How Much Does an ER Visit Cost in 2026?

Average ER visit costs $800–$3,000+ without insurance and $150–$700 with insurance. Costs vary by visit severity, tests ordered, and whether you have insurance. Here’s what to expect and how to reduce your bill.

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Updated February 2026

ER Cost by Visit Level (CPT Codes 99281–99285)

ER visits are billed using five levels based on severity. A minor issue like a simple laceration costs far less than a critical emergency. These are facility charges only — physician fees, tests, and procedures add to the total.

Level	CPT Code	Typical Scenario	Self-Pay Cost
Level 1	99281	Minor issue, self-limited (e.g., small cut, medication refill)	$250 – $600
Level 2	99282	Low-complexity issue (e.g., ear infection, simple sprain)	$400 – $900
Level 3	99283	Moderate-complexity (e.g., asthma exacerbation, urinary infection with fever)	$700 – $1,500
Level 4	99284	High-complexity (e.g., chest pain workup, fracture with imaging)	$1,200 – $2,500
Level 5	99285	Critical emergency (e.g., heart attack, stroke, major trauma)	$2,000 – $5,000+

Sources: Cost estimates based on CMS Provider Data, KFF Healthcare Cost Analysis, and national pricing databases. Figures reflect 2026 national averages; your cost may vary by hospital, region, and specific treatments.

ER Visit Cost: With vs Without Insurance

Without Insurance (Self-Pay)

• Billed at full “chargemaster” rates (2–4x what insurers pay)
• Facility fee alone: $500–$1,500
• Physician fee: $200–$800 additional
• Each test/procedure billed separately
• Total: $800–$3,000+ for a typical visit

Most hospitals offer a self-pay discount of 40–60% — always ask before paying.

With Insurance

• ER copay: $150–$500 (varies by plan)
• Copay waived at many plans if admitted
• Deductible applies to remaining charges
• Coinsurance: typically 20% after deductible
• Total out-of-pocket: $150–$700 typical

No Surprises Act protects against out-of-network ER balance billing since 2022.

Key difference: Insured patients pay negotiated rates (roughly 40–60% of chargemaster). Self-pay patients are billed at full rates unless they specifically ask for a discount. Always request the self-pay or uninsured rate.

What Increases Your ER Bill

Tests & Imaging

• Blood work (CBC, metabolic panel): $100–$500
• X-ray: $200–$500
• CT scan: $500–$3,000
• Ultrasound: $200–$800
• EKG: $150–$300

Treatments & Procedures

• IV fluids: $200–$800
• Stitches/wound care: $200–$1,000
• Splinting/casting: $200–$500
• Medications administered: $50–$500 per drug
• Specialist consultation: $300–$1,000

Facility Factors

• Academic/teaching hospital: 20–40% more
• Urban vs rural: urban typically higher
• Weekend/night visits: may have higher staffing charges
• Trauma center designation: higher facility fees

Texas-Specific Notes

• TX has among the highest ER costs nationally
• Freestanding ERs bill at the same rates as hospital ERs
• Texas Balance Billing law (SB 1264) protects against surprise bills from out-of-network providers in in-network facilities
• Texas medical bill rights →

5 Ways to Reduce Your ER Bill

Request an Itemized Bill

Up to 80% of medical bills contain errors. An itemized bill lists every charge with CPT codes, making it possible to spot duplicates, upcoding, and services you didn’t receive.

Free itemized bill request letter →

Ask for the Self-Pay Discount

Most hospitals offer a 40–60% discount to uninsured patients who ask. Even insured patients can sometimes negotiate charges that exceed their deductible. Call the billing department and ask: “What is your self-pay or prompt-pay discount?”

Apply for Financial Assistance

Nonprofit hospitals are required to have a Financial Assistance Policy (charity care). Many cover patients earning up to 300–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is up to ~$62,000/year for an individual.

Find your hospital’s financial assistance program →

Negotiate or Set Up a Payment Plan

Hospitals would rather receive a reduced payment than send your account to collections. Call and offer a lump-sum settlement (often 30–50% off) or request an interest-free payment plan. Get any agreement in writing before paying.

Use a Professional Bill Negotiation Service

If you don’t have time or aren’t comfortable negotiating, CareRoute’s team audits your bill, identifies errors and assistance programs, and negotiates with the hospital on your behalf. Average savings of 30%+.

Get your bill reduced — $0 unless we save you money →

Could This Have Been Urgent Care?

Studies show that up to 30% of ER visits could have been treated at urgent care at a fraction of the cost. Knowing when to choose urgent care over the ER is one of the biggest ways to save.

Factor	Emergency Room	Urgent Care
Average cost	$800 – $3,000+	$100 – $600
Hours	24/7	Typically 8am–8pm
Wait time	2–6 hours average	15–45 minutes average
Best for	Life-threatening, chest pain, stroke, major trauma	Sprains, minor cuts, infections, fevers, rashes
Capabilities	CT, MRI, surgery, IV meds, specialists on call	X-ray, basic labs, stitches, splints

Not sure which to choose? Our free symptom checker recommends the right care setting based on your symptoms. See our full urgent care cost guide for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an ER visit cost without insurance?

An ER visit without insurance typically costs $800–$3,000+ depending on the severity. A low-severity visit (CPT 99281) averages $250–$600, while a high-severity visit (CPT 99285) can cost $2,000–$5,000+ before any tests, imaging, or procedures. Always ask about the hospital’s self-pay discount, which can reduce your bill by 40–60%.

How much does an ER visit cost with insurance?

With insurance, your out-of-pocket ER cost is typically $150–$700. Most plans charge an ER copay of $150–$500, and some waive it if you’re admitted. You may still owe coinsurance (typically 20%) on facility fees and physician charges after meeting your deductible.

Why are ER bills so expensive?

ER bills include a facility fee (for keeping the ER staffed and equipped 24/7), physician fees, and charges for each test, medication, or procedure. The facility fee alone can be $500–$1,500. Hospitals also charge uninsured patients at much higher “chargemaster” rates compared to negotiated insurance rates.

Can I negotiate my ER bill?

Yes. Start by requesting an itemized bill and checking for errors (found in up to 80% of bills). Ask about the hospital’s self-pay discount (many offer 40–60% off). Apply for financial assistance if your income qualifies. You can also negotiate a payment plan to avoid collections.

Should I go to the ER or urgent care?

Go to the ER for life-threatening emergencies: chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, or serious injuries. Urgent care can handle most non-life-threatening issues (sprains, minor cuts, infections, fevers) at roughly one-fifth the cost. Use our free symptom checker for personalized guidance.

What is the No Surprises Act and how does it affect ER bills?

The No Surprises Act (effective January 2022) protects insured patients from surprise out-of-network ER bills. If you go to an out-of-network ER, you can only be charged your in-network cost-sharing amount. The hospital and insurer must resolve any payment disputes between themselves.

Find the Lowest-Cost Care Near You

CareRoute shows you the lowest-cost ER, urgent care, and providers for your specific insurance — plus tools to reduce your bill after.

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