Call 911 or go to the ER for
- chest pain, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), or trouble breathing;
- severe bleeding, major injuries or head injuries;
- sudden severe pain, confusion or loss of consciousness;
- dental or facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
Urgent care is usually fine for
- minor cuts, sprains and simple fractures;
- colds, flu, sore throats, ear infections and urinary tract infections;
- mild allergic reactions and rashes.
Urgent care can help with dental pain but usually cannot treat teeth; see emergency dentist.
Costs and insurance
ER visits typically cost patients much more than urgent care or primary care visits, but federal law protects you from balance billing for emergency care in most cases (see the No Surprises Act). Check whether nearby urgent care centers are in your network, and consider telehealth for minor problems.
General information, not medical, legal or insurance advice. This post reflects the position on the date shown. Check the official sources below for the latest rules.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
