How to See a Doctor Without Insurance

About 26 million Americans don't have health insurance. If you're one of them, seeing a doctor can feel impossibly expensive. An uninsured primary care visit averages $171. An ER visit averages $2,715. But there are options that cost a fraction of those prices.

Community Health Centers

1,512 federally qualified health centers operate 17,000+ locations and serve 32.4 million patients. They use sliding fee scales based on income. At 100% of the federal poverty level or below, you might pay $20 for a full exam and labs. They cannot refuse you for inability to pay. They offer primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Telehealth

Telehealth visits without insurance cost $40 to $90 on most platforms. GoodRx Care starts at $19 with a Gold membership. You can see a doctor by video for common conditions like sinus infections, UTIs, allergies, and rashes. If the doctor prescribes medication, pair it with a GoodRx coupon for up to 80% off the retail price.

Direct Primary Care

Direct primary care practices charge a flat monthly fee of $70 to $150 for unlimited visits. No insurance needed. You get a doctor you can call, text, or visit whenever you need to. Basic labs and in-office procedures are usually included. This is a good option if you need ongoing care but can't afford traditional insurance.

Urgent Care

Urgent care visits run $150 to $280 without insurance. That's expensive if you're paying out of pocket, but still 10 times less than the ER. Many urgent care centers offer self-pay discounts. Ask about pricing before your visit.

Check If You Qualify for Coverage

Before paying out of pocket, check Healthcare.gov. You may qualify for Medicaid or for marketplace subsidies that bring your premium to $10 a month or less. About 4 out of 5 marketplace enrollees pay less than $10/month after subsidies. If you recently lost a job or had another qualifying life event, you can enroll outside of open enrollment.