Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Referral to Go to Urgent Care in Texas?
No, you do not need a referral from a doctor or primary care physician to go to urgent care in Texas. You can get urgent care treatment (either in-person or virtual) with or without health insurance. You can also make a virtual urgent care appointment in Texas with a doctor at PlushCare without a referral.
How Expensive is Urgent Care in Texas?
Although urgent care costs vary throughout the state of Texas, the average cost of an in-person urgent care visit can range from $100 to $160. Urgent care treatment centers often show an upfront list of fees for common services and treatments. Our patients with in-network insurance typically pay $30 for an appointment (in other words, their typical office copay or co-insurance), while self-pay patients pay $129 for an appointment.
Should I Go to ER or Urgent Care?
If you have a life-threatening injury or illness, then you need to go to the emergency room (ER). Conditions that should be treated in the ER include stroke symptoms, major injuries, and serious allergic reactions. For less severe conditions, such as sinus infections, urinary tract infections, dehydration, and minor injuries, you can typically go to urgent care or a virtual PlushCare urgent care appointment.
Does Insurance Cover Urgent Care Visits?
Although health plans vary in terms of coverage, most health insurance plans will typically cover urgent care visits. Depending on your medical insurance, you may have to pay a deductible or copay for urgent care services. PlushCare accepts insurance plans from many major health insurance companies. Insured patients typically pay their standard visit copay for a PlushCare appointment.
Can You Go to Urgent Care For Free?
You cannot receive urgent care treatment or services for free in Texas. Urgent care clinics usually charge a set amount for specific treatment services upfront, so be prepared and bring a source of payment. While in-person and virtual urgent care is not free, it typically costs significantly less than a visit to the emergency room. If you have health insurance, a virtual PlushCare appointment may be more affordable than an in-person urgent care visit.
