Getting care if you don’t have MIT insurance

Health care in the United States is expensive, and that’s why you have health insurance. But there are many different health insurance plans, and every doctor or clinic or hospital does not accept every plan. If you get care from a provider who does not accept your health insurance plan, your insurance company might refuse to pay any part of the cost, and you might have to pay the bill yourself.

MIT Medical only accepts MIT insurance. If you have an MIT health plan, you can use most services at MIT Medical, including the Urgent Care Service. But if you don’t have MIT insurance, and you come to Urgent Care, you might have to pay the whole bill yourself. For example, if you visit Urgent Care without MIT insurance for a strep throat, it will probably cost around $215. A sprained ankle could cost about $380.

You may need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner. You can’t take care of every problem at home. Maybe you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), vomiting or dehydration, a severe sore throat or cough, or a strained ankle or wrist—not an emergency, but not something that can wait very long. When you have an urgent medical problem that needs immediate attention, a walk-in clinic might be your best choice.

Urgent care walk-in clinics

Cambridge has several walk-in clinics that provide care without an appointment. You can call or visit a clinic’s website before you go. Ask if they accept your health insurance plan, make sure they provide the services you need, and find out when they are open. These clinics can take care of minor illnesses and injuries. Some also provide vaccines, on-site lab tests, and even X-ray services. Some will see children; others will not. Note: This listing is for informational purposes only; MIT Medical does not endorse any of these providers.

Hospital emergency rooms

Hospital emergency rooms are another option. Hospital emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, every day. They will see patients of any age and can treat most illnesses and injuries. Even if the hospital accepts your insurance, a visit to the emergency room will be more expensive than a visit to a walk-in clinic. But you should always go to an emergency room or call 911 if you have a very serious medical problem such as trouble breathing, fainting, seizures, heavy bleeding, broken bones or deep wounds, serious burns, possible poisoning or overdose, or severe allergic reactions.

Find a local pharmacy

Cambridge has many local pharmacies that can fill prescriptions. You can call the pharmacy to find out if they accept your health insurance plan and find out when they are open.

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