Where to Get Care Without Health Insurance

For nonemergency care, a federally funded community health center is often a good first place to go when you do not have health insurance because these centers provide primary care and may adjust charges based on income and family size. You can look for a nearby center using the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Find a Health Center tool, then call to ask about appointments, required documents, and your expected cost.

If you are pregnant, have a newborn, or need routine care for a child, ask whether the center provides prenatal care, pediatric visits, vaccinations, and help applying for coverage. Services and fees vary by location, so explain what care you need and ask about payment options before your visit.

For a life-threatening problem, such as severe trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, or signs of a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than delaying care because you are uninsured. Emergency departments must provide an appropriate medical screening and stabilizing treatment for emergency conditions regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, although you may still receive a bill.

For a condition that needs prompt attention but is not an emergency, an urgent care clinic may be an option; call ahead to ask about its self-pay price and whether it treats your particular concern. A community health center may be a better fit for ongoing care, medication management, or preventive visits because it can help you establish a relationship with a primary care provider.

Apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program if you think you or your child may qualify; eligibility depends on your state and circumstances, and applications are accepted throughout the year. You can also explore plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where financial assistance may be available and certain life events, including having a baby, can open a special enrollment period.

If you receive a bill you cannot afford, ask the hospital or clinic about financial assistance, an uninsured discount, or a payment plan, and request an itemized bill if you need help understanding the charges. For parents navigating newborn coverage, our baby health insurance enrollment checklist introduces our printable PDF guide, Baby Health Insurance Made Simple.