Can I go to the doctor on my own if I'm under 18?

Yes, IF you:

• are not living with your parents or legal guardian, and you take care of your own personal financial affairs OR

• have been married OR

• have given birth. You can consent (give the okay) for health services for your minor child OR

• want help for pregnancy, venereal disease or drug abuse, or to get the hepatitis B vaccination

• A doctor or health care professional, in good faith, trusts your statements about your circumstances, and may treat you without getting your parent’s consent.  

• A doctor or health care professional may tell your parents about treatments they gave you or treatments you need if they feel that it’s not safe to keep the information from your parents.  

• Many family doctors will treat their minor patients confidentially, but if you’re not sure, ask beforehand.

• If you get treatment and use your parent’s insurance information, the insurance company will send your parents a notice about the services.

No, IF you consented to and got health services and you:

• are not living with your parents or legal guardian, and you take care of your own personal financial affairs OR

• have been married OR

• have given birth OR

• want help for pregnancy, venereal disease or drug abuse, or to get the hepatitis B vaccination

• If you give consent for health services, the bills are your responsibility.

• You can go to a public health clinic to get confidential advice and treatment. These clinics are usually cheaper and/or make it easier for minors to pay.

• You may be able to get Medical Assistance (MA). For more information go to the Medical Assistance page on the MN Department of Human Services website at www.mn.gov/dhs.

If you have a medical, dental or mental health emergency and you need help with it right away, a doctor can treat you without getting your parent’s consent.