When you search for the best PRP treatment near me, your insurance coverage plays a huge role in what options you can actually afford.
Most people don’t realize how much their specific insurance plan affects which providers they can see and how much they’ll pay out of pocket for this innovative therapy.
Most Insurance Plans Don’t Cover PRP Yet
Here’s the reality: most major insurance companies still classify PRP therapy as experimental.
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare generally don’t provide coverage for PRP injections, labeling them as investigational or unproven treatments.
These companies want to see more large-scale clinical trials before they’ll change their policies.
The only exception right now is TRICARE, which previously offered provisional coverage for PRP injections for chronic knee osteoarthritis and tennis elbow through September 2024. However, even this limited coverage has ended.
Insurance Company Breakdown
| Insurance Provider | PRP Coverage Status | Reason for Non-Coverage |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Not covered | Classified as investigational |
| Cigna | Not covered | Considered unproven and experimental |
| Aetna | Not covered | Insufficient evidence available |
| UnitedHealthcare | Not covered | No coverage for any PRP therapy |
| Medicare | Not covered | Experimental treatment classification |
| TRICARE | Limited coverage ended 2024 | Previous provisional program expired |
Medicare only covers autologous PRP for chronic non-healing diabetic, pressure, and venous wounds under very specific clinical study conditions, and only for applications approved before August 2014.
Provider Networks Make a Big Difference
Your insurance network affects your PRP options in two key ways. First, you need to find doctors who actually offer PRP therapy – not all orthopedic specialists or pain management doctors provide this treatment.
Second, since insurance rarely covers PRP, whether your doctor is in-network or out-of-network mainly affects your consultation costs, not the PRP treatment itself.
In 2024, several insurers have begun reconsidering their stance on PRP therapy, expanding coverage to include treatments that were previously considered elective or experimental.
This means the landscape is slowly changing, but you still need to check with your specific insurance company about recent policy updates.
Smart Out-of-Pocket Strategies That Actually Work
Since you’ll likely pay for PRP yourself, here are proven ways to make it more affordable:
Use Your HSA or FSA Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can cover PRP treatments since they’re considered eligible medical expenses. For 2024, you can contribute up to $3,850 for individuals and $7,750 for families to HSAs, plus catch-up contributions if you’re over 55.
Ask About Payment Plans Many clinics offer financing options like CareCredit, which allows you to pay for medical procedures with zero interest over set periods. Most providers understand the financial burden and will work with you on payment schedules.
Get a Letter of Medical Necessity If PRP is recommended for a medical condition rather than cosmetic reasons, your doctor can write a letter of medical necessity that might help with insurance appeals or HSA/FSA approval.
Real PRP Costs You Should Expect
PRP treatments typically cost around $900 for the first treatment area and about $1,100 for two areas.
On average, PRP injections range from $500 to $2,500 per session, depending on the treatment area, number of injections, and provider expertise.
Cost Breakdown by Treatment Type
| Treatment Area | Average Cost Range | Sessions Typically Needed |
| Knee joint | $800-$1,200 | 1-3 sessions |
| Shoulder | $700-$1,100 | 1-2 sessions |
| Hair restoration | $1,500-$2,500 | 3-4 sessions |
| Facial rejuvenation | $600-$1,000 | 2-3 sessions |
Medical treatments for injuries or chronic pain are generally more affordable than aesthetic procedures like hair restoration or facial treatments.
Finding the Right Provider in Your Network
Even though insurance won’t cover the PRP itself, you still want to find a provider who takes your insurance for consultations and follow-up visits. Here’s how to do it smartly:
Start by checking your insurance company’s provider directory for orthopedic specialists, sports medicine doctors, or pain management physicians. Then call their offices directly to ask if they offer PRP therapy.
Some providers offer affordable PRP therapy treatment plans that may complement partial insurance reimbursement if it’s part of a broader pain management strategy.
Important questions to ask potential providers:
- Do you accept my insurance for consultations?
- What’s your experience with PRP treatments?
- Do you offer payment plans or accept HSA/FSA cards?
- What’s included in the treatment cost?
When Insurance Might Actually Help
While rare, there are situations where you might get some insurance support.
Insurance companies are more likely to cover PRP if you’ve already tried other treatments like medications, physical therapy, or surgery without success. Document your treatment history carefully.
Some insurance plans might offer partial reimbursement for PRP when it’s part of a broader pain management strategy, even if they don’t cover the entire treatment.
Always ask your insurance company about appeals processes and alternative coverage options.
The insurance landscape for PRP is evolving. With more clinical studies underway and increasing demand from patients and doctors, PRP could soon become a mainstream, insured treatment. Recent smaller studies showing PRP’s benefits for joint injuries and osteoarthritis are slowly gaining insurers’ attention.
For now, your best PRP treatment near me will likely be one that offers transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and takes your insurance for consultations and follow-up care.
The key is finding experienced providers who understand both the medical and financial aspects of PRP therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover PRP therapy?
Answer: Most major insurers (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare) do not cover PRP, calling it experimental. TRICARE briefly covered knee osteoarthritis and tennis elbow, but that ended in 2024. Coverage could change in the future as new studies emerge.
Are there any exceptions where insurance might help?
Answer: Rarely. Sometimes, if you’ve already tried standard treatments (like medications, PT, or surgery), insurers may offer partial reimbursement or help with consultation costs. A letter of medical necessity from your doctor may strengthen appeals.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for PRP therapy?
Answer: Yes. Since PRP is considered a medical expense, you can pay with HSA or FSA funds. In 2024, contribution limits are $3,850 for individuals and $7,750 for families.
Why is PRP not covered by most insurers yet?
Answer: Insurers classify PRP as “experimental” or “investigational” due to limited large-scale clinical trials. They’re waiting for stronger long-term evidence, though policies are slowly evolving.
What costs will insurance still cover if PRP isn’t included?
Answer: Your insurance may cover consultations, follow-ups, imaging, and labs if your provider is in-network. The PRP injections themselves are usually the out-of-pocket expense.
Is PRP more expensive for cosmetic treatments than medical ones?
Answer: Yes. Medical PRP (joints, injuries, chronic pain) usually costs less than aesthetic PRP (hair restoration, facials). Cosmetic PRP requires more sessions and is always elective.
Will PRP ever be fully covered by insurance?
Answer: Possibly. The insurance landscape is changing as more studies prove PRP’s effectiveness. Some insurers are already reconsidering policies for joint conditions and osteoarthritis.
