This is the most expensive guess in everyday medicine. Guess "ER" for something minor and you can pay thousands. Guess "wait" for something serious and the cost is worse. These tools exist to make that one decision — where should I go, and how fast — with your symptoms in front of you.
They do not diagnose you. They sort you: emergency room now, urgent care today, your own doctor, a virtual visit, or safe care at home with clear "come back if…" warnings.
Do not wait for, or rely on, any app or online tool in an emergency.
| Where you go | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Virtual / telehealth visit | about $29–$54 |
| Retail clinic (in-store) | about $80 |
| Primary care visit | about $160 |
| Urgent care visit | about $165–$200 |
| Emergency room visit | about $1,700–$3,000 |
Ranges compiled from the cost tables published by the tools below (US median allowed amounts). Your actual bill depends on tests, treatment, and insurance. An ER must screen and stabilize you regardless of ability to pay — that is not the same as free; a bill usually follows. For real local prices, see the cost box at the bottom of this page.
TRULY FREE
Answers a short set of symptom questions and advises one clear next step: call 911, go to the ER, visit urgent care, see your doctor, or treat at home. It does not give a diagnosis. Separate quick checks for babies, older adults, pregnancy, and chronic conditions. Its guidance is designed to align with CDC guidelines and ACEP clinical pathways.
Verified Oct 23, 2026, on the provider's own site.
Open Calm or Call →TRULY FREE
A roughly 3-minute symptom check that sorts you to the ER, urgent care, a doctor visit, or safe home care, estimates your out-of-pocket cost by insurance, and finds lower-cost in-network providers. After care, its separate Bill Defense service negotiates medical bills down.
Verified Oct 23, 2026, on the provider's own site.
Open CareRoute AI →FREE CHECK, PAID CARE BEHIND IT
A cash-pay marketplace to book same-day virtual (and in-person) visits with independent licensed providers, with each provider’s price shown before you book. Sesame does not bill insurance.
Verified Oct 23, 2026, on the provider's own site.
Open Sesame Care →FREE CHECK, PAID CARE BEHIND IT
One-time virtual treatment for 30+ common conditions (allergies, UTIs, skin issues, respiratory infections and more) with a treatment plan and a prescription if appropriate — no One Medical membership required.
Verified Oct 23, 2026, on the provider's own site.
Open Amazon One Medical — Pay-per-visit →FREE THROUGH EMPLOYER
24/7 virtual visits with medical providers for non-emergency problems — cold and flu, allergies, infections — plus primary care, mental health, and dermatology. Most people reach it through a health plan or employer.
Verified Oct 23, 2026, on the provider's own site.
Open Teladoc Health →TRULY FREE
Finds and books same-day in-person urgent care near you, showing where you can be seen and the estimated cost. Solv is a booking directory — it does not give medical advice or triage, and it is not the provider.
Verified Oct 23, 2026, on the provider's own site.
Open Solv →Dispo's sister project publishes the prices hospitals are required to post — including emergency care in Texas — so the "ER or urgent care?" decision comes with real numbers attached.