Urgent Care
When you need care fast but it's not an emergency, urgent care centers provide quick, affordable treatment. Our plans cover urgent care visits so you can get help when your doctor isn't available.
When you need care fast but it's not an emergency, urgent care centers provide quick, affordable treatment. Our plans cover urgent care visits so you can get help when your doctor isn't available.
Life doesn't schedule its illnesses and injuries during business hours. When you or a family member gets sick on a weekend, needs stitches on a holiday, or develops a troubling symptom after your doctor's office closes, urgent care centers provide a critical middle ground between your primary care physician and the emergency room.
The cost difference between urgent care and the emergency room is substantial. An average ER visit costs over $1,500, while an urgent care visit typically runs $150-$300. For conditions that are serious but not life-threatening, choosing urgent care saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars while still getting you the prompt attention you need.
Our health insurance plans include comprehensive urgent care coverage with affordable copays, making it easy to choose the right level of care for your situation. With thousands of in-network urgent care centers nationwide, many open evenings and weekends, you can always access the care you need when your regular doctor isn't available.
Treatment for respiratory infections, fever, cough, sore throat, sinus infections, and flu symptoms. Rapid testing for flu and strep throat available with same-day results and prescriptions if needed.
Care for sprains, strains, minor cuts requiring stitches, minor burns, insect bites, and sports injuries. Many urgent care centers have on-site X-ray capabilities for thorough evaluation.
X-rays, splinting, and treatment for simple fractures and dislocations. Complex fractures may require emergency room care or orthopedic follow-up, which the urgent care team will arrange.
Diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, pink eye, and other common bacterial and viral infections with prescriptions provided on-site.
Care for mild to moderate allergic reactions including rashes, hives, and localized swelling. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) with breathing difficulty require emergency room care.
Treatment for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, food poisoning, and stomach flu. IV fluids available for moderate dehydration; severe cases may need hospital care.
No appointment necessary for most urgent care centers. Walk in during operating hours for evaluation and treatment of non-emergency conditions. Most centers see patients within 30-60 minutes, much faster than typical ER wait times.
Many urgent care centers offer X-rays, rapid lab tests (strep, flu, COVID, UTI), EKGs, and other diagnostic capabilities on-site. This allows for faster diagnosis and treatment without referrals to separate imaging or lab facilities.
Urgent care can handle stitches for lacerations, splinting for fractures, foreign object removal, abscess drainage, and other minor procedures. This saves you an expensive ER visit while still getting professional medical treatment.
Urgent care physicians can prescribe medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, and other necessary treatments. Many centers can send prescriptions electronically to your preferred pharmacy for convenient pickup.
Knowing when to choose urgent care versus the emergency room helps you get appropriate care while managing costs:
Minor injuries (sprains, simple fractures, minor cuts), cold and flu symptoms, ear infections, UTIs, mild allergic reactions, minor burns, pink eye, skin rashes, vomiting or diarrhea without blood, and other conditions that need attention but aren't life-threatening.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), severe bleeding, head injuries with loss of consciousness, severe burns, broken bones with visible deformity, severe allergic reactions, and any potentially life-threatening condition.
Urgent care copays typically range from $35-$75 with our plans, while ER visits may cost $150-$500 or more after copays and coinsurance. For non-emergency conditions, choosing urgent care can save you significant money while still receiving quality care.
If you're unsure whether your condition requires emergency care, many insurance plans offer 24/7 nurse advice lines. You can describe your symptoms and receive guidance on the appropriate level of care. When in doubt about life-threatening conditions, always call 911.
Most urgent care centers are open extended hours, typically 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends and holidays. Some 24-hour urgent care centers exist in larger cities. Hours vary by location, so check before you go or use online check-in to save your spot.
No, urgent care centers accept walk-in patients. However, many now offer online check-in that lets you reserve your spot and wait at home until it's close to your turn. This can significantly reduce your wait time at the facility.
Yes, urgent care centers typically send a summary of your visit to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care is recommended. Make sure to provide your doctor's contact information during your visit to ensure continuity of care.
Yes, urgent care physicians are licensed to prescribe most medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, inhalers, and other treatments. They generally avoid prescribing controlled substances for new patients but can provide appropriate alternatives.
Use our online provider directory or call member services to find in-network urgent care centers near you. Major chains like CityMD, GoHealth, MedExpress, and others are typically in-network. Some retail clinics (CVS MinuteClinic, Walgreens Healthcare Clinic) are also covered.
Don't wait for an appointment or pay ER prices for non-emergency care. Urgent care coverage gives you access to quality medical treatment when your regular doctor isn't available. Speak with a licensed agent today to find a plan with affordable urgent care benefits.