When to Use Online Urgent Care vs. Going to the ER: A Complete Guide for Travellers
If you are traveling, it is important to be aware of local healthcare systems to help you choose the right medical service for your needs. This guide explores the different in-person medical services if you have a minor health concern or a medical emergency, such as an illness that can put your life at risk if not treated immediately. It also discusses situations in which an online medical appointment might help you save time and costs.
Urgent Care vs ER: Key Differences Travelers Should Know
What is Urgent Care?
First of all, what is urgent care? Can you get an online urgent care appointment instead of visiting a local clinic?
Urgent care is a type of medical service for non-life-threatening issues. These include minor injuries or illnesses that aren’t serious enough to require a hospital visit and can’t be treated during a telehealth urgent care appointment.
Examples of Issues Requiring In-Person Urgent Care:
- Tooth pain
- Minor burns
- Sprains and strains
- Minor fractures
Urgent care clinics are known as walk-in clinics, as they accept patients (including tourists) on a walk-in basis without a pre-arranged appointment.
You can get treated “after hours,” which is why urgent care is sometimes also known as after-hours care. These are open on weekends, public holidays, and evenings when most primary care physicians do not work.
When to Go to Urgent Care
As a traveler, knowing when to choose urgent care services over other options can save you a lot of time.
Walk-in clinics are ideal if you have a minor emergency that requires an in-person visit. These facilities are also called “Minor Injuries Units,” “Walk-in clinics,” and “Urgent Care Centers,” as they are not equipped to treat major medical emergencies, such as heart attacks.
Common Minor Emergencies Treated at Urgent Care:
- Minor fractures requiring an X-ray
- Cuts that require stitches
- Ear infections causing pain
- Severe dental pain
- Medical certificates for events (e.g., marathon participation)
- Vaccinations
- Ultrasounds for pregnancy or injuries
- IV fluids for dehydration
Walk-in clinics offer same-day services, so you don’t have to wait until the next day to get treated for dental pain. However, urgent care clinics are often crowded, and while you may be seen on the same day, you should be prepared for potentially long wait times.
What is Emergency Care?
When traveling, it is important to understand the difference between urgent care and emergency room services to help you and others get the right medical access.
The emergency room is a facility that is equipped to handle life-threatening conditions and serious injuries.
The medical staff specializes in treating heart attacks, strokes, severe traumas, and other major emergencies that cannot be treated at an urgent care facility.
Triage System
A lot of tourists are unaware of the local health system and do not know if they should head to the ER vs urgent care clinic.
Emergency rooms use a triage system – This means that the medical staff assess how urgent your case is and prioritizes visitors with a life-threatening condition, like a stroke.
Going to the emergency department for non-life-threatening situations can exacerbate existing staff shortages and waiting times.
If you do not have a life-threatening emergency, you should avoid going to the ER. Otherwise, nurses and doctors may be unable to treat people with emergencies on time, which can delay their treatment.
Risks and Costs of ER Visits
Another reason why you should not rely on the ER for minor ailments is that it increases your risk for airborne illnesses.
If your symptoms aren’t severe, choosing urgent care or telehealth may be a better option for you and for the local healthcare infrastructure.
Also, ER visits are usually more expensive than an urgent care visit.
Example: In Germany, tourists without insurance can expect to pay EUR 300 or more at the ER. Waiting times can extend to several hours. Urgent care services may start from EUR 80 and waiting times average between 15–45 minutes.
Finding an Emergency Room Nearby
If you are looking for an emergency room, you can search using phrases like:
- “emergency room near me”
- “emergency room in [neighborhood name]”
Search engines will provide a full list of nearby facilities.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Travelers, especially when visiting a new country, often wonder who to call if they need to go to the hospital and when they should call the emergency room.
You should only call the emergency room if you require immediate emergency care because your life is, or may be, at risk. This includes if you have symptoms of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Severe trauma
Heart Attack
If you or someone else has symptoms of a heart attack, you need to act fast and call the emergency room right away.
A heart attack happens when the blood flow to your heart becomes blocked. This makes it unable for the heart muscle to get supplied with oxygen.
Without immediate treatment, the heart muscle dies.
Common Warning Signs:
- Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, pain, or a squeezing sensation
- Jaw, back, or neck pain and discomfort
- Shortness of breath when resting or exercising
- Lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting
Note: Symptoms can vary between men and women. Women may experience additional signs like:
- Lower chest or upper abdomen pain or pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fainting
- Heartburn
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
Stroke
As scary as it sounds, a stroke can happen anywhere, even while you are on holiday. It occurs when blood leaks into the brain or the blood flow to the brain becomes blocked, so the brain cannot get enough oxygen and nutrients.
