What is the cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance?
What is the cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance?
Cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance
Community Health Centers and charitable clinics are often the cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance, as these organizations may offer free or sliding scale services based on income. Telemedicine visits can also be budget-friendly, with many online providers charging $20 to $50 for an initial consultation.
| Service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Charity care | Free or income-based sliding scale fee |
| Community Health Center | Income-based sliding scale fee |
| Title X clinic / family planning | Income-based sliding scale fee |
| Online doctor visit / telemedicine | $20 – $50 starting price |
| Urgent care center | $150 – $250* |
| Retail walk-in clinic (health clinics in CVS, Walgreens, etc.) | $60 – $90 |
*For evaluation and treatment for minor illnesses or injuries; additional tests or procedures cost more.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 25.3 million people in the U.S.—7.7% of the country—were uninsured as of August 2023.
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is often used to determine if you're eligible for financial assistance to help cover medical expenses, such as Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The FPL annual income numbers for 2024 are:
$15,060 for individuals
$20,440 for a family of 2
$25,820 for a family of 3
$31,200 for a family of 4
Community Health Center
A Community Health Center (CHC), also called a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), is a government-funded organization that provides primary care services on an income-based sliding scale, or sometimes even for free. Many Community Health Centers also offer free or low-cost prescription medications.
CHCs help remove the most common obstacles to healthcare, such as prohibitive costs, lack of insurance, distance, and language barriers. Most CHCs offer a wide range of services, including:
Basic medical care
Prenatal & perinatal care
Vaccinations
Family planning
Preventive care
Chronic disease management
Dental care
Behavioral health
Radiology services
Title X clinics
Title X clinics are funded by the federal government's Title X Family Planning Program to provide affordable family planning and reproductive health services, including:
Contraceptive education & counseling
Breast & cervical cancer screenings
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing & treatment
Pregnancy testing & counseling
Like CHCs, Title X clinics typically operate on a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring healthcare services are available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
Charity care
In addition to Community Health Centers and Title X clinics, many areas have charitable health clinics and pharmacies—often run exclusively by volunteers—that offer free or discounted healthcare for the uninsured or underserved. Eligibility requirements vary by location, but most patients are below 100% to 300% of the FPL.
Free and charitable clinics receive funding through donations, grants, and other private funding methods. Their healthcare services typically include:
Primary care
Dental & vision care
Labs & immunizations
Specialty care & referrals
Women's health
Mental health
Nutrition
Smoking cessation
Substance abuse
Federal law also requires non-profit community hospitals to provide some amount of charity care, referred to as "financial assistance" by the IRS, to maintain a non-profit tax-exempt status.
Search the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) database and contact a local clinic directly for program details and eligibility requirements.
Online & telemedicine consultations
The rise of telemedicine has made it easier than ever to see a doctor virtually, often at a fraction of the cost of an in-person visit. The U.S. government also recently lifted restrictions on telehealth, expanding access and coverage. Some providers offer multiple visit formats, such as video, telephone, or message-only consultations.
Through online medical providers, a doctor's visit without insurance costs $20 to $50 for an initial consultation. They also offer discounts on a wide range of medical services that don’t require in-person care.
While a virtual visit can't cover all medical needs, it's a convenient and low-cost way to address minor issues, get prescription refills, or determine if in-person care is needed. The table below shows some affordable telemedicine options.
| Service | Starting price for medical visit |
|---|---|
| Amazon Clinic | $29* |
| Sesame (online or in-person options) | $29 for Costco members $34 for non-members |
| Dr. B | $15 online chat-based consultation |
| Lemonaid Health | $25 doctor visit fee $95 monthly fee for mental health service |
| GoodRx Care | $19 for GoodRx Gold members $49 for non-members |
*Prices vary by state and condition.
Many telemedicine providers also offer membership options that include additional discounts on doctor visits and other healthcare services.
Retail walk-in clinics
Many major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Target offer basic health services through in-store clinics and online consultations. These clinics, usually staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants, provide care for minor illnesses, injuries, and preventive needs at a budget-friendly price, often less than $100.
Retail health clinics also offer affordable vaccines, immunizations, and testing appointments. Check online for coupons beforehand, as you can often find deals that reduce the price further.
A rapid COVID test costs $20 to $140 at Walgreens and CVS for patients without insurance.
A standard flu shot at CVS costs $75. A high-dose flu shot for adults 65+ costs $103.
A Walgreens flu shot costs $42.49 for a standard shot or $76.99 for a high-dose flu shot.
