Healthcare Resources in Galveston County
Galveston County sits between a major teaching hospital and some of the highest uninsured rates on the Gulf Coast — which means care is here, but knowing which door to walk through is the hard part. From the island to Texas City, La Marque, and Dickinson, Texas Health Help connects families to sliding-scale clinics, charity care at UTMB, mental health support, and free rides to appointments. Bolivar Peninsula residents face a ferry ride to reach most providers, so we help plan appointments around transportation, not the other way around.
Free · Confidential · 24/7 · No insurance, no cost, no judgment
Clinics in Galveston County that won't turn you away
These clinics serve patients regardless of ability to pay. If you're uninsured, say so when you call — they have sliding-scale programs built for you.
Coastal Health & Wellness — Galveston
4700 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77551
(409) 938-2234 www.coastalhw.orgSliding-scale medical, dental, and behavioral health for uninsured and underinsured residents. Fees are based on household income.
Coastal Health & Wellness — Texas City
9850-B Emmett F Lowry Expy, Texas City, TX 77591
(409) 938-2234 www.coastalhw.orgMainland location with the same sliding-scale fees — often easier to reach than the island clinic.
St. Vincent's House Clinic
2817 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 763-8521 www.stvhope.orgStudent-run clinics with UTMB in partnership with community volunteers: primary care, vision, and specialty nights for uninsured islanders.
Where to go for urgent and emergency care
UTMB Health — John Sealy Hospital
301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555
(409) 772-1011 www.utmbhealth.com24/7 emergency care. Ask Patient Financial Services about the financial assistance (charity care) application — it can reduce or erase a bill even after you're discharged.
UTMB Health — League City Campus
2240 Gulf Fwy S, League City, TX 77573
(832) 505-1000North-county emergency and inpatient care for League City, Dickinson, and Friendswood families.
HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland
6801 Emmett F Lowry Expy, Texas City, TX 77591
(409) 938-5000Full-service mainland hospital serving Texas City, La Marque, and Hitchcock.
Medical emergency? Call 911 right away. Emergency rooms must treat you regardless of insurance or ability to pay under federal law (EMTALA).
Behavioral health & crisis support
The Gulf Coast Center
123 Rosenberg St, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 763-2373 www.gulfcoastcenter.orgCounseling, psychiatry, substance-use services, and IDD support on a sliding fee scale for Galveston and Brazoria counties.
Gulf Coast Center 24/7 Crisis Line
Free, confidential crisis help any time, day or night.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate support anywhere in Texas.
In crisis right now? Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7.
Transportation Assistance
- Island Transit runs fixed routes across Galveston Island, including stops near UTMB and Coastal Health & Wellness.
- Connect Transit serves Texas City, La Marque, and Dickinson with fixed routes and curb-to-curb rides for eligible riders.
- Texas Medicaid members get free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to covered visits — book at least 2 business days ahead.
- Bolivar Peninsula residents: the Galveston–Port Bolivar ferry is free, but wait times run long on weekends. Schedule morning appointments when possible.
- Call us and we'll help arrange a ride, including volunteer drivers for appointments the bus routes don't reach.
Medicaid & CHIP Help
- Apply for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF at YourTexasBenefits.com — or let us submit it with you, free.
- Pregnancy Medicaid covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months postpartum. UTMB and Coastal Health & Wellness both accept it.
- Coastal Health & Wellness has certified application counselors on site who can enroll you the same day.
- If you're over Medicaid income limits, ask us about CHIP for kids and Marketplace plans with subsidies.
Senior Services
- Galveston County Senior Citizens Program offers congregate and home-delivered meals plus benefit counseling.
- H-GAC Area Agency on Aging: (713) 627-3200 — caregiver support, benefits counseling, and in-home services.
- Medicare counseling is free through the Texas HICAP program; we can connect you.
- Ask about respite care if you're caring for an older parent or spouse at home.
Community Organizations
- Galveston County Food Bank, Texas City: (409) 945-4232 — pantry network across the county.
- St. Vincent's House, Galveston: food, clothing, and social services alongside the clinic.
- Catholic Charities Galveston-Houston: rent, utility, and disaster recovery assistance.
- Dial 2-1-1 for a live referral to local utility, rent, and food help.
Read the Galveston County services guide
A printable walkthrough of every clinic, hospital, food pantry, crisis line, ride option, and benefits program listed on this page — with phone numbers you can call today.
Open the Galveston County guideStatewide guides for everyone in Texas
Texas Medicaid Eligibility
Income limits and how to apply for free health coverage.
CHIP for Children
Low-cost coverage for kids in working families.
Apply for SNAP
Food-stamp income limits and step-by-step help.
Free Rides to the Doctor
NEMT transportation for Medicaid members.
Free & Low-Cost Clinics
Find sliding-scale clinics across Texas.
Senior Support
Medicare and benefits help for older Texans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see a doctor in Galveston County without insurance?+
Coastal Health & Wellness in Galveston and Texas City charges on a sliding scale based on your income, and St. Vincent's House runs free and low-cost clinics on the island. Bring a photo ID and proof of income if you have it — you can still be seen if you don't.
Can UTMB reduce my hospital bill?+
Often yes. UTMB has a financial assistance (charity care) program for patients under certain income limits, and you can apply after treatment. Ask Patient Financial Services for the application — we can help you gather pay stubs and fill it out.
How do I get to my appointment if I don't drive?+
Island Transit covers Galveston Island and Connect Transit covers Texas City, La Marque, and Dickinson. Medicaid members also qualify for free NEMT rides. Call us and we'll help schedule it.
Who do I call for a mental health crisis in Galveston County?+
Call or text 988, or reach the Gulf Coast Center 24/7 crisis line at 1-866-729-3848. Both are free and confidential, and no insurance is required.
Is Texas Health Help really free?+
Yes. We're a community nonprofit. Helping you find a clinic, apply for Medicaid or CHIP, or arrange transportation never costs anything. We don't bill you or your insurance.
Need help finding care in Galveston County?
Tell us your city and situation — our community navigators will point you to the nearest clinic, help you apply for Medicaid or CHIP, and arrange a ride if you need one. Always free.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help (Community Health Access Hub Texas) is a community nonprofit, not a government agency or medical provider. We do not determine eligibility, approve benefits, or provide medical care. Clinic details are provided for convenience and may change — call ahead to confirm hours, services, and costs. This page is general educational information, not medical, legal, or financial advice.