A stroke can be life-threatening and is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Act F.A.S.T:
To recognize and respond to stroke symptoms, use the F.A.S.T acronym:
- F – Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one of the arms drift downward?
- S – Speech difficulty: Is the speech slurred?
- T – Time to call emergency: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911.
Other Symptoms:
- Numbness, mostly affecting one side of the body
- Vision problems
- Confusion
- Trouble walking
Severe Trauma
Severe trauma refers to serious injuries that can result from car accidents, falls, or physical assaults. These are examples that warrant a visit to the emergency department:
- Head injuries or concussions
- Spinal injuries
- Uncontrolled bleeding, even after applying pressure
- Chest and abdominal injuries
Emergency Room Numbers
These are some emergency room numbers you may find useful if you are in need of emergency assistance during your travels:
- Europe: 112
- UK: 999
- United States: 911
- Mexico: 911
- Thailand: 1669
Who to Call to See If I Need to Go to the Hospital
Can you call the emergency room before going?
If you are unsure whether you should go to the hospital, you can call the emergency services number in some countries to get advice. Keep in mind that you should not expect to call the hospital directly and speak to doctors, as they are busy treating patients, and emergency departments typically do not have a direct number available for inquiries.
United States:
For example, in the United States, you can call 911 and tell them about your symptoms, and they will advise you on what to do. However, it might be best to go straight to the hospital, as the medical or nursing staff may be unable to provide medical advice on the phone without seeing you in person.
Mexico:
911 is also available in Mexico for emergencies. For non-urgent advice, you can directly call a walk-in clinic.
Europe:
In Europe, you can call the emergency number 112 for immediate guidance. If you are in a non-life-threatening situation, for example, you have developed abdominal pain that is not sudden, you can call a regional helpline or a local hospital for advice.
Alternatively, you can call 116117 – the urgent care number available 24/7 across Europe for non-urgent medical assistance.
UK:
999 is the official emergency number in the UK (yes, even for tourists). But, in the case of minor ailments, it might be best to call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111 – a trained advisor will assess your symptoms and advise on what to do next. This service is available 24/7.
Thailand:
If you are in Thailand, call 1669 – the emergency department. This is reserved for life-threatening situations, but some local hospitals, like in Bangkok, have direct contact numbers for non-urgent assistance.
Telehealth and Virtual Care as Alternatives
How does getting an immediate urgent care appointment at 2 AM from your hotel room sound?
Telehealth companies like Doctorsa connect travelers with online doctors 24/7 so that they can get medical access, including diagnosis, treatment, and medical advice without leaving their hotel or Airbnb room.
If you need to see a doctor but don’t have a life-threatening condition, some conditions can be treated online via video calls.
It has been created for tourists on the go, as you can book a consultation with a licensed online doctor in just a few minutes, without signing up.
Conditions That Can Be Treated Online:
- Acne
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Bronchitis
- Cellulitis
- Chlamydia
- Cold Sores
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infection
- Eczema
- Flu Symptoms
- Gout
- Impetigo
- Insect Bite
- Pink Eye
- Rosacea
- Scabies
- Shingles
- Sinus Infection
- Sore Throat
- Strep Throat
- Swimmer’s Ear
- Tick Bite
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Yeast Infection
Other Online Medical Situations:
- You have lost your luggage and need a new prescription
- You forgot your birth contraceptive pill
Doctorsa offers 24/7 urgent care services, meaning that you can book a virtual doctor visit any time of the year – whether it is Christmas, New Year’s Day, or Thanksgiving. Online doctors respond within a few minutes and can provide you with an e-prescription.
This ensures that you get the best online doctor visit from your hotel or Airbnb room, even at 2 AM before catching your morning flight.
What’s more, Doctorsa’s providers can also refer you to another healthcare provider if you need further testing. This can be a a laboratory if you need to undergo a screening test, or a clinic if you need to get vaccinated, or any other service that requires an in-person visit.
How to Use Virtual Urgent Care Services
If you are concerned about your symptoms or have an undiagnosed condition, a virtual diagnosis can take place via Doctorsa without affecting your travel plans. This means that an online doctor can evaluate your symptoms and provide a treatment plan based on your condition without meeting in person.
The platform can also help you save time and alleviate pressure on emergency services if you need to see an online urgent care doctor for conditions that can be evaluated online.
Booking
Some companies require signing up before booking an appointment, which can take some time for users until they are connected with an online doctor. With Doctorsa, sign-up is not required. Simply fill in the booking form and you will then receive requests from doctors who are available to help you.
Price
Some companies may charge an extra fee for follow-up visits. With Doctorsa, there are no hidden fees. When receiving doctor requests after completing the booking form, you will see the exact total price you will pay.
