Walk-in clinic vs. urgent care cost
Walk-in clinic vs. urgent care cost
$50 – $200 average cost (walk-in clinic visit)
$150 – $250 average cost (urgent care visit)
Walk-in clinic vs. urgent care cost
A visit to a walk-in clinic costs $50 to $200, compared to $150 to $250 at an urgent care. However, urgent care centers offer a wider range of services. Costs vary by service and region. In this guide, we'll cover the typical prices for common services to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
| Service | Walk-in clinic cost (without insurance) |
Urgent care cost (without insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic visit | $50 – $200 | $150 – $250 |
| Lab tests | $25 – $60 each | $25 – $80 each |
| X-rays | N/A | $75 – $400 |
| Vaccines | $40 – $120 | $40 – $300 |
Basic visit
A basic visit at a walk-in clinic costs $50 to $200, while an urgent care visit costs $150 to $250 without insurance.
Walk-in clinics are ideal for mild illnesses, minor injuries, and health screenings. Urgent care clinics cost more on average but have more equipment and longer hours, making them appropriate for a wider scope of non-emergency needs.
Lab tests
The cost for lab testing is $25 to $60 per test at a walk-in clinic or $25 to $80 per test at an urgent care center. Both settings can quickly diagnose and treat common infections with minimal wait time and cost. This makes them convenient when you need a simple test, prescription, or to address symptoms quickly.
X-rays
Walk-in clinics do not routinely offer X-rays, but urgent care centers provide them for $75 to $400. If your symptoms indicate a possible fracture, chest pain, or severe injury, urgent care is a better fit. Urgent cares often bill x-rays in addition to the base visit fee.
Vaccines
Getting a vaccine costs $40 to $120 at walk-in clinics, compared to $40 to $300 for urgent cares, depending on the shot you need. Walk-in and urgent care clinics both offer immunizations for common illnesses, so you can stop in for preventive care no matter your choice.
Walk-in clinic services
Walk-in clinics don't offer as many services as urgent care centers, but the services they do provide are often more affordable. The table below shows the average self-pay cost for common services at walk-in clinics:
| Service | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| X-rays | N/A |
| In-house lab testing (pregnancy, strep A, flu, glucose, mononucleosis, allergies) |
$25 – $60 each |
| COVID-19 testing | $50 – $100 |
| Drug testing | N/A |
| STI testing | N/A |
| Physicals (sports, school, employment) | $30 – 100 |
| Vaccines (tetanus, flu, MMR, hepatitis A & B) | $40 – $120 |
| Medical equipment (splints, crutches, knee brace) |
N/A |
*Without insurance
Urgent care services
Exact prices for urgent care depend on which tests and procedures you need during your visit. The following table shows the average range of charges for typical urgent care treatments and services:
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| X-ray cost | $75 – $400 |
| In-house lab testing (pregnancy, strep A, flu, glucose, mononucleosis, allergies) |
$25 – $80 each |
| COVID-19 testing | $50 – $150+ |
| Drug testing | $50 – 125 |
| STI testing | $50 – $300 |
| Physicals (sports, school, employment) | $40 – $120 |
| Vaccines (COVID-19, tetanus, flu shot, MMR, hepatitis A & B) |
$40 – $300 |
| Durable medical equipment (splints, crutches, knee brace) |
$10 – $60 |
*Without insurance
Urgent care vs. emergency room
An ER visit costs $1,500 to $3,000 without insurance, which is much more expensive than urgent care. The average wait times are 30 minutes for urgent care and 90+ minutes for the ER. However, ERs are much better equipped to handle serious or life-threatening situations.
An emergency room is the best choice if you're dealing with serious injuries or illnesses such as:
Seizures
Severe burns
Head injuries
Deep wounds
Stroke symptoms
Loss of consciousness
Severe allergic reactions
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
For more information, check out our guide on the cost of urgent care vs. emergency rooms.
Urgent care vs. walk-in clinic cost factors
Several factors influence how much you pay at walk-in clinics or urgent care centers. Review these before your visit:
Type of visit: The reason for your visit determines if you pay just the base fee or more for extra services, procedures, and treatments.
Location: Clinics in cities may have higher prices than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
Insurance coverage: Your plan and deductible will affect your out-of-pocket costs; having insurance may drop your cost to your plan's copay.
Services needed: Lab tests, X-rays, stitches, or complex treatments increase the final bill.
Clinic staffing: Seeing a doctor instead of a nurse practitioner may influence the price at some centers.
Follow-up care: Some visits result in recommendations for additional care, tests, or prescriptions that add to costs.
If you're looking for the cheapest way to see a doctor without insurance, look for Community Health Centers (CHC) and charitable clinics around you. They offer free or sliding-scale services based on a person's income.
Urgent care and walk-in clinic FAQs
What is a walk-in clinic?
A walk-in clinic is a medical facility where patients can receive basic healthcare services without an appointment, focusing on minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, flu, minor cuts, and vaccinations. These clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants and prioritize convenience and affordability over complex care.
Is urgent care the same as a walk-in clinic?
No, urgent care is not the same as a walk-in clinic. They both offer convenient, no-appointment medical care for non-emergency issues, but urgent care clinics cost more, can manage more complex conditions, and have doctors on site. Walk-in clinics handle milder problems and cost less.
Can I get antidepressants from a walk-in clinic?
Most walk-in clinics do not prescribe antidepressants because these clinics do not provide the necessary psychiatric evaluations or long-term medication monitoring. Some walk-in or urgent care centers may treat mild to moderate depression but cannot initiate or adjust antidepressant prescriptions.
For existing antidepressant prescriptions, some walk-in clinics or retail clinics like MinuteClinic may offer limited prescription renewals or refills.
Can I get stitches removed at a walk-in clinic?
Yes, walk-in clinics and urgent care centers often provide stitches removal as part of basic wound care services since this procedure is simple and does not require specialist treatment.
Is MinuteClinic urgent care?
MinuteClinic is a walk-in clinic, not an urgent care center. Most MinuteClinic locations are inside CVS stores and provide services for minor illnesses, injuries, screenings, and vaccines. They are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician associates.
Should I go to urgent care or a walk-in clinic?
If you have mild symptoms, like a sore throat or minor injury, a walk-in clinic is sufficient and more affordable. For more serious non-life-threatening conditions like possible fractures, severe cuts, or trouble breathing, urgent care is the better choice.
Tips for visiting a clinic or urgent care center
Knowing how to prepare for your visit can save you time and money. Keep these guidelines in mind:
Bring your photo ID and insurance information if you're using coverage.
Make a list of your symptoms, medications, and allergies for faster service.
Call ahead to ask about hours, staffing, and available services.
Request an itemized cost estimate before agreeing to extra tests or treatments.
Use clinics in-network with your insurance for lower out-of-pocket payments.
Questions to ask a healthcare provider
Before, during, or after your visit, ask your healthcare provider these important questions to stay informed about your care:
What do you include in the visit fee?
What services will cost extra?
Do I need X-rays or lab tests for my symptoms?
How long will it be before I get my results?
Can I fill my prescription on site, or should I visit a pharmacy?
Is a follow-up appointment necessary?
Will you share my visit notes with my primary care provider?
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.