How Much Does Urgent Care Cost Without Insurance?

Quick answer: An urgent care visit without insurance typically costs $100 to $250. Labs and imaging add $25 to $300 more. CityHealth lists self-pay pricing upfront and accepts Medi-Cal and Medicare.

The Base Visit Fee

You walk into an urgent care clinic with a sore throat that has lasted four days. The provider examines you, runs a rapid strep test, and writes a prescription. For that visit alone, you pay a flat fee.

Across the country, the self-pay base fee for an urgent care visit ranges from $100 to $250. CityHealth falls in the middle of that range. The price covers the exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. It does not include extra services like labs, X-rays, or injections.

What Adds to the Bill

Urgent care clinics charge for each service beyond the base visit. Here are typical out-of-pocket costs:

Rapid strep test — $25 to $45
Urinalysis — $35 to $60
Single-view X-ray — $100 to $250
Flu or COVID test — $40 to $80
Antibiotic injection — $50 to $100
Splint or minor procedure — $75 to $150

Ask for a price list before services start. CityHealth staff will tell you the self-pay price of any test before they run it.

Urgent Care vs ER Cost

The same sore throat costs three to five times more in an emergency room. ERs charge facility fees, physician fees, and nursing fees separately. A minor visit can easily hit $1,000 or more without insurance.

Urgent care avoids the facility fee structure. You pay one clinic fee plus the services you use. For non-life-threatening issues, urgent care saves hundreds of dollars per visit.

Self-Pay Discounts and Payment Plans

Many clinics, including CityHealth, offer self-pay discounts if you pay at the time of service. The discount can range from 20% to 40% off the billed rate. Some clinics also offer payment plans for balances over $200.

If you do not have insurance, bring a valid ID and a credit or debit card. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, CityHealth enrolls you on-site or directs you to the nearest county office.