Find Care Near You

Use these resources to locate the right facility for your situation.

How Health Care Works in the United States

The health care system in the United States works differently from many countries. There is no universal public health system, most people have private health insurance through their employer or purchase it independently. However, several important protections apply to all visitors regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Types of Care

Choosing the right type of care for your situation can save time and reduce cost. Use the most appropriate option for your symptoms.

Not sure what care you need? Visit our If You Feel Sick page for a quick guide.

Emergency Care

Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency. Emergency dispatchers can provide guidance over the phone and will send help to your location. Do not drive yourself or someone else to the emergency room if the condition is severe.

• Tell the dispatcher your location and what is happening
• Stay on the line, dispatchers can give instructions while help is on the way
• All New Jersey hospital emergency departments are required by federal law to provide care regardless of your ability to pay, insurance status, or immigration status
• You will be asked to provide identifying information and insurance details, but care will not be withheld if you cannot

Urgent Care

Urgent care centers treat non-emergency illness and injury. They do not require an appointment and accept walk-ins. Most are open evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Common conditions treated include fever, nausea, minor injuries, rashes, cold and flu symptoms, and ear or throat pain
• Most urgent care centers have on-site X-ray and basic lab testing
• Visit times are typically shorter than emergency departments
• Costs are lower than an emergency room but vary by facility and insurance status

Community Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based health care providers that receive federal funding to serve underserved populations. They provide comprehensive care regardless of a patient's ability to pay, using a sliding-scale fee structure based on income.

• Available to everyone, including people without insurance or documentation
• Services include primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy
• Fees are adjusted based on your income — some patients pay nothing
• An appointment is typically required but same-day appointments may be available

Sexual Health

Confidential sexual health services are available across New Jersey, including STI testing and treatment, PrEP, and reproductive health care.

• Find STI Testing - CDC
• NJ STI Information
• Find Reproductive Health Care Services in New Jersey
• Birth Control Resources in New Jersey
• Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey

Mental Health

Free, confidential mental health support is available 24/7 in New Jersey and across the United States.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for free, confidential support in multiple languages. Available 24/7 for emotional distress, crisis, or concerns about yourself or someone you know.
• NJ Mental Health Cares — Call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) to be connected to mental health services in New Jersey.
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis support via text message.

Poison Control

The New Jersey Poison Control Center provides free, confidential guidance for poisoning emergencies and questions — including accidental ingestion of medications, household chemicals, plants, and food.