A flu shot at Walmart costs $83.06 for a standard shot without insurance or $99.04 for a high-dose flu shot.
Urgent care centers
An urgent care visit without insurance costs $150 to $250 on average. Some centers may also offer discounts or payment plans. For medical issues that are not life-threatening but still require prompt attention, an urgent care center is typically more affordable than an emergency room visit, with or without insurance.
IMPORTANT: If you're uninsured and your medical situation is life-threatening, don't spend time comparing the cost of urgent care versus an emergency room. Head straight to an ER to ensure you get the critical care you need. An ER visit will cost more, but they cannot deny care.
Medicaid & CHIP
Depending on your income, age, and other factors, you may be eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which can significantly reduce your healthcare costs.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Eligibility and covered services vary by state, so check with your state's Medicaid office to see if you qualify.
CHIP provides free and low-cost health coverage to children of families that don't meet Medicaid's income requirements. Coverage specifics vary by state but typically include routine care, vaccinations, diagnostic services like lab work and X-rays, dental and vision care, prescriptions, emergency services, and hospital care.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older and certain younger people with disabilities. While Medicare does have some out-of-pocket costs, it may be more affordable than paying for care without insurance.
Urgent care vs. walk-in clinic
While prices depend primarily on the level of care you need, urgent care centers typically charge more than walk-in clinics. Both facilities offer walk-in appointments, but urgent care clinics usually have a wider range of services that include diagnostic equipment and staff trained for minor traumas like broken bones or cuts.
Free mental health services
Mental health care has historically been underfunded and more costly for patients compared to physical health care, despite being an essential component of overall well-being. There are several options available for individuals seeking affordable mental health services:
University & college counseling centers: Many universities and colleges offer free or low-cost counseling services to their students through on-campus counseling centers. These services are typically included in student fees or available at a nominal cost.
Non-profit organizations & support groups: Various groups and organizations offer free mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and educational resources. Some examples include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA), and local religious organizations or community centers.
Federally funded clinics: The federal government funds various clinics and programs that offer free or low-cost mental health services, including Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs).
You can locate government-funded mental health clinics through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) websites.
FAQs about medical care without insurance
Where can I go for medical care without insurance?
There are several options for accessing care without insurance, including Community Health Centers, urgent care clinics, retail health clinics, and telemedicine services. These options may not cover all types of care, and costs can still add up. However, for many non-life-threatening medical situations, these options are typically cheaper—and often quicker—than an emergency room visit.
How can I get help paying for my medical bills?
If you're struggling with medical bills, try negotiating with the provider, asking for an itemized bill, or seeking out financial assistance programs. Some hospitals offer charity care for low-income patients, and there may also be state or local programs that can help.
Does urgent care cost less than the emergency room?
In general, yes. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle non-life-threatening issues that still require prompt attention, and their costs are usually much lower than an ER visit. However, for true medical emergencies, the ER is still the best option.
What if I need surgery or have a serious medical issue?
For major medical needs, free and low-cost options may not be sufficient. If you're facing a serious health issue and are uninsured, explore all possible options, including Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, and hospital financial assistance programs. Don't delay care for serious concerns.
What is a community health center?
According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, a Community Health Center, or CHC, is an affordable health care option that provides care to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. There are CHCs in every state, U.S. territory, and the District of Columbia helping increase access to essential primary care for uninsured individuals and in underserved communities.
Ways to save on medical care without insurance
While navigating the healthcare system without insurance can be challenging, being an informed consumer and exploring your options can help you access more affordable care. Beyond finding the cheapest doctor visit pricing, here are some strategies to help lower other potential healthcare expenses:
Look for prescription medication savings:
Ask your provider for generic medications instead of brand-name drugs and ask if they have samples.
Use online tools like GoodRx to compare prescription prices and find coupons.
Check out the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, an online pharmacy with transparent, low-cost pricing.
Negotiate & ask for discounts: If you do find yourself facing a high medical bill, don't be afraid to negotiate or ask about payment options.
Inform the provider that you are uninsured and ask if they offer any discounts.
Request an itemized bill and verify that the charges are accurate.
Ask about sliding scale fees, payment plans, prompt pay discounts, or charity care options.
Offer to pay a portion up front in exchange for a discount.
Do not let a lack of insurance keep you from seeking necessary medical care. While the options for affordable care without insurance may not be perfect, they can help ensure you have access to essential medical care when you need it. Remember, your health is always worth investing in.
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.