Allergy treatment costs vary enormously depending on your treatment approach. For mild seasonal allergies, generic antihistamines cost a few dollars a month. For immunotherapy programs designed to reduce long-term sensitivity, costs run hundreds to thousands of dollars over multiple years. Understanding the full spectrum helps you choose the right level of intervention for your situation.
Symptom Management Medication Costs
| Medication | Generic Available | Monthly Cost (Generic) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine (Zyrtec) | Yes (OTC) | $5–$15 | Non-drowsy antihistamine |
| Loratadine (Claritin) | Yes (OTC) | $5–$12 | Non-drowsy antihistamine |
| Fexofenadine (Allegra) | Yes (OTC) | $8–$15 | Non-drowsy; no sedation |
| Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase) | Yes (OTC) | $10–$20 | Most effective for nasal symptoms |
| Montelukast (Singulair) | Yes (Rx) | $15–$40 | Rx; useful for asthma + allergies |
| Prescription antihistamines | Varies | $20–$60 | When OTC options insufficient |
Allergy Testing Costs
- Skin prick testing (standard panel): $200–$500; often partially covered by insurance with allergy diagnosis
- Blood IgE testing (standard panel): $200–$600; similar insurance coverage
- Comprehensive testing (both): $400–$800 total
- At-home tests: $50–$200 (lower accuracy; limited clinical utility without follow-up interpretation)
Allergy Immunotherapy Costs
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) — Allergy Shots
Traditional allergy shots require weekly clinic visits during a build-up phase (6–12 months) followed by monthly maintenance injections for 3–5 years. Total treatment cost over 3–5 years is significant but often partially covered by insurance.
- Allergen extract preparation: $500–$1,000 per year
- Injection visit administration fees: $20–$50 per visit × 30–50 visits/year in build-up
- Annual total (build-up phase): $1,000–$3,000
- Annual total (maintenance): $500–$1,500
- 3–5 year program total: $3,000–$10,000 (significant insurance coverage common)
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) — Allergy Drops
Sublingual allergy drops deliver allergen extract under the tongue daily at home — eliminating weekly clinic visits. SLIT is not FDA-approved in the US (unlike in Europe) but is widely prescribed off-label. Most insurance does not cover SLIT, making it cash-pay.
- Monthly cost: $100–$200
- Annual cost: $1,200–$2,400
- 3–5 year program total: $3,600–$12,000 (primarily self-pay)
FDA-Approved Sublingual Tablets
Several FDA-approved sublingual tablets are available for specific allergens (grass pollen, dust mite, ragweed). These are prescription medications covered by many insurance plans.
- Monthly cost with insurance: $30–$100 copay
- Monthly cost without insurance: $150–$400
Total Annual Cost Scenarios
| Approach | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| OTC symptom management only | $100–$250/year |
| Prescription management + allergist visits | $500–$1,500/year |
| Allergy shots (with insurance) | $500–$2,000/year |
| SLIT drops (self-pay) | $1,200–$2,400/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover allergy shots?
Most insurance plans — including Medicare and Medicaid — cover allergy immunotherapy (shots) when medically indicated and prescribed by a board-certified allergist. Coverage includes the allergen extract preparation and the injection administration visit. Sublingual drops are generally not covered.
Are allergy medications covered by insurance?
Most common allergy medications are now OTC and thus not typically covered by insurance. Prescription medications (montelukast, prescription antihistamines, prescription nasal steroids) are usually covered as generic medications under most insurance formularies.
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