Is Urgent Care More Expensive Than Primary Care?

Yes, urgent care is usually more expensive than primary care visits. On average, an urgent care visit costs $150 to $200, while a primary care appointment is $75 to $150. However, the difference isn’t always huge, and urgent care is still much cheaper than emergency room visits, which can cost over $1,000.

This guide will help you understand exactly what you’ll pay for each type of care, when insurance helps, and how to make smart choices that save you money while getting the healthcare you need.

What Makes Urgent Care Cost More Than Primary Care?

Higher Operating Costs Drive Up Prices

Urgent care facilities have a higher overhead than most primary care physicians. Here’s why urgent care centers charge more:

Extended Hours and Staffing

Open nights, weekends, and holidays
Need more staff to cover longer hours
Higher wages for after-hours work

Advanced Equipment on Site

X-ray machines and imaging equipment
Lab testing facilities
Medical supplies for minor procedures

Walk-In Convenience Factor

No appointment needed means unpredictable patient flow
Must staff for peak times even during slow periods

Insurance Companies Expect Higher Costs

Insurance companies feel that, in general, the overall cost is going to be higher at urgent care. Usually there will be a base visit cost, then additional costs for services, tests and treatments received.

This is why your copay for urgent care visits is typically higher than your primary care copay.

Breaking Down the Real Costs

Typical Cost Ranges

Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of healthcare visits:

Type of Care	Without Insurance	With Insurance (Copay)
Primary Care	$75-$150	$20-$50
Urgent Care	$100-$200	$35-$75
Emergency Room	$1,000+	$100-$350+

Insurance Copay Differences

If your primary care provider copay is $20, it’s normal to see a $40-$65 copay for urgent care visits. Most insurance plans structure copays this way:

Primary Care: $20-$50 copay
Urgent Care: $35-$75 copay
Emergency Room: $100-$350+ copay

The exact amounts depend on your specific insurance plan and whether the provider is in your network.

Additional Costs to Consider

Both urgent care and primary care may charge extra for:

X-rays or imaging tests
Lab work and blood tests
Medications or injections
Minor procedures like stitches

The actual cost of an urgent care visit without insurance depends on the provider, but according to the Urgent Care Association, there are over 14,700 urgent care clinics in the U.S. providing healthcare to about 89 million patients every year, with costs typically starting around $100 for comprehensive medical services.

When Urgent Care Actually Saves You Money

Time Is Money

Sometimes paying more for urgent care actually saves you money in the long run:

Faster Treatment

No waiting days for a primary care appointment
Get back to work sooner
Prevent conditions from getting worse

Weekend and Evening Access

Available when your doctor’s office is closed
Avoid taking time off work for appointments

Preventing Emergency Room Visits

A National Institutes of Health study that examined the costs of emergency departments and urgent care centers in Texas found that prices in 2015 for an emergency department were over $2,000 per visit, while an urgent care was only around $165 per visit.

Going to urgent care instead of the ER for non-emergency issues can save you thousands of dollars.

Primary Care: Your Most Cost-Effective Option

Why Primary Care Costs Less

Primary care visits are usually the cheapest healthcare option because:

Lower Operating Costs

Regular business hours (no night or weekend premiums)
Established patient relationships mean more efficient visits
Focus on preventive care reduces need for expensive tests

Insurance Incentives The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that lowering out-of-pocket health care costs is by and large the public’s top health care priority. Insurance companies encourage primary care visits by keeping copays low.

Preventive Care Benefits

Many insurance plans cover annual physicals at no cost
Early detection prevents expensive problems later
Better management of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Building a Relationship With Your Primary Care Doctor

Having an established relationship with a primary care provider like those at Yorktown Health can save you money by:

Avoiding unnecessary urgent care visits for minor issues
Getting phone consultations for simple problems
Better coordination of your overall healthcare

Smart Strategies to Reduce Healthcare Costs

Know Your Insurance Coverage

Before you need care, understand:

Your copay amounts for different types of visits
Which urgent care centers are in your network
Whether you need referrals for specialist visits

Taking a few minutes to make this call can save you from potential financial headaches later on.

