How to Save on 6 Types of Dermatology Medications Insurance May Not Cover

Dermatology medications can treat a wide range of conditions, from acne to hair loss. But many of these treatments are considered cosmetic (for appearances only). This means that they’re less likely to be covered by prescription insurance plans.

If your insurance doesn’t cover a dermatology medication, there are ways to help lower the cost. Below, we’ll cover common self-pay dermatology medications and ways to save on these prescriptions.

1. How to save on topical retinoids for anti-aging

Topical retinoids can help reduce fine lines and improve uneven skin tone. Some are FDA approved for this, but others are prescribed off-label. Insurance plans are less likely to cover off-label prescriptions. And anti-aging isn’t typically seen as a medical need. So it’s common to self-pay for topical retinoids.

The charts below show common prescription retinoids that may not be covered by insurance, their average cash price, and how to save on their cost. Note that in some cases, brand-name Retin-A may be more affordable than the generic version. Be sure to tell your prescriber and pharmacy if you prefer a brand-name product — they may need to adjust how your prescription is written and filled.

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

2. How to save on hair-loss medications

Medications that treat hair loss are also often considered cosmetic. In many cases, you’ll need to self-pay for these medications.

The charts below show common prescription medications for hair loss that may not be covered by insurance, their average cash price, and how to save on their cost.

3. Medications for eyelash growth and droopy eyelids

Two unique cosmetic medications are Latisse (bimatoprost) for eyelash growth and Upneeq (oxymetazoline) for drooping eyelids. These are often self-pay dermatology medications, since their use is cosmetic instead of medical. But there are still ways to reduce the cost of these treatments, as shown in the charts below.

4. Rosacea

Many prescription treatments for rosacea are covered by insurance. This is especially true for older medications with lower-cost generics, such as metronidazole gel (Metrogel) and azelaic acid (Finacea).

But newer rosacea medications are less likely to have insurance coverage or may have a higher copay than expected. Thankfully, many of these products have savings programs or other ways to reduce your cost. The charts below show the average cash price of common self-pay rosacea medications along with ways to save.

5. Hyperpigmentation and melasma

Several topical prescription medications can help with skin discoloration due to conditions such as melasma or hyperpigmentation. Treating dark sports or skin discoloration is generally considered cosmetic, since these conditions typically aren’t harmful. So it’s common for insurance to deny coverage for these medications.

These charts show common prescription medications for skin discoloration that may not be covered by insurance, their average cash price, and how to save on their cost.

6. Topical nail antifungals

Topical liquid medications can help treat toenail fungus. But they aren’t as effective as oral options. Here are some options (often not covered by insurance) with average cash price and other ways to save.

Other ways to save

If you’re still having trouble accessing your dermatology medication at an affordable price, here are some other things to try:

• Consider GoodRx Companion: You can access over 250 medications for free and hundreds more for under $10 per month with a GoodRx Companion subscription. This program also includes benefits to help you cut your other self-pay costs, such as lower prices for telehealth, discounts on dental care, and other healthcare savings.

• Compare pharmacy prices: Out-of-pocket prices can differ between pharmacies, even within the same area. GoodRx can help you compare prices and transfer your prescription to a more affordable location if needed.

• Ask your prescriber for an alternative: There may be a different medication for your condition or an OTC option that’s more affordable or more likely to be covered by your insurance.

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Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC is a senior pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019.

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