You also have a free follow-up chat for 7 days if you want to check in with the same provider after the first visit.
Insurance
If you are looking for an urgent care company that accepts Cigna or other insurance, Doctorsa can help. It is a self-paying service and offers $20 online doctor visits, making it affordable and suitable for tourists seeking telehealth services if they are not insured.
However, you can still pay with your insurance. During checkout, enter your insurance information along with your payment details.
Doctorsa’s team will verify your insurance coverage. In the meantime, the consultation cost will be temporarily withheld. When confirmed, the reserved amount is paid. If the company cannot confirm your insurance coverage, you will pay the whole amount. You will still receive an invoice and can check if you can get a refund from your insurance provider.
Language
It can be difficult to find an English-speaking doctor during your travels. With Doctorsa, there are no language barriers. It vets all medical professionals and ensures they speak fluent English, and often also other languages, making the process easier if you need to get a prescription online.
Comparison: Urgent Care vs ER Cost
The difference between urgent care and emergency room services lies in the medical services you need, the cost, and availability.
Both offer vital services but cater to different needs, especially in non-life-threatening situations.
Urgent Care:
- Treats minor emergencies that do not require an ER visit
- Includes issues like dental pain, cuts, and minor fractures
Emergency Room:
- Handles life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes
- Requires longer wait times and higher costs
Cost and Availability Comparison:
| Service | Average Cost | Average Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent care in France | From $50 | 1–2 hours |
| Emergency room visit in France | From $300 | 1–5 hours |
| Urgent care in Germany | From $90 | 1–2 hours |
| Emergency room visit in Germany | From $330 | 2–6 hours |
| Urgent care in the UK | Free or from $55 | 1–2 hours |
| Emergency room visit in the UK | From $220 | 4–6 hours |
| Urgent care in Mexico | From $50 | 1–2 hours |
| Emergency room visit in Mexico | From $200 | 1–4 hours |
| Urgent care in Thailand | From $30 | 1–2 hours |
| Emergency room visit in Thailand | From $150 | 1–3 hours |
Comparing Costs and Time
Urgent Care:
- Costs start from $30 per visit, depending on the country.
- Shorter waiting times, typically 1–2 hours.
Emergency Room:
- Emergency care is available for people with life-threatening issues.
- Visits are more expensive, starting from $200, and waiting times can extend to 4–5 hours.
Telehealth:
- Doctorsa offers $20 online doctor visits, making it more affordable than in-person visits.
- No waiting times—simply book and connect with available doctors.
Comparing Availability
Urgent Care:
Most walk-in clinics are available 24/7, but some, for example in Germany, open at 8 PM. This means that if you need urgent advice or treatment, you may have to wait until the evening to talk with a doctor.
Emergency Rooms:
Emergency care departments are open 24/7. However, they often have long waiting times because they are overloaded with non-life-threatening cases that could be treated at an urgent care facility or online.
Telehealth:
Telehealth providers are always available via Doctorsa. If you have a cold, skin rash, or a urinary tract infection, you can schedule a virtual visit and talk with a doctor at any time you need.
You can also consult with a primary care physician online, who can advise you on the next steps if further in-person evaluation or treatment is needed.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to get a doctor’s note?
If you are traveling and forgot your medication, you can get a prescription renewal via Doctorsa.
When you book an online consultation, the healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any medications you take. If it is necessary, they will send you an e-prescription so that you can buy your medication from a nearby pharmacy.
Can you call the emergency room before going?
You can’t usually call directly the ED of an hospital but, if you have a life-threatening medical emergency, you can use emergency numbers like 112 and the trained phone operators will guide you on what to do. For non-serious ailments, there are regional and local numbers you can call if you need medical advice or assistance.
What is the difference between emergency room vs urgent care centers?
Emergency rooms are designed to address life-threatening medical emergencies, such as a stroke. ER wait times are usually longer than Urgent Care services.
Urgent care services take on patients with minor concerns that require an in-person visit, like dental pain, cuts, and dehydration. Urgent care wait times are typically shorter than those in the ER but longer than telehealth consultations.
Is telehealth covered by insurance?
Doctorsa’s services are available for non-insurers – consultations start from just $20, which is more affordable than in-person visits.
If you are insured, you can enter your insurance details at the checkout stage or forward your invoice to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Final Word
Health issues can happen unexpectedly, even when you are exploring a new country. Knowing when to use online urgent care and the emergency room can help put your mind at ease whether you have a serious medical emergency like chest pain or minor ailments, like the common cold and flu.
Need to book an online urgent care appointment? Online platforms like Doctorsa offer an easy and transparent way to connect you with a telehealth provider while saving you time and money.
