Have no health insurance but need to see a gynecologist? Having a medical worry or health concern is normal, but it can be especially daunting when you don’t have insurance.
But don’t worry, there are options available for you.
This article will answer the question “how much does an OB/GYN visit cost without health insurance”.
We’ll also give information on related OB/GYN costs, and let you know where you can find the best-priced insurance for next time.
The Cost Of An OB/GYN Visit
Is it possible to see a gynecologist without insurance? The good news is yes, it’s possible.
But how much is a gyno visit without insurance? Unfortunately, visiting an OB/GYN without insurance can be rather expensive.
For appointments for well-woman visits without insurance, you’ll run up a bill of around $150, give or take. A well-woman exam has three main parts:
- Firstly, your doctor will perform a breast examination, checking for signs of cancer, and will show you how to check yourself.
- Next, it will include a vaginal exam and a pap smear.
- Your gynecologist will also take a review of your medical history, discuss with you any current concerns or questions, and they may also prescribe medications, if necessary.
However, the cost of a visit to an OB/GYN depends on many factors, such as the service that you require.
For example, if you want to check if you have a urinary tract infection, this could cost around $200. Or, if you need to be tested for a specialized test, such as Amniocentesis, you’ll run up a bill of over $2,500.
Let’s have a look at some of the other common costs when visiting an OB/GYN.
The Cost Of Other Services At An OB/GYN
An OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) is a trained medical doctor specializing in women’s health. They focus on women’s reproductive health, including pregnancy tests, prenatal care, and fertility tests. They can also deliver babies.
You can consult an OB/GYN on a range of issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Below are some of the most common reasons women visit their OB/GYN and the associated costs:
BIRTH CONTROL
Contraception is a must-have if you’re not planning to have children any time soon. And the good news is there is a wide range of options available so you can find the most suitable birth control for you.
If you choose to take a birth control pill, it can cost up to $200 per month. If you opt for an implant, it can cost up to $300. One of the most expensive forms of contraception is an Intrauterine Device (IUD) which can cost up to $1,300.
In addition to the cost of the contraception, you’ll need to pay for the visit to the doctor or nurse.
PAP SMEAR
Pap smears screen for cervical cancer. It should only cost you between $20 – $40. However, due to a lack of transparency in the US health services, some people have reported paying up to $1,000 for this simple screening.
It’s recommended for all women to have a pap smear every three years from the age of 21 years.
PREGNANCY
The cost of pregnancy without insurance can be quite daunting. Let’s break it down into simple steps.
A urine pregnancy test costs around $50. However, if you need a blood test to determine whether or not you’re pregnant (to measure the levels of the HCG hormone in your blood), this can cost hundreds of dollars. These tests are on the cheaper end of the scale.
How much does the rest of the pregnancy cost without insurance?
Once you need to attend important ultrasounds, to check the health of your baby and begin planning the much-anticipated gender reveal, the prices increase.
A transvaginal (internal) ultrasound costs around $200 and a transabdominal (on your abdomen) ultrasound is close to $300.
Prices also vary depending on how many fetuses you are carrying.
The cost of labor depends on the care you need before, during, and after. On average, a standard birth costs $13,000 – $14,000. However, recent estimates suggest nearly $19,000 is a more realistic price tag. What’s more, if you require additional emergency treatment, the price jumps up quickly.
Because every birth is different, and it’s difficult to plan for what will happen during labor, it’s nearly impossible to estimate the overall cost in advance.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIS)
STIs and STDs are infections that are spread from one person to another via sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted via pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
What’s more, many STIs can present without symptoms, so it’s important to be checked regularly.
The price of a test for an STI depends on what you are screening for. The costs can reach over $390.
A swap to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea without insurance costs up to $125, depending on where your check is carried out. Labs and at-home tests are considerably cheaper than tests taken by a doctor.
To test for HIV/AIDs, you’ll need to have a blood test. The national average price of this is $84 but does range from free to $200.