Choose the Right Care for Your Situation

Go to Primary Care For:

Annual check-ups and preventive care
Managing ongoing conditions like diabetes or hypertension
Minor issues that can wait a few days
Follow-up appointments

Choose Urgent Care For:

Injuries that need immediate attention
Sudden illness when your doctor isn’t available
Conditions that can’t wait but aren’t life-threatening
When you need care outside normal business hours

Go to Emergency Room For:

Life-threatening conditions
Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
Major injuries or trauma
Suspected heart attack or stroke

Use Telemedicine When Possible

Many healthcare issues can be handled with a virtual visit, which often costs less than in-person urgent care visits. Consider telehealth for:

Minor respiratory symptoms
Skin rashes or irritations
UTI symptoms
Follow-up questions about medications

Hidden Costs That Surprise Patients

Out-of-Network Charges

Some urgent care clinics are hospital emergency rooms in disguise. If a clinic is associated with a hospital (and sometimes even if it is not), it will consider itself an ER and bill like an ER.

Always ask before treatment:

“Do you bill as urgent care or as an emergency room?”
“Are you in my insurance network?”
“What will my estimated cost be?”

Additional Service Fees

Beyond the basic visit fee, you might pay extra for:

Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood work)
Procedures (stitches, wound cleaning)
Medications given during your visit
Medical supplies or equipment used

Geographic Price Differences

Healthcare costs vary significantly by location. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in 2020, per capita personal health care spending ranged from $7,522 in Utah to $14,007 in New York.

Urban areas typically have higher costs than rural areas, so factor in your location when budgeting for healthcare.

Making Healthcare More Affordable

Consider Direct Primary Care

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a newer model where you pay a monthly fee for unlimited primary care visits. This fee covers all visits, whether routine checkups or unexpected illnesses, without additional costs.

This can be especially helpful if you:

Have frequent health issues
Want same-day appointments
Have a high-deductible insurance plan

Take Advantage of Wellness Programs

Many insurance plans offer free or discounted services for:

Immunizations and vaccines
Annual physical exams
Preventive screenings
Health coaching programs

Plan Ahead for Healthcare Costs

The Kaiser Family Foundation found that about half of U.S. adults say they would not be able to pay an unexpected medical bill that came to $500 out of pocket.

Prepare for healthcare costs by:

Setting aside money in a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Understanding your insurance plan’s deductible
Keeping a list of in-network providers
Having a plan for unexpected medical expenses

Insurance Tips That Save Money

Understanding Your Plan

Different insurance plans have different structures:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Lower copays but need referrals for specialists
Must stay in network for coverage
Primary care doctor coordinates all care

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Higher copays but more flexibility
Can see specialists without referrals
Some coverage for out-of-network care

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Lower monthly premiums
Higher out-of-pocket costs until deductible is met
Often paired with Health Savings Accounts

Maximizing Your Benefits

Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, will require a copayment for urgent care visits. Copays for urgent care are often higher than a visit to your primary care doctor’s office but lower than an emergency room visit.

Get the most from your insurance by:

Using in-network providers whenever possible
Getting pre-authorization for expensive procedures
Taking advantage of free preventive care benefits
Understanding your plan’s coverage limits

When to Call Your Doctor First

Save Money With Phone Consultations

Before heading to urgent care, try calling your primary care doctor’s office. Many providers offer:

Same-day appointments for urgent issues
Phone consultations for minor problems
After-hours nurse lines for questions
Electronic prescription renewals

If you have an established relationship with a doctor (e.g., family practice physician, pediatrician, internist, Ob/Gyn), you may be able to call that doctor’s office or their after-hours line to tell them your symptoms and often they can call you in a prescription.

Building a Relationship With Your Healthcare Team

The healthcare providers at Yorktown Health focus on building lasting relationships with patients. This approach can save you money by:

Reducing unnecessary tests and procedures
Providing continuity of care
Helping manage chronic conditions more effectively
Offering guidance on when urgent care is truly needed

Final Thoughts

While urgent care does cost more than primary care visits, the difference may be worth it when you need immediate medical attention. The key is understanding when each type of care is appropriate and how your insurance coverage affects your out-of-pocket costs.

Bottom line: Primary care visits typically cost $75-150 with lower copays ($20-50), while urgent care runs $100-200 with higher copays ($35-75). However, urgent care can save you money compared to emergency room visits, which can cost over $1,000.

Make smart healthcare decisions by building a relationship with a primary care provider, understanding your insurance benefits, and choosing the right level of care for each situation. When you need quality primary care in Vernon Hills, consider Yorktown Health for comprehensive, personalized healthcare that puts your family’s health first.

Ready to establish care with a primary care provider who can help you make cost-effective healthcare decisions? Contact Yorktown Health today to schedule your appointment and start building a healthcare relationship that saves you money while keeping you healthy.