Published by Trustmark Small Business Benefits on June 30th, 2026

Getting hurt or suffering a medical emergency this 4th of July or while on a summer vacation is not on your to-do list. But, summer activities and holiday celebrations do pose risks. Being in an unfamiliar environment, participating in outdoor activities, and attending events can set you or a loved one up for a trip to the ER, or maybe not. 

ER visits aren’t just expensive. Long waits in a stressful environment that exposes you to potential infections can make a bad situation worse. Add in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, high costs, and lack of continuity in care as you recover, and it’s easy to see why going to the emergency room might not be the best option.  


As an insured member, an employer sponsoring healthcare coverage, or a broker seeking the best care approach for every dollar spent, knowing the alternatives to the ER is important. It is all about the right level of care, balanced against a positive experience and value for the money. 

When should I go to the ER? 

For serious injuries or medical issues, getting to an emergency room as fast as possible can save a life and prevent lasting harm. The ER is the best choice if you or your loved one suffers:  

  • Chest pain 
  • Rapid or irregular pulse 
  • Signs of stroke 
  • Severe bleeding 
  • Seizures 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Body temperatures above 103°F 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Serious head injuries 
  • Major burns 
  • Gunshot wounds 
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting 
  • Confusion, disorientation, or unusual behavior 
  • Broken bones with visible signs of a bone or joint out of alignment 
  • Bites by a wild animal that appears ill or that is venomous 
In severe medical emergencies, getting care should be the primary concern, not costs or convenience. This list of conditions is not all-inclusive. 

When should I choose other care options instead of the ER? 

In many situations, the ER is not the best choice. You may get better care faster, with less aggravation and discomfort, and at a lower cost, by choosing an ER alternative. In some cases, you can be in and out and on your way to getting better in under an hour, and in others, you don’t even have to leave your location.

Here are some alternatives to the ER, along with some advice about when each one is possibly the better option.

What conditions can be treated through telemedicine? 

Connect to a qualified healthcare provider by phone or by video call. They can answer your questions, evaluate certain conditions, and recommend care without you having to go anywhere. Many, but not all, telemedicine services are available 24/7. Start with telemedicine for conditions like: 

  • Pink eye or red, irritated eyes after a visit to the pool or beach 
  • Rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or similar plants 
  • Severe sunburn 
  • Minor insect bites or bee stings 
  • Cold, flu, or COVID symptoms 
  • Ear pain after swimming 
  • Urinary tract infections 
  • Mild dehydration or heat-related symptoms 
  • Mild digestive issues 
  • Allergy flare-ups 

Review your health plan to connect with a telemedicine provider licensed in your state and included in your coverage.

When should I choose urgent care vs. the ER?  

You can walk into an urgent care facility for illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention. They are ideal when your issue is not so serious that you need full hospital-level emergency care. Many have X-ray equipment, can administer IVs, can close wounds with stitches, run lab tests, issue prescriptions, and perform hands-on evaluations. 

Most have extended hours, making them more convenient than a regular doctor’s office, however few operate 24/7. Typical hours are between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends and holidays. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times.  

Facilities and capabilities vary, but most can handle: 

  • Minor burns  
  • Sprains and strains
  • Dehydration  
  • Ear infections  
  • Wounds and bites that risk infection 
  • Rashes and skin reactions to poison ivy 
  • Cuts that may require stitches  
  • Minor fractures  
  • Fever and other signs of illness 

When should I go to a retail clinic? 

These healthcare facilities are often located inside a chain pharmacy or grocery store such as CVS MinuteClinic and Kroger’s The Little Clinic. They are a convenient place for basic healthcare services. What each one can handle varies quite a bit, however most can typically provide: 

  • Vaccinations 
  • Sore throat evaluations 
  • Minor illnesses diagnosis and treatment 
  • Simple diagnostic testing 
  • Over-the-counter treatment recommendations 
  • Referrals for further care 
Planning Ahead Controls Costs with Better Outcomes 

Covered members: If you are traveling away from home or are planning activities out of your ordinary routine, think about your care options in advance. You won’t be left trying to figure things out in an emergency or under stress. Locate your hospital options and check their reviews. You’ll know where to go when seconds count. At the same time, identify the nearest urgent care and retail clinics and check their hours. Take a look into your plan details and note your telehealth options and contact details. You’ll have the information handy if you need it. 

Employers: Before your staff heads out to the fireworks or vacations, give them an update on their healthcare coverage and what to do if they fall sick or get injured. Let them know the alternatives to the ER and when other options may give them better care. 

Brokers: Remind employers of the high costs of unneeded visits to the ER and how ER overuse can impact their plan performance. Provide them with information that they can share with employees to educate and remind people of when it makes sense to choose ER alternatives. 

Cut Costs Without Cutting Care or Coverage 

The cost of getting care varies by your geographic location, the facility you use, and the health issue you are dealing with. Emergency rooms are the most expensive by far: 

Care Setting Typical Cost*
Telemedicine $55 - $100
Retail Clinic $75 - $150
Urgent Care $140 - $260
Emergency Room $450 - $1,550

Avoiding the ER when you have better options can save money, and that is good for everyone. 

Your care choices matter. Choosing the right place for care helps you get better results and helps keep costs down so your employer can continue offering quality coverage. 

