Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Heart Valve Replacement Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement | $80,000 – $150,000 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve) | $100,000 – $200,000 | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Mitral Valve Repair | $70,000 – $130,000 | $5,000 – $18,000 |
| Mitral Valve Replacement | $80,000 – $160,000 | $6,000 – $22,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: 33405
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Medically necessary — covered after deductible; usually hits out-of-pocket maximum
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Heart valve replacement costs $80,000 to $200,000 without insurance. TAVR is typically the most expensive option.
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve through a catheter, avoiding open-heart surgery.
Mechanical valves can last a lifetime but require blood thinners. Biological valves last 10-20 years without blood thinners.