How much is a hospital visit without insurance?

Asked by: Hershel Abernathy  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (49 votes)

An ER visit costs $1,500 to $3,000 on average without insurance, with most people spending about $2,100 for an urgent, non-life-threatening health issue. The cost of an emergency room visit depends on the severity of the condition and the tests, treatments, and medications needed to treat it.

How much do most ER visits cost?

Aggregate costs for treat-and-release ED visits totaled $80.3 billion in the United States in 2021, encompassing 107.4 million ED visits with an average cost per visit of $750. The average cost per visit was lowest for children and highest for those in the 65 and older age group.

How much does an uninsured hospital visit cost?

In the United States, the average cost for an emergency room visit is around $2,600 without insurance, according to UnitedHealthcare.

Will a hospital still see you without insurance?

If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.

Can you go to the ER for free without insurance?

Yes, in the US. In 1996 Congress enacted the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA). It ensures public access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay.

How to Survive Without HEALTH INSURANCE in Today's World

37 related questions found

Can I go to the ER if I have no money?

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law passed in 1986, requires anyone coming to a hospital emergency room to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

Is urgent care cheaper than ER?

When it's not an emergency, urgent care centers or walk-in clinics are convenient and may cost less. You can get care for things like colds, minor cuts, and sprains or strains. They are usually cheaper than an ER visit.

What happens if you go to a hospital that does not take your insurance?

In an emergency, you should get care from the closest hospital that can help you. That hospital will treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. Your insurance company can't charge you more for getting emergency room services at an out-of-network hospital.

Does the ER charge you up front?

Believe it or not, it can happen, and -- if you're not careful -- it probably will, too. Although the average ER bill costs well over a grand, hospitals all across the U.S. may start tacking on upfront charges (prior to even giving you any treatment or medication!)

Who pays for uninsured patients?

Hospitals do get help with the unpaid bills – from taxpayers. The majority of hospitals are non-profits and are exempt from federal, state and local taxes if they provide a community benefit, such as charitable care. Hospitals also receive federal funding to offset some of the costs of treating the poor.

How much does a 3 day stay in the hospital cost?

It's easy to underestimate how much medical care can cost: Fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500. The average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000.

How do you lower your ER bill?

1. Understand your medical bill.
  1. Request an itemized bill. Like a receipt, an itemized bill breaks down all the charges, including the cost of each procedure, medication, and service. ...
  2. Double-check your medical codes. ...
  3. Compare prices. ...
  4. Offer to pay upfront. ...
  5. Try a payment plan. ...
  6. Negotiate based on comparable rates.

Can hospitals refuse uninsured patients?

Q: In the United States (specifically California), can a hospital refuse treatment based on inability to pay? A: In the US, a hospital with an emergency department (ED) is required to give every patient a medical screening regardless of ability to pay.

Why is my ER bill so high?

Is this based on severity? Hospitals will bill you for a line item called “ER Visit Level” that is based on the complexity of your treatment. ER visit levels range from 1-5: ER visit level 1 is the most mild, while ER visit level 5 is the most severe.

Can I go to the ER without insurance?

Emergency rooms

Emergency room staff cannot deny care or treatment to people without insurance, but they do charge for their services. The fees of emergency rooms are higher than those of urgent care centers. It may be a good idea to research and consider what situations might warrant a visit to each place.

What is a good copay for an ER?

The $50 copayment appears to be the minimum required fee to significantly reduce patient demand for non-emergent ER care. Compared to patients with $0 copayment, those with $10 to $40 copayments showed an 11 percent decrease in ER visits for non-emergent conditions.

What happens if you don't pay an ER visit?

If you do nothing and don't pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.

Can insurance refuse to pay hospital bills?

Reasons your insurance may not approve a request or deny payment: Services are deemed not medically necessary. Services are no longer appropriate in a specific health care setting or level of care. You are not eligible for the benefit requested under your health plan.

Do you have to pay your copay at the ER?

But the ER copay is really a fee.

The good news, though, is that if you are admitted to the hospital, this “copay” (fee) is waived. To cut to the chase, there is not a more expensive place to receive medical care than in an American hospital emergency room.

Can you tell the hospital you don't have insurance?

If you aren't using insurance to pay for your care, let your health care provider know in advance. Usually, the provider must give you a good faith estimate of expected charges. This applies when you don't have insurance, or are choosing not to use it.

How can I pay less for an ER visit?

Asking for a Reduction
  1. Request a lower hospital bill from the billing department. ...
  2. Pay as much of your hospital bill as you can in cash for more leverage. ...
  3. Use confident, personal language during negotiations. ...
  4. Express your emotional state to gain leverage. ...
  5. Always keep records of your communications.

Is it expensive to go to an emergency room?

ER visits can cost upwards of over $1,000 a visit, with an average visit costing between $1,200 and $1,300. The cost of care shouldn't be the only consideration. Time is important, too. The average wait time at an emergency room is four hours.