If you don’t have health insurance, going to the doctor can be incredibly expensive. In fact, the average cost of a trip to the emergency room for people with no medical insurance comes to around $1,220.
That high price tag often leaves people wondering if they should seek medical attention or wait it out and hope they recover on their own.
Putting off a trip to the hospital is never a good idea, but what can you expect if you go without medical insurance? Here’s what you need to know.
You’ll Still Receive Treatment
The most important thing to keep in mind if you’re going to the hospital without insurance is that you’ll still receive the treatment you need. The hospital cannot turn you away just because you don’t have an insurance policy.
If you’re treated with disrespect or told that you cannot receive treatment without insurance, ask to speak to a senior staff member immediately.
That said, you will still be responsible for paying for any medical procedures, treatments, or medications you receive during your stay.
The Billing Department Will Work With You
Since hospital bills are so expensive, it’s common for people to need help covering the expense. With insurance, the insurance provider will cover a portion of the bill. But without medical insurance, the full burden is on your shoulders.
According to the team at Santiam Hospital, the best thing you can do is contact the billing department as soon as you’re back at home.
Let the billing department know that you don’t have insurance. They may be able to negotiate a lower total charge that you can pay upfront if you have the funds. If not, they’ll work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget.
It’s Possible to Shop Around
Unless you’re in need of emergency medical attention, it’s a good idea to shop around. Call several hospitals or urgent care facilities in your area and see what their prices are like for people with no medical insurance coverage.
Once you have the average prices for the services you’ll likely need, you can choose where to go based on price.
Keep in mind that the base price for the hospital’s services may not be the exact amount you’re charged. You’ll be responsible for paying for additional services or medications that you receive in the course of your treatment.
You Can Go to the Hospital With No Medical Insurance
Having no medical insurance should never keep you from getting the treatment you need to preserve your health. Though you’ll have to pay the full cost of the treatments you receive, your health should always be a priority.
As long as you keep these things in mind before you go, you’ll be ready to deal with those bills with confidence.
That said, it’s always beneficial to purchase health insurance. Check out our latest posts to learn how to choose the right health insurance policy for your needs.
