Healthcare Cost Guides
How much does healthcare actually cost in 2026? Real price ranges with and without insurance for the most common medical services, plus strategies to reduce what you pay.
Quick Cost Comparison
| Service | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| ER Visit | $800 – $3,000+ | $150 – $700 |
| Urgent Care | $100 – $600 | $25 – $75 |
| Ambulance Ride | $400 – $2,500+ | $100 – $500 |
| MRI Scan | $400 – $3,500 | $75 – $500 |
| Doctor Visit | $150 – $400 | $20 – $75 |
Ranges reflect national averages for 2026. Your cost depends on location, provider, and specific services rendered.
Browse Cost Guides
ER Visit Cost
How much an emergency room visit costs with and without insurance
Covers: Costs by visit level (99281–99285), insurance vs self-pay, how to reduce your ER bill
Urgent Care Cost
What you'll pay at urgent care and when it beats the ER
Covers: Costs by visit type, what's included vs extra, ER vs urgent care comparison
Ambulance Cost
Ground and air ambulance costs plus balance billing protections
Covers: BLS vs ALS vs air, No Surprises Act, municipal vs private, how to fight the bill
MRI Cost
MRI costs by body part, hospital vs freestanding center
Covers: Costs by body part, with/without contrast, hospital vs imaging center (2–3x difference)
Doctor Visit Cost
PCP, specialist, and telehealth visit costs
Covers: New vs established patient, PCP vs specialist, E/M codes, telehealth savings
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Important Disclaimer
Cost ranges are national estimates for 2026 based on CMS data, KFF analyses, and healthcare pricing databases. Your actual cost depends on your location, insurance plan, provider, and specific services received. These guides are for informational purposes and do not constitute financial or medical advice.