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Does CareNow® accept insurance? What to know before your visit

Whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket, CareNow is here for you.

May 28, 2026
Adult female patient in pink jacket filling out a form and giving to clinic worker.

When something unexpected comes up, you want fast and efficient care with clarity about your insurance coverage and self-pay options. At CareNow® urgent care, insurance and payment are designed to be straightforward, whether you’re using insurance or paying out of pocket.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions patients have before they walk through the door.

Does CareNow® urgent care accept insurance?

Yes. CareNow® urgent care accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in many markets. Because coverage varies, it’s always a good idea to check your benefits ahead of time.

In most cases, that means you’ll pay your urgent care copay or visit cost, depending on your plan.

Does insurance cover urgent care visits?

Most insurance plans do cover urgent care visits for non-life-threatening conditions.

Your cost will depend on:

  • Your copay
  • Your deductible
  • Whether the clinic is in-network

Urgent care is often one of the more affordable covered care options compared to the emergency room, while still offering convenient access to treatment.

Is urgent care a good option if you don’t have insurance?

Yes. There’s no requirement to have coverage to be seen at an urgent care facility. Urgent care is often one of the most accessible options for patients without insurance. While an emergency room is open 24/7, it is often a costly option, especially for non-emergent conditions like minor illnesses or injuries. Because of the resources and expertise available, ER visits may involve higher costs and longer wait times. At CareNow, we help bridge the gap between your primary care provider and the emergency room and help you get the care you need.

CareNow offers self-pay pricing options, so you can receive care even if you’re uninsured or prefer not to use your insurance. Self-pay pricing means you pay directly for your visit instead of billing insurance. The cost depends on the type of visit you have and any additional services you may need. Also note that self-pay visits may not be combined with insurance, nor can they be submitted to insurance for reimbursement later.

Does urgent care bill you later without insurance?

In most cases, no.

For self-pay visits at CareNow:

  • Payment is typically collected at the time of service
  • Any additional charges (if applicable) are explained clearly

This helps avoid surprise bills later and keeps the process simple.

How much is an X-ray at urgent care without insurance?

If an X-ray is needed, it’s usually added to the base visit cost.

The total cost depends on:

  • The type of X-ray
  • The area being imaged

CareNow clinics can help explain pricing before or after your visit, so you understand what to expect.

How much is an STI test at urgent care without insurance?

STI testing costs can vary depending on:

  • The type of test
  • The number of tests performed

If you have questions about specific testing costs, the clinic team can help guide you.

What insurance does urgent care accept?

CareNow accepts a wide range of plans, including:

  • Employer-sponsored insurance
  • Marketplace plans
  • Medicare and Medicaid (varies by location)

Because every plan is different, checking your network and benefits ahead of time can help you better understand your costs.

A simpler way to get care

Healthcare can feel complicated. Getting care shouldn’t be. At CareNow, our goal is to make your visit easier — whether that means working with your insurance or offering clear self-pay pricing options. So when something unexpected happens, you can focus on what matters most: getting better.

Skip the wait with Web Check-In®

Use Web Check-In® to save your spot online and reduce your time in the waiting room — so you can get in, get treated and get back to your day.

Why choose CareNow® urgent care?

If you need convenient care after hours or on the weekend, consider visiting your local CareNow® urgent care clinic. With more than 240 locations throughout the country, we are ready to see you when you need it most. We offer comprehensive and accessible healthcare through our extensive clinic network, convenient Web Check-In® service and Virtual Visits, making us a dependable option for your medical needs. Visit the CareNow locations webpage to find a clinic near you.

Published:
May 28, 2026

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