Your costs at an urgent care center 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 parts B or C. The cost to you will be much less than a visit to the emergency room, and you’ll generally get treated much faster.
If you have parts A and B, known as Original Medicare, Part B covers your urgent care visit.
With Part B, you must meet the yearly deductible before your coverage starts. In 2024, this deductible is $240. In 2025, the Part B deductible is $257.
Once you meet the deductible, 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.
You may pay more if you visit an out-of-network urgent care center.
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 Medicare covers any care you need.
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.
Most Medigap plans cover emergency services 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 accept the Medicare-approved amount for a service, you may have to pay for your treatment. However, Medicare may reimburse you for a percentage of the out-of-pocket cost.
If they charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, they cannot charge you more than 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount.
You will likely need to pay the full amount up front and then file a reimbursement claim with Medicare.
It’s also best to check that the urgent care center participates in Medicare. Medicare may not cover your services if you see a provider who has “opted out” of 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 benefit summary, or contact your insurer to learn more.