Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| External Beam Radiation (per session) | $500 – $2,000 | $100 – $400 |
| Full Course IMRT (25-35 sessions) | $15,000 – $50,000 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SBRT) | $10,000 – $30,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Brachytherapy | $8,000 – $25,000 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: 77385
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 for cancer treatment; total cost depends on number of sessions
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
A full course of radiation therapy costs $10,000 to $50,000+ without insurance. Sessions are typically given 5 days a week for 4-7 weeks.
Side effects depend on the treatment area and include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized effects. Most side effects are temporary.
Yes, radiation therapy for cancer is covered. Patients may still face significant costs through coinsurance until reaching their out-of-pocket maximum.