How much does a sports physical cost?
How much does a sports physical cost?
$40 – $75 average cost (without insurance)
$0 – $50 average cost (with insurance)
Average sports physical cost
A sports physical costs $40 to $75 on average without insurance. The service is designed to be affordable and accessible for students, athletes, and families. Clinics, urgent care centers, and some pharmacies now offer low-cost sports physicals, with some even providing walk-in options to help you fit an appointment into a busy schedule.
| Coverage | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $40 – $75 |
| With insurance | $0 – $50 |
Without insurance
If you do not have insurance, expect to pay a flat out-of-pocket rate set by the clinic, which ranges from $40 to $75 on average. Most urgent care centers, retail clinics, and health providers post these self-pay prices for families and students who need quick access.
With insurance
With health insurance, your total cost is your co-pay for office visits, which can be as low as $0 to $50 if your plan covers preventive exams. Always confirm your coverage as some plans require you to see an in-network primary care provider or pediatrician.
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical is a checkup required by many schools and organizations to confirm a young athlete can participate safely in sports and physical activities. The focus is on screening for health issues that might affect performance or safety, such as asthma or a heart murmur.
What's included in a sport physical exam?
Every sports physical aims to confirm your child or athlete is healthy and ready to participate in sports activities. A thorough exam always includes:
Health history review: Discuss personal and family health backgrounds.
Vitals: Check the patient's weight, height, blood pressure, and pulse.
Physical exam: Assess the heart, lungs, joints, vision, and posture.
Discussion: Review any recent injuries or concerns about participation.
Forms: Providers will fill out all required clearance forms for the school or league.
Price for sports physical by company
Major national providers set their own rates, but all strive to keep sports physicals affordable and accessible, often with walk-in and extended-hour options. The table below shows the cost of sports physicals at various national clinics:
| Company | Average cost | Walk-in allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS MinuteClinic | $69 | Yes | No appointment needed |
| Walgreens Healthcare Clinic* | $70 | Yes | Available at select locations |
| Walmart Health | $40 – $60 | Yes | Some locations only |
| WellNow Urgent Care | $60+ | Yes | Online registration available |
*Many Walgreens clinics have closed or transitioned to VillageMD; always check current availability.
Sports physical exam cost factors
Several factors affect the final cost of a sports physical exam, even at national clinic chains.
Insurance status: Insurance may reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly but only at in-network providers.
Type of provider: Retail, urgent care, primary care, and specialty clinics each set their own rates.
Location: Prices are set at the national level, but local demand and overhead can adjust the actual charge.
Extra services: More complex exams or required forms may cost extra beyond the base rate.
Seasonal specials: Some clinics offer back-to-school or group discounts that reduce costs for families.
Related tests & treatments
Depending on the results of your physical, your doctor or clinician may refer you to a specialist or suggest more tests. For example, a stress test can help pinpoint issues with your heart.
A non-sports-related physical exam costs $100 to $350+ without insurance at your primary care physician's office or less at a community center or clinic.
| Test or treatment | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Stress test cost | $100 – $5,000 |
| Drug test cost | $30 – $110 |
| Inhaler cost | $10 – $350+ per month |
| Albuterol inhaler cost | $15 – $100 per month |
Sports physical FAQs
Where can I get a sports physical ASAP?
Retail clinics like CVS MinuteClinic, select Walgreens stores, and urgent care centers such as WellNow offer walk-in or same-day appointments. Search BetterCare's database to find local urgent care clinics that offer sports physicals.
What do they do at a physical for sports?
During a sports physical, you'll answer questions about your health, and the provider will check your height, weight, and blood pressure. Then they'll examine your heart, lungs, muscles, and joints. The provider will complete the paperwork required by your school or team, and you'll be free to go.
How long is a sports physical good for?
A sports physical clearance is almost always valid for 1 year, although some organizations may have shorter or longer timelines. Double-check your specific school or league's policy.
How long does a sports physical last?
Most sports physicals take 20 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion. Wait times may be longer at busy locations, but the exam itself is quick.
Do they check your private parts in a sports physical?
Some sports physical exams include a hernia check, which sometimes includes a brief groin exam or a pelvic exam. This step helps ensure there are no health risks such as hernias, testicular cancer, ovarian cysts, or cervical cancer. However, not all sports physicals include this type of examination. It depends on the athlete's age, health history, and the sport they're going to play.
Questions to ask the doctor or clinician
When calling or checking in, these questions will help clarify your total cost and the process ahead:
Is the posted price all-inclusive, or are there extra tests or administrative fees?
Do you accept my insurance, or do I need to pay up front?
Can I make an appointment online?
Are appointments or walk-ins available right now?
Will you fill out all required forms at the visit?
Are there seasonal specials or group discounts available?
What will you be checking during the exam?
Can I skip any parts of the exam, like a groin exam, if I'm uncomfortable with it?
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.