Experts recommend that if you suspect you have been infected with one STI, it’s a good idea to test for others, too. Some places offer packages to test for several infections at once. This usually works out cheaper than paying for each test separately.
Of course, treatments for these infections vary, too. That means that prices also vary depending on what you need.
What Impacts The Cost Of An OB/GYN Visit?
Multiple factors influence the cost of visiting an OB/GYN. Let’s have a look.
Where You Live
You might be surprised to learn that the price varies not only by state but by area, too. That means the cost of a visit to an OB/GYN in a major city will cost considerably more than a visit in a small town.
So, depending on your location, you could pay up to $600 for a consultation visit.
Which Services You Need
If you need to pop in to ask a quick, simple question, the cost of the visit is going to be relatively low. As mentioned, a general, well-woman visit costs around $150 (depending on your location).
However, if you need tests, examinations, ultrasounds, or medications and treatments, the cost will increase accordingly.
Your Insurance Status
Whether you have health insurance or not will directly impact the cost of a visit to an OB/GYN.
Seeing a doctor can be stressful, especially if you’re not working. And paying those sky-high medical bills without a job may prevent some people from seeking help in the first place.
However, you should never delay seeking medical treatment when needed. Plus, most clinics offer friendly and flexible repayment options for their patients.
Here are some tips for lowering the cost of an OB/GYN visit if you don’t have insurance:
- First of all, it’s possible to shop around before visiting the doctor. You can call different clinics and ask for price estimates, and see for yourself which is the cheapest option.
- Next, some places will offer a discount if you pay the full amount in cash on the day of the appointment. Find out if this is an option for you before you pay a visit.
- Some doctors will offer you service at a reduced rate if you don’t have insurance. Just be sure to ask, as they aren’t likely to offer it upfront.
- Lastly, you can try negotiating a payment plan that you can keep up with.
To prevent this tricky situation in the future, it’s a good idea to sign up for insurance so you know you’ve got yourself covered.
When To See An OB/GYN
All women should see an OB/GYN regularly for the majority of their lives. Starting from early teens, through child-bearing years and beyond.
This provides women with the best possible care and the most accurate knowledge about their own bodies.
As mentioned, from the age of 21, women should see their OB/GYN at least every 3 years for a pap smear. Even if something abnormal is found during one of these checks, chances are you’ll have caught it early enough to deal with it well.
Pregnant women will visit their OB/GYN every few weeks to monitor the health and development of their babies.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition related to women’s health, your OB/GYN will tell you how often you need to schedule a visit.
If you have any symptoms, such as a rash, unusual bleeding, pain, or unusual vaginal discharge, you should contact your OB/GYN immediately.
Lastly, if you are or think you might be pregnant, you should also book an appointment.
Why It’s Important To Visit The OB/GYN
Firstly, it’s suggested that girls first see an OB/GYN between 13-15 years old (or even before that, if they have started their periods). Seeing an OB/GYN at this young age can provide a safe place for young people to ask important sexual health questions.
Additionally, it helps establish a good patient-doctor relationship, so women feel empowered and knowledgeable about their ever-changing bodies.
Knowing you’re in safe hands will help you down the line when you discover you’re pregnant, suspect an infection, or have a health concern.
Moreover, regular screening for cervical cancer is crucial in its prevention.
Conclusion
So, how much does an OB/GYN visit cost without health insurance? The short answer is, it depends.
Costs vary depending on what services you need, where you live, and whether or not you have existing insurance.
If you have a major concern but are worried about the costs, it’s always best to go to see an OB/GYN anyway. Your health is the most important thing.
Ultimately, it’s best to ensure you’re prepared for the worst and get health insurance immediately. And looking for the best-priced health plan doesn’t have to be difficult.
At Enhance Health, we make the whole process easy! Simply give us a call and we’ll help you find affordable health insurance to ensure you have the coverage you deserve.
