Ways to Save on Medical Costs
Medical bills are the #1 cause of bankruptcy in the United States. You do not have to overpay for healthcare.
We have gathered the best tools and services to help you save hundreds, or even thousands, on medical expenses.
Compare Health Insurance
If you're uninsured, comparing plans could save you thousands per year.
eHealth Insurance
Compare health insurance plans from major carriers side by side. Covers individual, family, Medicare, and small business plans. One of the largest online health insurance marketplaces in the US.
Save $1,000+ per year by comparing plans
Compare Plans →eHealth lets you compare plans from top carriers in minutes. No cost to compare, and licensed agents are available to help.
Telehealth and Virtual Visits
A telehealth visit costs $50-100 vs $200-400 for an in-person visit. Same doctors, lower price.
Sesame Care
Transparent, upfront pricing for doctor visits, labs, imaging, and prescriptions. Book directly with providers at cash-pay rates. No insurance needed, no hidden fees.
Save 40-60% vs traditional office visits
Check Prices →PlushCare
Board-certified doctors available for virtual appointments within 15 minutes. Covers urgent care, mental health, primary care, and prescriptions. $99 per visit without insurance.
Save $100-300 vs in-person urgent care
Book a Visit →Telehealth is ideal for common conditions like colds, UTIs, rashes, prescription refills, and mental health consultations.
Prescription Savings
Always check both GoodRx and SingleCare before filling a prescription. Prices vary by pharmacy.
GoodRx
Free prescription discount card accepted at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. Compare prices across pharmacies and find coupons for your medications. Save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Average savings: $300+ per year on prescriptions
Get Free Card →SingleCare
Free prescription savings card with no membership required. Accepted at 35,000+ pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Sometimes cheaper than GoodRx for certain drugs.
Save up to 80% on prescriptions
Get Free Card →Pro tip: Check both GoodRx and SingleCare for every prescription. Prices differ by pharmacy and drug, so the cheaper option changes depending on what you need and where you fill it.
Discount Lab Testing
Lab tests without insurance can cost $100-500 at a hospital vs $20-100 through discount services.
Ulta Lab Tests
Order your own blood work and lab tests without a doctor's order. Results in 1-2 days from certified labs. Covers metabolic panels, cholesterol, thyroid, STD testing, and more.
Save 50-80% vs hospital lab pricing
Browse Tests →Life Line Screening
Affordable preventive health screenings for stroke, heart disease, and other conditions. Community-based screening events across the US. Packages start at around $149.
Screenings from $149 vs $1,000+ at hospitals
Find Screenings →Ordering your own lab work is legal in most US states. Results are delivered securely online and can be shared with your doctor.
Dental Savings
Dental discount plans save 10-60% on dental procedures with no waiting periods.
DentalPlans.com
Compare dental discount plans from top providers. Plans start at around $8/month and cover cleanings, fillings, crowns, braces, and more. No annual maximums, no waiting periods, no paperwork.
Save 10-60% on all dental procedures
Compare Plans →Unlike dental insurance, discount plans have no waiting periods, no annual maximums, and no claim forms. You pay the discounted rate directly at the dentist.
Healthcare Sharing Plans
Healthcare sharing plans can cost 40-60% less than traditional insurance.
Medi-Share
A healthcare sharing program where members share each other's medical bills. Monthly costs are significantly lower than traditional insurance. Over 400,000 members and growing.
Save 40-60% vs traditional health insurance premiums
Get a Quote →Important: Healthcare sharing plans are not insurance. They are voluntary programs where members agree to share medical expenses. Coverage and eligibility vary, so review the guidelines carefully before joining.
Medical Bill Negotiation Tips
You can often reduce a medical bill by 20-50% simply by asking. Here is how.
- Always ask for an itemized bill. Request a detailed breakdown of every charge. Generic bills hide errors and inflated fees.
- Request the cash or self-pay rate. Hospitals often have a lower rate for patients paying out of pocket. This can be 30-60% less than the sticker price.
- Ask about financial assistance programs. Most hospitals are required to offer charity care or sliding-scale fees based on income. Ask the billing department directly.
- Negotiate a payment plan. Even if the total cannot be reduced, most providers offer interest-free payment plans. Always ask before putting medical debt on a credit card.
- Check for billing errors. Studies show up to 80% of medical bills contain errors. Look for duplicate charges, incorrect codes, services you did not receive, and charges for items that should be included in a bundled rate.
Use MedCostCheck to look up the Medicare rate for your procedure before negotiating. Knowing the baseline cost gives you leverage when discussing your bill.
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