Can I Afford Direct Primary Care?(Hint: It May Cost Less Than You Think)

One of the biggest questions families have when they hear about Direct Primary Care (DPC) is:
“Can I really afford this?”

The answer is often yes—especially when you compare it to what you’re already paying (or being charged) with traditional insurance-based care. Here's how the costs really break down.

💸 What You’re Likely Paying Now With Insurance

Even if you have insurance, you’re probably still spending money on:

• Copays every time you visit

• High deductibles you have to meet before coverage kicks in

• Urgent care visits that can cost $100–$300

• Surprise bills after labs, tests, or imaging

• Limited access that forces you to miss work or seek expensive last-minute care

Many families with insurance still pay hundreds or thousands a year out of pocket—especially with high-deductible plans or limited network access.

✅ What You Pay With DPC

With a DPC membership, your costs are predictable and transparent. For one flat monthly fee (often less than your cell phone or streaming bill), you get:

• Unlimited visits (in person, telehealth, or sometimes even home-based)

• No copays, ever!

• Longer appointment times- 30 to 60 minutes!

• Same-day or next-day access

• Texting, emailing, or calling your doctor directly

• Discounted labs and procedures

There are no surprise bills, no hidden fees, and no insurance games.

🧮 Let’s Talk Real Numbers

Here’s how costs compare in real life:

With Insurance

• $30–$50 per office visit

• $100+ per urgent care visit

• $200–$400 for labs or tests

• $150+ telehealth visit if out of network

• 10–15 minute appointments

• Deductibles of $1,500–$5,000+

With DPC

• Flat monthly rate

• $0 per visit

• $0 for telehealth

• Discounted labs and medications

• Direct access to your doctor!

• No deductibles, no copays, no facility fees

Even if you keep a high-deductible or catastrophic plan, your day-to-day care is far more affordable through DPC.

🧠 “But What If There’s an Emergency?”

DPC isn’t meant to replace insurance for major events—it replaces using insurance for primary and urgent care. Many families pair:

• A low-cost high-deductible plan or cost-sharing plan
  +

• A DPC membership

They end up spending less overall than they would with a traditional low-deductible insurance plan.

💰 When DPC Saves You the Most

You’re likely to save money with DPC if you:

• Have a high-deductible plan

• Are uninsured or self-employed

• Have multiple kids who get sick often

• Pay out of pocket for urgent care visits

• Are tired of surprise bills

• Want easier access without extra fees

• Value time, convenience, and continuity of care

Even one avoided emergency care trip can cover several months of membership.

👍 So…Can You Afford DPC?

If you’re already paying:

• Copays,

• Deductibles,

• Urgent care bills,

• Or surprise balances…

…then you’re already paying for primary care—just in a more stressful, unpredictable way.

With DPC, you replace those surprise costs with one clear, flat fee and better access to your doctor.

For many families, DPC isn’t an added cost—it’s a smarter way to spend what they’re already paying.