How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost?
Key takeaways:
The cost of radiation therapy varies based on the diagnosis and specific treatment. Having insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. A full course of treatment can range from $4,500 to $50,000, which typically includes multiple sessions.
Many insurance plans cover radiation therapy, but there are usually out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Part A will cover radiation therapy if you’re admitted to the hospital, but you’ll have to meet a deductible. Medicare Part B will cover outpatient radiation therapy, but you will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your deductible. The out-of-pocket costs vary among Medicare Advantage plans and other insurance plans.
Depending on your specific condition, you may be eligible for financial assistance from cancer funds and other nonprofit organizations to defray the cost of your radiation therapy.
Table of contents
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is one of the most common treatments for many types of cancer, as well as conditions like noncancerous tumors. This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to shrink tumors, which can cure certain cancers, prevent recurring cancer, and relieve pain in many parts of the body.
The cost of radiation therapy depends on many factors, such as the type of cancer being treated and the treatment plan. Most health insurance plans cover radiation therapy, so insurance status is also a significant factor.
What are the different types of radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is conducted either externally or internally based on your diagnosis and what your healthcare team recommends:
External radiation therapy: An external machine is placed close to the tumor during a hospital stay or outpatient visit to a treatment facility.
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy): A radioactive source such as a catheter, applicator, or seed is placed inside the body near the tumor. Some seeds eventually need to be removed, while others will lose their radioactivity and can be left inside the body permanently.
How much does radiation therapy cost?
The cost of radiation therapy varies but a full course of treatment can range from $4,500 to $50,000, which typically includes multiple sessions. An analysis of U.S. proton therapy center prices published in 2022 found a median cash-pay price of about $4,700 to $6,700 for one treatment session — though some people were billed more than $20,000 for the same service.
If you have insurance, it’s important to note that you will likely reach your out-of-pocket maximum during the year or years you have radiation therapy. Once you reach that cap, your insurance should cover 100% of the costs of your treatment.
Also, keep in mind that it’s possible to experience complications and side effects from radiation therapy that may require other costly treatments and even hospitalization for relief.
Radiation therapy can treat many types of cancer. Breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer are among the cancers that can be treated with radiation therapy.
Side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer: If you’re treated with radiation for prostate cancer, potential side effects include urinary changes and erectile dysfunction.
Care for your skin after radiation therapy: Radiation dermatitis is a potential side effect of radiation therapy. Learn about the symptoms, which can include skin irritation and burning.
Price comparison snapshot
The chart below shows a comparison of estimated radiation therapy treatment prices from Florida Health Price Finder, a healthcare cost transparency site, based on health claims data from 2021 and 2022. These ranges reflect amounts paid by health insurance plans, plus any out-of-pocket costs paid by consumers. Insurance companies typically negotiate prices with healthcare professionals and facilities, so these amounts may be lower than average cash-pay prices.
Radiation therapy type | U.S. average price range | Florida average price range |
$3,274-$14,463 | $2,279-$5,798 | |
$3,754-$25,702 | $2,560-$7,492 |
What factors influence the cost of radiation therapy?
The cost of radiation therapy is determined by many factors, including:
Cancer stage: Radiation therapy can be used for many stages of cancer, but more advanced stages may require more sessions and increase your cost.
Cancer type: The type of cancer you have will determine your radiation therapy treatment plan and your costs. For instance, brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, may be recommended for prostate cancer. However, external radiation therapy may be more suitable for skin cancer.
Frequency of treatment: You will be charged for each radiation therapy session you have. You may only need one session or several dozen. Multiple sessions will increase your costs.
Location: Regions with higher costs of living often have higher prices for medical services. Areas with fewer healthcare professionals that provide radiation therapy can also have higher treatment costs.
Does insurance cover radiation therapy?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover most forms of radiation therapy. But some treatments, such as particle beam radiation therapy — which is only available at select facilities — may not be covered by certain plans. Proton therapy, which is a widely available, common form of radiation therapy, is covered by most insurance plans. Though, you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
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In addition to comprehensive health insurance, there are different types of indemnity health insurance plans, which pay a set amount if you experience a covered medical event. A cancer treatment indemnity insurance plan may cover some of your out-of-pocket costs or pay you a lump sum if you have a cancer diagnosis.
Medicare Part A covers radiation therapy for people admitted to the hospital, after they meet their Part A deductible. Medicare Part B covers outpatient radiation therapy that’s done in an office or freestanding clinic. But enrollees are responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for treatments after meeting their Part B deductible. The out-of-pocket costs for radiation therapy vary among Medicare Advantage plans and other types of health insurance plans.
Ways to reduce the cost of radiation therapy
Here are some ways to reduce the cost of your radiation therapy:
Ask about costs up front. Inquire with your healthcare professionals about the cost of your treatment and, if you have insurance, how much your plan is expected to cover. You can also ask your insurance plan about coverage details, including whether you will need a prior authorization for your radiation therapy
Request a good faith estimate. If you don’t have insurance or intend to self-pay, you can ask your healthcare facility for a good faith estimate, which is a detailed list of expected charges for your treatment. If your bill turns out to be more than $400 above the estimate, you can dispute the charges.
Seek help from cancer funds or assistance programs. Individuals who qualify may receive financial assistance for radiation therapy from organizations such as the Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief program. Eligibility is determined by your condition, as well as other requirements.
What conditions can radiation therapy treat?
Radiation therapy is used for several conditions other than cancer, including:
Are there more affordable alternatives to radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is not the only cancer treatment option. Your healthcare team may recommend other treatments that are more affordable and as effective for your condition. Your options may include:
Surgery: The average cost of surgery for cancer treatment varies. So, in some cases, surgery may not cost less than radiation therapy. For instance, treating prostate cancer by removing the gland averages more than $30,000 without surgeon’s fees.
Chemotherapy: In certain situations, chemotherapy may be more affordable than radiation therapy. For instance, office-based chemotherapy infusions can be less costly than radiation, but outpatient hospital chemotherapy infusions typically cost more.
The bottom line
Radiation therapy can treat many cancers, some noncancerous tumors, and other conditions. The cost for radiation therapy depends on many factors, including which form of radiation therapy is being used and treatment frequency. Although many insurance plans cover radiation therapy, there may still be some out-of-pocket expenses. You may be eligible for financial support from cancer funds and other nonprofit organizations to help reduce the cost of radiation therapy.
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References
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