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Managing allergies can be a pricey venture between frequently purchasing antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants and visiting your allergist or doctor. Luckily, there’s a solution designed to help you treat the allergy, not the symptoms, and find long-term relief. However, it comes at a cost. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of allergy immunotherapy and its costs to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. 

What is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy, also called allergy desensitization, is a treatment that helps desensitize your body to a particular allergen, such as bee venom, pollen, or pet dander. It works by reducing the “blocking” antibodies your body produces when exposed to the allergen through repeated exposure to small, incrementally increasing doses of the allergen. 

Over time, this repeated exposure helps your body achieve an allergen-specific tolerance, potentially allowing you to interact with or be around that allergen without having symptoms. It’s important to note that this process takes time – most folks enjoy the best results within years two and three, although the early results often appear in the first year. 

Does AIT Actually Work?

Allergy immunotherapy has been around for over a century, and countless researchers and healthcare professionals have demonstrated the efficacy of this treatment. Today, dozens of studies, clinical trials, and research trials showcasing these findings are easily available online and in various published works. 

For example, one such study published online demonstrated how allergy immunotherapy is effective in treating allergic rhinitis, achieving clinical benefits and immunological changes that were consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance. 

Other clinical and research trials published online documented the efficacy of repeated subcutaneous injections in achieving an allergen-specific tolerance that remains even after the treatment is discontinued. 

The research is extensive and plentiful, so if you want to learn more about this treatment and how it works, there’s an abundance of information to help you decide if it’s right for you.

How Much Does Allergy Immunotherapy Cost?

The costs surrounding allergy immunotherapy can be steep, especially if you’re paying out of pocket. On average, people pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per year per person for allergy immunotherapy. 

Of course, it’s important to remember that the cost surrounding your treatment varies based on multiple factors. For example, some allergy immunotherapy companies offer more budget-friendly options, eliminating the barrier to entry and making this option available to people with varying budgets. 

Factors That Affect AIT Costs

Like many medical treatments and procedures, the cost of allergy immunotherapy depends on factors specific to you. From your health insurance policy to the type of treatment you choose, several factors contribute to the cost of allergy immunotherapy. 

Health Insurance

Your health insurance policy plays a crucial role in the cost of your allergy immunotherapy treatment plan. Many health insurance providers cover allergy immunotherapy, although it can vary from one provider to the next. 

So, if you’re considering allergy shot costs and want to know if your policy covers it, check with your insurance provider. Call your insurance agent or check the details of your policy to learn more about the specifics surrounding it. 

It’s important to note that while insurance may cover the bulk of your treatment expenses, factors specific to your policy may impact the price you pay. For example, if you have a high deductible or copay, you may still face a steep bill for treatment. It all depends on your policy and provider. 

Type of Treatment

The type of treatment you choose can affect the overall cost of your treatment. For example, if you choose sublingual immunotherapy, you might pay less than you would for subcutaneous immunotherapy. SLIT doesn’t involve as many doctor visits or injections and can often be administered at home, saving you money in the long run. 

Treatment Plan

Your treatment plan may also contribute to the final cost of your AIT bill. For instance, suppose your allergist wants you to take the dosage three times a week instead of once a week. Since you’ll go through more of the dosages, you might pay more in the long run than someone on a different treatment plan and dosage schedule. 

Wrapping Up

While allergy immunotherapy can be a pricey solution to combat pesky allergies, there are ways around the steep costs. From choosing a more affordable treatment plan to enlisting help from your insurance policy, you have options to make the cost more manageable. 

Before you commit to a treatment plan, remember to talk to your allergist or healthcare provider. They can evaluate your medical history and allergy to help you choose an option that fits your needs.