When you’re unwell or injured, every minute feels longer. Do you head to the emergency room or visit an urgent care clinic? The choice isn’t always clear, but it can make a big difference in your wait time, medical bills, and overall experience.
Urgent care centres can often offer shorter waiting periods, but they’re not equipped for everything. On the other hand, emergency rooms can handle life-threatening conditions but can come with longer queues and higher expenses. So how do you decide?
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences - when urgent care might be the right option, when the ER is essential, and how to approach these situations with confidence. Because when it comes to your well-being, understanding your options can help reduce both time and stress.
Understanding the role of urgent care centres
Urgent care centres play a critical role in modern healthcare, bridging the gap between GP clinics and the emergency room. They’re designed to treat non-life-threatening conditions that still need prompt attention, like minor injuries or sudden illnesses. If you’ve ever faced a health issue that couldn’t wait for a GP appointment but didn’t warrant an ER visit, urgent care is likely the solution you needed.
Health insurance & urgent care
For HIF members, accessing quality urgent care services is now easier and more affordable, thanks to the partnership between HIF and St John Urgent Care facilities in Western Australia. This collaboration provides members with access to timely medical care for non-life-threatening conditions while helping to reduce the financial strain often associated with healthcare.
What does this partnership mean for HIF members?
HIF members on any level of domestic health insurance may be eligible for coverage of urgent care consultations at St John Urgent Care centres. This includes services like X-rays, stitches, and treatment for minor injuries or illnesses. While consumables such as crutches or moon boots aren’t covered, the rebate can significantly offset the cost of your visit. You can learn more about our partnership with St John, here.
Convenience and peace of mind
With St John Urgent Care centres located across Perth and Midland, HIF members have access to extended hours and walk-in consultations 7 days a week. This means you can receive care for urgent but non-emergency health concerns -- like sprains, minor burns, cuts and broken bones - without the lengthy wait times or high costs associated with emergency departments.
The partnership between HIF and St John Urgent Care is designed to provide members with quality care when it’s needed most, giving you peace of mind knowing that timely treatment is both accessible and affordable. For more details, visit HIF’s St John Urgent Care page.
What services do urgent care centres offer?
Urgent care centres are staffed by trained healthcare professionals ready to address your concerns efficiently and effectively. They're equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, which can include:
- Treating minor cuts, burns, and sprains
- Performing X-rays and lab tests
- Administering vaccines and basic health screenings
- Providing care for common illnesses like the flu, sinus infections, or UTIs
Why are urgent care centres so convenient?
One of the key advantages of urgent care is its accessibility. With extended hours and walk-in availability, you don’t need to schedule an appointment or work around traditional office hours. While no appointment is required, you may still need to wait your turn to be seen. Many centers are open evenings and weekends, making them a convenient option for busy people seeking care outside standard hours.
Urgent care centres are all about speed, convenience, and quality care for non-emergencies—giving you peace of mind without the long wait or high cost of the ER.
The emergency room - When is it necessary?
The emergency room (ER) is the frontline for life-threatening and severe medical conditions. It’s where you should go when every second counts, as ER teams are equipped to handle critical situations that require immediate intervention.
What conditions should be treated in the ER?
The ER is the best place for emergencies that can’t wait, such as:
- Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack
- Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Severe trauma, including head injuries or major bleeding
- Stroke symptoms like sudden weakness, confusion, or loss of coordination
- Serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
These are just a few examples, but ultimately, anything that feels life-threatening should be treated as an emergency.
Comparing wait times and efficiency: Urgent care vs. ER
When it comes to medical care, wait times can make a big difference in your experience. Urgent care centres and emergency rooms operate differently, which directly impacts how quickly you’re seen.
Why is urgent care faster?
Because they focus on minor illnesses and injuries, you’re likely to be treated much faster than in an emergency room. For conditions like sprains, minor cuts, or flu symptoms, urgent care is a highly efficient option.
Why does the ER take longer?
In the ER, critical cases are always the top priority. Using a triage system, patients with life-threatening emergencies - like heart attacks or strokes - are treated first. This means those with less urgent needs may face longer waits, sometimes hours, especially during peak times.
The takeaway
If your condition isn’t severe or life-threatening, urgent care is the smarter choice for quick, efficient treatment. However, for emergencies, the ER is essential, even if the wait is longer. Understanding this distinction can save you time and ensure you get the right care when you need it most.
How much is urgent care without insurance?
Up front Urgent care fees at St Johncentres can range between $167.85 and $309.20, depending on the day and the services provided. After Medicare rebates, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $125 to $175, but without a Medicare card, these rebates don’t apply, and the full upfront amount is required. You can read more about urgent care fee structures here.
FAQs about urgent care
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about urgent care.
Does urgent care do X-rays?
Yes, most urgent care centres can perform X-rays. They’re equipped to diagnose conditions like fractures, sprains, and chest infections. If you suspect a bone injury or need imaging for a non-life-threatening issue, urgent care is a convenient option.
Does urgent care do stitches?
In many cases, yes. It is always recommended to check with your local centre to guarantee specific services.
Does urgent care do STD testing?
Yes, many urgent care clinics offer STD testing. They provide a discreet and quick way to get tested, often without needing an appointment. Always check with your local centre for specific services.
What does it mean when someone is in urgent care?
Being in urgent care means a person is receiving treatment for a non-life-threatening medical issue that requires prompt attention. This could include illnesses, minor injuries, or infections. Urgent care bridges the gap between routine GP visits and emergency care.
What is the difference between urgent care and GP?
Urgent care is designed for walk-in visits to treat immediate but non-life-threatening conditions, often with extended hours. A GP, on the other hand, focuses on ongoing health management, preventive care, and appointments for non-urgent concerns.
Should I go to urgent care for muscle strain?
Yes, urgent care can treat muscle strains. They can assess the severity of the strain, provide pain relief, and recommend treatments like rest, ice, or compression. For severe pain or suspected tears, they may refer you for further care.
Is urgent care the same as A&E?
No, urgent care and A&E (Accident & Emergency) are not the same. Urgent care handles minor illnesses and injuries, while A&E is for life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, or severe trauma. Choose based on the severity of your condition.
Final thoughts on Urgent Care
Choosing between urgent care and the emergency room doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By understanding the differences—like what each can treat, wait times, and costs - you can make a more informed decision when it matters most.
Your health and safety should always come first, so when in doubt, trust your instincts and seek medical attention. In the meantime, check out the other handy resources in our Health Hub.
Please note: Kirsty's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your healthcare professional.