What are my care options and their costs?
When you or a family member needs care, there may be more options than you realize. Some options may save you time — others may save you money, particularly if you get health insurance through work. So, before you spend time waiting in the emergency room (ER) or maybe end up with an unexpected bill, consider these alternatives that could save you up to $2,400.1
Compare your care options
 Primary care provider |
 24/7 Virtual Visits |
 Convenience care clinic |
 Urgent care center |
 Emergency Room |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $1701 for in-person visits, $99 or less for virtual primary care visits | Less than $492 | $1001 | $1851 | $2,6001 |
| Hours open | Weekday office hours, generally | Available all day, every day | Nights and weekends, generally | Nights and weekends, generally | Available 24 hours a day, generally |
| Wait time | Usually a short wait with scheduled appointments | Usually no wait | 30 minutes or less on average | 30 minutes or less on average | Up to 2 hours on average |
| Services | Your primary care provider may know your history best, they can quickly access your records and may offer in-person and virtual care. | Connect with a care provider by phone3 or video for diagnosis of common medical conditions and, if needed, Rx prescriptions. | Get care for common symptoms from nurse practitioners and physician assistants — without an appointment — at retail pharmacy clinics. | Get walk-in care for serious illnesses and severe injuries from doctors and care teams. | Get immediate care for life-threatening injuries or illnesses from doctors and care teams at hospital emergency departments. |
| Good for |
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| Sign in to find care |
Average cost
$1701 for in-person visits, $99 or less for virtual primary care visits
Hours open:
Weekday office hours, generally
Wait time
Usually little wait with scheduled appointments
Services
Your primary care provider may know your history best, they can quickly access your records and may offer in-person and virtual care.
Good for
- Cough
- Fever
- Pinkeye
- Urinary tract infection
Sign in to find care
Average cost
Less than $492
Hours open:
Available all day, every day
Wait time
Usually no wait
Services
Connect with a care provider by phone3 or video for diagnosis of common medical conditions and, if needed, Rx prescriptions.
Good for
- Allergies
- Cold and Flu
- Pinkeye
- Sinus problems
- Yeast infections
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Average cost
$1001
Hours open:
Nights and weekends, generally
Wait time
30 minutes or less on average
Services
Get care for common symptoms from nurse practitioners and physician assistants — without an appointment — at retail pharmacy clinics.
Good for
- Skin rash
- Flu shot
- Minor injuries
- Earache
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Average cost
$1851
Hours open:
Nights and weekends, generally
Wait time
30 minutes or less on average
Services
Get walk-in care for serious illnesses and severe injuries from physicians and care teams.
Good for
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Back pain
- Skin infections
- Broken bones
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Average cost
$2,6001
Hours open:
Available 24 hours a day, generally
Wait time
Up to 2 hours on average
Services
Get immediate care for life-threatening injuries or illnesses from physicians and care teams at hospital emergency departments.
Good for
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Major burns
- Severe injuries
- Heavy bleeding
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Choose network care providers to help avoid cost surprises
Freestanding emergency rooms, also called urgency centers, are facilities typically unattached or unaffiliated with a hospital. Although these facilities treat many of the same conditions as a traditional ER, they may come with higher costs because they're out of network.
Get a closer look at your care options
Watch a video presentation to get details about:
- Care options
- Costs for care
- How to choose care
