As of 2022, 12.2% of the US population aged 18-64 do not have insurance. There are several reasons many people are uninsured, but one of the key reasons is affordability. A survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in 2021 revealed that 64% of Americans say they do not have insurance because of the high cost of coverage. 

Lack of health insurance can severely restrict access to medical care, with many people skipping or delaying needed care due to cost. Although government programs like Medicaid exist to help low-income Americans, they may have eligibility requirements that some people do not meet.

However, not having health insurance should not stop you from accessing medical care. 

Here are six ways to get the best deals on medical procedures without breaking the bank:

Use Online Price Comparison Websites to Get an Estimate for Your Medical Procedure

The first step to getting the best deals on medical procedures without breaking the bank is to get an estimate of the cost of your procedure before visiting the hospital. Carebetter.com, a website that helps you get estimates for the average cost of medical procedures based on your city and the severity of the procedure, is an excellent resource for this.

Also, ask your doctor upfront how much a procedure costs so you can then begin comparing prices for medical care.

Shop Around for Care

Once you know how much a procedure costs on average, it’s time to compare the prices and benefits of different providers. Shopping for medical procedures is like shopping for a car or any other major purchase. The price and quality of care can vary depending on the provider, the location, and the complexity of the procedure. So, it’s important to compare prices, quality of care, and other factors before choosing a provider.

Remember that choosing the lowest-cost option may not always be the best decision. The goal is to get the best value for your money. You want to be sure you are comparing ” apples to apples” and not “apples to oranges.” This means considering all of the factors involved, such as the doctor’s credentials, the facility’s reputation, and the convenience of the location. A directory of doctors can help compare different providers. Some directories include Carebetter, Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Castle Conolly.

Consider Receiving Care in Outpatient Centers Instead of Hospitals

In most cases, receiving care at an outpatient or ambulatory facility is less expensive than receiving the same care in a hospital. For example, cataract surgery costs about $1,890 per eye in an outpatient setting but about $2,900 in a hospital setting. So, you can save money on some procedures by receiving care in an outpatient setting.

Ask for Discounts and Negotiate for Lower Prices

You might not know this, but medical bills are not set in stone. Once you get to the hospital, always tell the doctor or anyone at the front desk that you do not have health insurance and will be paying out of pocket. Most doctors have discounts for uninsured patients.

When you receive your bills, carefully review them to ensure no errors. If you can’t pay the total amount, ask for a discount or payment plan. Remember that you can always negotiate further if you are unsatisfied with the first offer.

As you ask for discounts or negotiate with your provider, remember to remain polite and respectful, as this will make it more likely that the person you are speaking to will be willing to help you.

Consider Traveling to Another City

Medical procedures vary significantly from state to state due to the cost of living and government policies. For example, an ER visit costs $623 in Maryland, while it costs about $3,000 in Florida and New Jersey. This variation also applies to procedures; some procedures are much more expensive in some states. According to the Becker Orthopedic Hospital Review, the cost of hip replacement surgery is around $23,000 in El Paso, Texas, but as high as $50,000 in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

You may consider traveling to a city with a lower cost of living to get medical care. This is called medical tourism. However, be sure to factor in the cost of travel to and from where you will be receiving care, as well as the cost of lodging, food, and other expenses, to make sure that it is a good deal for you.

Use Health Centers for People Without Insurance

There are several free and charitable health centers available for people who cannot afford insurance. You can find over 1,400 free clinics and pharmacies in the United States using the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ Find a Clinic Navigator. You can also use a safety-net hospital, also called a public or essential hospital, to get a wide range of surgeries, including orthopedic and cardiac surgery. You can use this tool to find essential hospitals in your state.