Should I go to the ER if I can't afford it?

Asked by: Manuela Altenwerth  |  Last update: April 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (59 votes)

Hospitals must treat you in an emergency 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.

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

Emergency Care Coverage: The EMTALA ensures emergency medical treatment regardless of insurance, but uninsured patients face full bills for all services. Negotiating Bills: Uninsured patients can negotiate hospital bills, seek financial assistance, and often receive discounts from hospitals and doctors.

What to do if you can't afford an ER visit?

If possible go to an ER at a nonprofit/charity hospital (most hospitals are). If you have trouble affording the bill, ask to speak with a financial counselor about having some or all of the bill written off under the hospital's charity care policy.

How much do most ER visits cost?

Average ER visit cost

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.

Can a hospital turn you away for not paying?

Even if you owe a hospital for past-due bills, that hospital cannot turn you away from its emergency room. This is your right under a federal law called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

What Happens If I Go To The Hospital Without Insurance? - CountyOffice.org

23 related questions found

Is urgent care cheaper than ER?

An urgent care visit is between $100 and $200 – about ten times less than the average ER visit. If you have insurance, it should only be the cost of your co-pay. Most urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week. And, on average, wait times are 30 minutes or less.

What happens if you ignore hospital bills?

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

What happens if I go to the ER without insurance?

Despite the financial hurdles, uninsured emergency patients are provided with legal safeguards. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

Is it better to go to the ER at night or morning?

ERs generally see a decline in patient visits during the early morning hours. Furthermore, weekends, in contrast to popular belief, also tend to be less crowded. If your condition is not life-threatening but still requires immediate medical attention, considering these off-peak hours might be beneficial.

What do you say to get seen faster in an emergency room?

Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of your symptoms.

How to reduce an 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.

Do you have to pay upfront for an ER?

But the ER copay is really a fee.

If you have a $100 ER copay, what this usually means is that you're going to pay $100 before you start paying towards your deductible.

Do hospitals write off unpaid medical bills?

There is no one, clear cut answer to the question of whether hospitals write off unpaid medical bills. Some hospitals do this a lot, some do not do it at all, and there is a wide range of hospitals in between. Many factors go into how and if, a hospital writes off an individual's bill.

Where can I go if I don't have an ER?

If you can't get in to see your doctor and you want to be seen in person, a convenience clinic (such as the ones inside retail stores, supermarkets or pharmacies), or an urgent care clinic (usually near your primary care clinic) is your next best option. Still, every situation is unique.

Why is my emergency room bill so high?

Why are ER bills so high? Emergency departments charge what's called a “facility fee.” It's a price you pay just for walking through the doors to seek help. These fees are coded on a scale of 1 to 5, depending on the seriousness of your medical issue.

Can you leave the ER without seeing a doctor?

Leave against medical advice (LAMA) patients leave either during the diagnostic or treatment period. Both situations tend to occur when patients experience frustratingly long waits in the ED/ER. Patients who leave without being seen or against medical advice can face a much higher risk of poor outcomes.

What symptoms will get you admitted to the hospital?

Go to an emergency department or call 911 or the local emergency number for help for problems such as:
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Passing out, fainting.
  • Pain in the arm or jaw.
  • Unusual or bad headache, particularly if it started suddenly.
  • Dizziness or weakness that does not go away.
  • Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes.
  • Sudden confusion.

Who gets seen first in ER?

Every new patient is given an initial medical evaluation. Patients with a critical illness or injury are seen first.

What is a valid reason to go to the ER?

If it's a life-threatening emergency, call 911 so first responders can provide care right away. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some symptoms or health issues that may need an ER visit include: Chest pain or difficulty breathing. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

Can you ignore ER bills?

Ignoring Medical Bills Creates Problems: Credit Score Damage, Debt Collectors, Lawsuits. Explore Solutions: Payment Plans, Financial Aid, & Potential Personal Injury Claim.

How to get ER to admit you?

ER physicians do not have admitting privileges. If they feel a patient warrants admission they call the attending of the service “on call” for the day, and discuss the patient. ER staff may write a few orders until the attending arrives to fully assess the patient's problem.

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

If you refuse to pay hospital bills after emergency treatment, the hospital may take legal action against you. Hospitals have the right to sue patients for unpaid bills, and they may also send your account to a collections agency. This can result in damage to your credit score and additional fees.

What happens if you don't have money for the hospital?

If you don't pay medical bills, the hospital may send it to collections. When it goes to collections, that unpaid bill shows up on your credit report. This makes your credit score go down a lot. A low credit score makes life more expensive.

Can I ignore medical bills under $500?

But the good news for patients is that debt collectors have lost their leverage with medical debts under $500. While they can contact you repeatedly seeking payment, if you don't mind blocking their calls, they may eventually give up or settle for a reduced payment.

Can a hospital turn you away if you owe them money?

Even if you owe a hospital for past due bills, the hospital cannot turn you away from its emergency room. This is your right under a federal statute called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).