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 $2,500.1

Compare your care options

Consider your health care options
 
Primary care provider

24/7 Virtual Visits

Convenience care clinic

Urgent care center

Emergency Room
Average cost $1701 for in-person visits, $99 or less for virtual primary care visits $54 or less2 $1001 $1851 $2,7001
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
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Pinkeye
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Headache
  • Fatigue/weakness
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion/sinus pain
  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Flu shot
  • Minor injuries
  • Earache
  • Muscle sprains or strains
  • Back pain
  • Skin infections
  • Broken bones
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Major burns
  • Severe injuries
  • Heavy bleeding

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Try the UnitedHealthcare app for members

Use your mobile device to get instant access to see care options, find providers and more.

Download the UnitedHealthcare app to get instant access to see your benefits, manage your health plan details, find network providers and more.

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