If you are an employer, reminding your covered members get the right level of care for every dollar spent helps you manage plan performance. Capturing savings while still providing top-notch care keeps your plan sustainable over the long term. Over-use of the ER contributes to overall claims costs. 

For brokers, advising employers and their covered members on the pros and cons of going to the emergency room versus ER alternatives helps manage costs while maintaining benefits. While overuse of ER won’t necessarily impact renewal rates, it can affect stop loss coverage and plan surpluses. With wise choices, you’ll have stronger client conversations during renewal planning. 

Smart Healthcare Coverage Options that Contain Costs with Quality Coverage 

Trustmark offers a variety of options…. 

Our Major Medical Plans 

Trustmark HealthyEdgeSM PPO Plans 

This PPO plan uses a network of contracted providers to help you save money. You’ll pay less when you choose in-network doctors and hospitals. You can go out-of-network, but it may cost more. If you currently have this plan, check your member portal or ID card to confirm your network and find providers. 

Trustmark Healthy ChoicesSM Reference-Based Pricing (RBP) Plans 

Our RBP plan is designed for cost transparency and provider flexibility. Instead of a traditional PPO network, this plan reimburses providers based on a benchmark, typically a percentage above Medicare rates. Key features include the freedom to see any willing provider. If a provider bills you extra (a “balance bill”), members have balance bill protection and support from Trusted Member Care. 

If you currently have this plan, login and access the "FAQs" and “Trustmark Healthy Choices Health Plan Guide”, an essential year-round resource for provider tips, balance bill steps and quick links. 

Additional Non-Major Medical Plans

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): If your employer offers an HRA, it can help offset eligible medical expenses — making your benefits even more affordable 

Trustmark Preventive PlusSM Plans: Some employers include this option for preventive-only coverage. Check your member portal for details 

Our major medical plans come with smart services and tools to help cut costs and get quality care. Here’s what’s available: 

Valenz Bluebook: Compare provider costs and quality service transparency tools to help find high value providers 

Included Health: Get expert medical second opinions 

Vori Health: Virtual care for back, neck and joint pain 

Teladoc® Health: 24/7 virtual care for nonemergency general medical care, dermatology and mental health support 

Trusted Member Care: Help with bills, claims and coverage questions 

Smart Healthcare Coverage Options  

Choosing where to get care ensures you get the help you need in the fastest and least disruptive way possible. Avoid hours waiting for care, unnecessary costs, and out-of-pocket charges when you choose the right alternatives to the ER.  

About Trustmark®

Smarter health plans, backed by experience. 

For more than 110 years, Trustmark has been a leader in employee benefits, bringing decades of self-funded expertise to flexible, modern health plans that help employers manage healthcare responsibly. 

Trustmark Small Business Benefits® level-funded solutions, which include PPO plans with access to national networks through Aetna® and Cigna® PPO Network, Reference-Based Pricing, and dual-option designs, give employers real transparency, predictable monthly costs, and the potential for surplus refunds. Employees receive benefits they can easily use, and brokers get a partner who has delivered stability and service for decades.* 

*Cigna® is a trademark of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Access provided through the Aetna Signature Administrators solution. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When should I go to the ER instead of urgent care? 

You should go to the emergency room for serious or life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, major burns, serious head injuries, heat stroke, or broken bones where the limb appears bent or out of place. 

What conditions can be treated through telemedicine? 

Telemedicine is a convenient care option for non-emergency conditions such as pink eye, rashes, poison ivy, allergies, urinary tract infections, cold and flu symptoms, ear pain, minor insect bites, mild digestive issues, and medication-related questions. 

How much does an ER visit cost compared to urgent care or telemedicine? 

Costs vary by location, provider, and condition, but telemedicine visits can range from $55 to $100, retail clinics from $75 to $150, urgent care from $140 to $260, and emergency room visits from $450 to $1,550 or more.* 

What is the difference between urgent care and a retail clinic? 

Urgent care centers treat a wider range of illnesses and injuries and may offer services such as X-rays, stitches, lab testing, and treatment for minor fractures. Retail clinics typically provide basic care for minor illnesses, vaccinations, health screenings, and simple diagnostic services. 

Are telemedicine visits available 24/7? 

Many telemedicine services offer 24/7 access, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Availability varies by provider and health plan, so it is a good idea to review your coverage before you need care.

What should I do if I get sick while traveling or on vacation? 

Before traveling, identify nearby hospitals, urgent care centers, and retail clinics, and review your telemedicine benefits. If you become ill, choose the care setting that matches the severity of your condition. For life-threatening emergencies, seek immediate emergency care. 

Can urgent care handle stitches or minor fractures? 

Yes. Many urgent care centers can clean and close wounds, provide stitches, perform X-rays, treat sprains and strains, and evaluate minor fractures. More serious injuries may require emergency room care. 

*For illustrative purposes only. Based on 2025 claim information from Trustmark Small Business Benefits. 

Plan design availability and/or coverage may vary by state. Plans are administered by Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., and stop-loss insurance and ancillary coverage are provided by Trustmark Life Insurance Company. Trustmark®, Trustmark HealthyEdgeSM, Trustmark Healthy ChoicesSM, Trustmark Preventive PlusSM and Trustmark Small Business Benefits® are trademarks of Trustmark Insurance Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, which are not affiliates of Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., and Trustmark Life Insurance Company.

© 2026 Star Marketing and Administration, Inc.