Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. If you’ve been bitten by an animal or need the vaccine for travel or work, you may wonder: how much does a rabies shot cost?
The cost varies depending on whether it’s a preventive vaccine or post-exposure treatment, where you receive it, and if insurance covers it. Let’s break down rabies shot pricing, insurance coverage, and how to save money on this essential vaccine.
How Much Does a Rabies Shot Cost?
Type of Rabies Shot |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine (For Travelers, Vets, etc.) |
$200 – $400 per dose (3-dose series) |
$0 – $150 per dose |
Post-Exposure Rabies Treatment (After a Bite) |
$3,000 – $10,000+ (Full Treatment) |
$0 – $2,000 (Depends on Plan) |
🔹 Total Cost of Pre-Exposure Series: $600 – $1,200
🔹 Total Cost of Post-Exposure Treatment: $3,000 – $10,000+
Post-exposure rabies treatment is expensive because it includes multiple doses of the vaccine and rabies immune globulin (RIG).
Breakdown of Rabies Post-Exposure Treatment Costs
After a bite or suspected rabies exposure, you need a series of shots. Here’s how the cost adds up:
Treatment Component |
Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
Emergency Room Visit / Doctor Consultation |
$100 – $1,500 |
Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) (Given Day 0) |
$1,000 – $5,000+ |
Rabies Vaccine (4-Dose Series) |
$200 – $400 per dose |
Total Cost (All Treatments) |
$3,000 – $10,000+ |
The rabies immune globulin (RIG) is the most expensive part of post-exposure treatment, especially for larger individuals, as the dosage is based on body weight.
Cost of Rabies Shots by Location
Where You Get the Vaccine |
Price Per Dose |
|---|---|
Urgent Care Center |
$250 – $400 |
Hospital ER |
$500 – $1,500 |
Pharmacy (For Pre-Exposure Only) |
$200 – $350 |
Travel Clinics |
$200 – $400 |
🔹 Hospitals charge the most for post-exposure rabies shots because they include facility fees.
🔹 Pharmacies and travel clinics are the cheapest for pre-exposure vaccines.
Does Insurance Cover Rabies Shots?
Insurance Type |
Pre-Exposure Coverage |
Post-Exposure Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Employer Health Insurance |
Sometimes covered |
Usually covered after deductible |
Medicare |
Not covered |
Covered under Part B |
Medicaid |
Often covered |
Fully covered in most cases |
Travel Insurance |
May cover for international trips |
May reimburse emergency care |
Most insurance plans fully cover post-exposure treatment because rabies is life-threatening. However, pre-exposure vaccines are often not covered unless required for work (e.g., veterinarians, wildlife handlers).
Who Needs a Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine?
Some people need rabies shots before potential exposure, including:
- Veterinarians and animal control workers
- Laboratory workers handling rabies virus
- Wildlife professionals and cave explorers
- Travelers to high-risk countries (India, China, Africa, Southeast Asia)
A 3-dose pre-exposure vaccine series is recommended, with booster doses every 2-3 years for ongoing risk.
Ways to Save Money on Rabies Shots
- Go to a health department – Many public health clinics offer lower-cost rabies vaccines.
- Ask your employer – If you work in a high-risk job, your workplace may cover pre-exposure vaccines.
- Use travel insurance – If you’re bitten abroad, travel insurance may reimburse rabies treatment.
- Check patient assistance programs – Some pharmaceutical companies offer discounts on vaccines.
- Compare prices at different locations – Avoid hospital ERs unless absolutely necessary to save money.
Final Thoughts
Rabies shots are expensive, especially after exposure, with treatment costs ranging from $3,000 to $10,000+. However, insurance often covers post-exposure treatment, while pre-exposure vaccines may require out-of-pocket payment.
If you work with animals or are traveling to a high-risk country, consider getting pre-exposure vaccination to avoid costly emergency treatment later.
Have you or someone you know received a rabies shot? How much did it cost? Share your experience in the comments.
For real-world medical pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
