Emergency Room Visit Cost With And Without Insurance (2025 Update)
In the United States, an emergency room visit cost $2,715 on average in 2025 according to an analysis of 2.5B claims adjusted for inflation. Current user-reported bills on social media (such as Reddit and Twitter) suggest these costs continue to rise in 2025, sometimes exceeding $3,000. The amount you ultimately pay depends on your condition, the tests and treatments you receive, and your insurance coverage (if any).
Three IMPORTANT Things to Know About ER Visit Cost
1. Four Types of Charges Appear on Each Bill
- Triage fees (registration fee): often $200–$1,000.
- Facility fees: can average around $1,100–$1,200, covering the room and nursing staff.
- Professional fees: physician and specialist charges, which vary widely based on the treatment you receive.
- Supplies & Medications: this includes items like IV fluids, wound dressings, sutures, and prescribed meds.
2. There Are 5 Acuity (Severity) Levels
ER billing often uses a 1–5 scale called the Emergency Severity Index (ESI). Most ERs assign one of five levels of care, which dramatically affects cost. Level 1 (ESI 1) is the most urgent and expensive; Level 5 (ESI 5) is minimal. If you are ESI 3 or above, expect higher charges. You’ll also likely wait longer than an ESI 1 or 2 patient (as the most severe cases receive immediate attention).
| Level | Description | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ESI 5 (usually diverted) | Minor problem that likely resolves on its own. | $150++ |
| ESI 4 (longest wait) | Minor problem, low risk, no permanent impact. | $400 |
| ESI 3 (most common) | Moderate issue; full recovery expected but needs treatment. | $650 |
| ESI 2 | Severe problem requiring urgent care but not an immediate threat to life. | $870 |
| ESI 1 (e.g., ambulance) | Immediate, life-threatening emergency. | $1,450 |
3. You Might Qualify for Charity Care
Most hospitals have charity care or financial assistance programs for low-income patients. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, contact the hospital’s patient advocacy department after you receive your bill. You could qualify for:
- Reduced or waived fees
- Zero-interest payment plans
- Assistance applying for Medicaid if eligible
How Mira Can Help: It’s critical to determine if your condition truly requires the ER or could be handled at urgent care. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, a membership-based plan like Mira might help you access affordable urgent care, virtual primary care, mental health services, and discounted prescriptions. The average cost can start at about $45 per month, which is significantly lower than an ER visit.
If you receive a high hospital bill, some membership programs (including Mira) also offer bill negotiation services that may reduce the amount you owe. This can be especially helpful if you’re facing a large out-of-pocket cost.
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Brianne Smith, DNP, PhD, is a public health researcher with a focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and clinical research. She holds dual doctorates in Nursing Practice and Healthcare Research, and specializes in advanced patient care management and educational advocacy.