Understanding Urgent Care and Your Medical Insurance
Is it covered? Here's what you need to know when considering using insurance to cover an urgent care visit.
When planning a visit to an urgent care clinic like WellNow, patients often have questions about the costs and about their medical insurance coverage. We will answer the most frequently asked questions so you know what to expect during your visit.
Does urgent care take insurance?
If you’ve ever wondered if your insurance would cover a trip to an urgent care clinic like WellNow, there’s good news: in most cases, your visit will be covered by your medical insurance. In some cases, you may need a referral to qualify for coverage for any medical services you receive outside of your primary care provider’s office. We work with all insurance plans, check your individual policy to learn what is covered by your provider.
How do I know if I need a referral?
Some insurance options, including health maintenance organization (HMO) plans, may require a referral before you visit an urgent care clinic. However, WellNow has agreements with some insurance providers to waive the referral requirement for patients visiting our clinics. Ask your insurance provider if a referral is needed for your visit to WellNow.
How much does urgent care cost?
The cost of your visit depends on the medical services you require, your insurance coverage, and whether or not you receive your services at an in-network urgent care center.
When determining how much your insurance policy will cover, there are three important components to consider. Your insurance policy may include some or all of these components in its coverage structure.
Deductible: For plans with a deductible, each benefit year you must pay the full cost of all services you receive until you reach your deductible. Once your deductible is met, your insurance provider will start to cover some of the costs of your medical expenses. The amount you pay will depend on your co-insurance and/or co-payment.
Co-Insurance: With co-insurance, you are responsible for paying a certain percentage of the cost of your medical treatment. Your insurance provider will cover the remaining percentage for all covered expenses.
Co-Payment: For plans that include co-payment (also called co-pay), each health service has a pre-determined flat fee that the patient pays. The insurance provider covers the remaining cost.
To understand which costs you are responsible for, look for these components in your health insurance policy, or contact your insurance provider.
Can I receive urgent care without insurance?
Yes, you can receive urgent care without insurance. We offer transparent self-pay pricing at an all-inclusive flat rate of $165 for patients without insurance or those who prefer not to submit claims.
How can I find an urgent care clinic near me?
You can find an extended-hour urgent care clinic in your area by simply browsing our map of locations or entering your address to find the clinic closest to you. Find a location here to plan your next urgent care visit.