Your costs will depend on your specific plan and whether you’ve met your deductible.
Urgent care centers are popular providers of nonemergency care. If you think you’ve sprained your ankle or are running a low fever, an urgent care practice may be your best choice.
There, medical professionals can take X-rays, draw blood, and perform minor procedures like stitches.
Visits to an urgent care center are included in your coverage if you have Medicare. The cost to you will be much less than a visit to the emergency room, and you’ll generally be treated much faster.
If you have parts A and B, known as Original Medicare, Part B will cover your urgent care visit.
With Part B, you must meet the yearly deductible before your coverage starts. In 2024, this deductible is $240.
Once the deductible is met, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for all services and tests. Medicare-approved costs are often lower than the standard fee, which means an extra savings benefit.
Each Medicare Advantage (Part C) sets its own cost and coverage amounts. The deductible, coinsurance, and premiums you’ll pay depend on your chosen plan.
Generally, these plans have a set amount you’ll pay for an urgent care visit.
A bad sunburn or a sprained ankle on a hike could have you searching for care. If you’re traveling outside the United States, you might not be sure how that care will be paid for.
If you have Medicare, a Medigap plan can help pay your costs when you travel abroad. Medigap is supplemental Medicare insurance sold by private companies to help cover original Medicare costs.
With most Medigap plans, emergency services will be covered for the first 60 days you’re out of the country. After you’ve paid a deductible, Medigap will cover 80% of the cost of medically necessary emergency treatments.
If you visit an urgent care center or see a physician who doesn’t participate in Medicare, you can be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket cost.
You will likely need to pay the full amount up front, then file a reimbursement claim with Medicare.
Medicare includes coverage for urgent care. Once you’ve met your Original Medicare deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost.
You’ll typically pay a flat copay amount with Medicare Advantage. Your costs might be higher if you go to an out-of-network urgent care center. Look at your plan’s summary of benefits or contact your insurer to learn more.