what you will be paying varies significantly by your specific health problem and where you go for treatment. Before visiting a clinic, you can “shop around” to compare prices or find out if you can get the treatment you need somewhere cheaper. 

It’s important to note that many people are uninsured and don’t have to be. You can visit healthcare.gov or contact your local Social Services department to find out whether you qualify for free or low-cost plans through the health insurance marketplace. Remember, even with an insurance plan, it is still important to understand that healthcare services will have different costs based on the type of setting in which you seek treatment. 

How expensive is it to see a specialist without insurance?

Like other visits, costs at specialists can vary depending on location, visit type, and additional services needed. A visit to the pediatrician for your child’s annual well exam can range anywhere from $130 to over $400. However, seeing your gynecologist for something like a uterine biopsy can be over $2000. Typically, when specialist care is needed, so are supportive imaging tests, lab draws, procedures, or prescriptions. These charges can add up quickly. Again, don’t let being uninsured or underinsured prevent you from addressing your health. Data has shown that fewer screenings and preventive health visits are completed by the uninsured, and negative health outcomes are higher because of this.  

Where can I go for medical care without insurance?

Community health clinics, walk-in medical clinics, and direct care providers are the best places to start. One thing to consider is the type of medical provider or doctor you choose to see. Fees for mid-level medical professionals such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants may be lower than those for a medical doctor (MD). Fees for specialists tend to be higher than visits with a primary care doctor or general practitioner. Mid-level providers are well-equipped to treat common ailments such as urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, or minor injuries.

Community health clinics

Community health clinics are likely available in your area. These can be free or at a low cost to you. These clinics provide some of the most necessary care for people, such as preventive screenings and vaccinations, without the hefty price tag of a direct primary care provider or insurance requirements. Many of these allow people to pay on a “sliding scale” based on their income or offer free medical care and services. Try searching your area through the directory on freeclinics.com.

Walk-in clinics

Walk-in clinics are also available for more routine issues, and they can take cash payments if you do not have insurance. You can see a healthcare provider at a walk-in clinic for minor issues and be billed for the visit. However, not all of these are as affordable as others, so make sure to ask about the costs upfront. Some walk-in clinics offer care at low or reduced rates, while others may be able to help you apply for free or low-cost health insurance, like Medicaid.                                                                                          

Direct care providers

Even if you don’t have health insurance, it’s still possible to see a healthcare provider; however, it may come at a fee. There are clinics that cater to the uninsured, known as cash-only clinics, concierge clinics, or direct care providers. You may want to shop around to find a doctor that you like that also fits within your budget. 

Telemedicine

While versions of telehealth or remote healthcare have been around for a while, they really took hold in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. For uninsured patients, there is data to support that the cost of virtual healthcare may be cheaper than in-person visits. This is logical because virtual providers do not need as much office space or support staff to provide care. Similar to in-person visits, however, the cost may still depend on the provider type. There may still be additional costs beyond the visit like necessary blood work or imaging. One of the most positive aspects of telemedicine is the cost savings patients realize in indirect ways. You are saving on fuel and vehicle wear. You likely need to spend less time away from work and your daily activities because you don’t have to account for the commute, and you will likely avoid additional child care costs. Healthcare Bluebook can help you compare costs of various levels of telehealth appointments to traditional in-person visits from providers in your area.

Hospital emergency room

You should go to the hospital emergency room or call 911 if you have an immediate medical emergency. Emergency medical providers like hospitals generally can’t refuse care in a medical emergency because you don’t have health insurance. Let the staff know that you are uninsured, as you may be able to arrange repayment terms over time with their billing department or get assistance applying for emergency Medicaid or other insurance. However, emergency care is the most expensive type of care. Only use it if it’s a true emergency to avoid incurring expensive bills. In non-emergency situations, urgent care is typically a more affordable option.

Urgent care centers

Urgent care centers are available for immediate emergencies and other time-sensitive medical needs and often can take direct payment from the patient. Urgent care visits may wind up being a cheaper alternative to a hospital visit, provided the clinic is able to address your medical needs. These centers are like a walk-in clinic for more serious concerns like broken bones, sprains, and wounds requiring stitches. They are better equipped for more detailed imaging and testing than a walk-in clinic for these more serious matters. True emergencies like cardiac arrest or anaphylactic shock still require an emergency room visit.

What is the cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance?

When getting medical care without insurance, these are the cheapest way to access a doctor without insurance: 

1. Mention you are uninsured. Make sure you find out if there are any discounts that you may be eligible for. 
2. Shop around for care that fits your budget. Rates vary by location. Look for a free, or sliding scale clinic. 
3. Ask for a payment plan. Some healthcare providers will let you pay overtime to reduce upfront costs. 
4. Double-check your bills. Errors are common. Make sure you’re being charged the right amount. You can even negotiate bills after you receive them, just call and ask. You can utilize online tools to get information about average prices to help you know if perhaps an error has occurred.
5. Use prescription savings cards, like SingleCare to reduce the cost of any prescriptions you need. This is especially important for medications you continue to refill for chronic conditions.
6. Ask for drug samples or a generic version. This can greatly reduce the out-of-pocket price for medication.
7. Check to see if you’re eligible for Medicaid services. It’s based on income, household size, and where you live, among other factors.
8. Check out healthcare.gov to see if there are affordable healthcare plans for health insurance coverage or plans which may have some cost supplement provided to you. Based on your income eligibility, some plans may have very low out of pocket premiums and provide good insurance coverage to help control costs. On this website, you can also read more about the Affordable Care Act and how that could benefit you.

RELATED: How can I save on my medication?

Everything feels harder when you’re sick. Take these steps now as a proactive approach before you need healthcare to ensure you are in a better place financially later on. Looking for discounts, coupons, payment plans, and comparing prices can be immensely helpful for your wallet while trying to navigate the healthcare system. Self pay pricing for medical care, prescription drugs, lab tests, and other procedures can vary greatly. Your best bet is to be prepared.

 

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