If you’re planning on traveling to a country where typhoid is common, you may need to get a typhoid vaccine before your trip.
Amino found that the median network rate for a typhoid vaccine is $200. Keep in mind—this is an estimate for what you and your health insurance company might pay together (combined) for the vaccine. However, many health insurance plans do not cover travel vaccinations, so you may have to pay the full cost out-of-pocket.
You can use Amino to find a doctor who offers the vaccine and estimate your out-of-pocket cost below. Then, read on to learn more about what typhoid is and who needs to be vaccinated.
What is typhoid, and what is a typhoid vaccine?
Typhoid (or typhoid fever) is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. It’s usually transmitted by contaminated food and water, although some people can become “carriers” and spread the bacteria to others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 300 people in the U.S. get typhoid each year, usually while traveling. The CDC recommends you get a typhoid vaccine before traveling to developing countries, especially in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Your primary care provider, local health department, or an authorized travel center can provide a typhoid vaccine using one of two methods: an inactivated vaccine given as a shot or a live, weakened vaccine taken orally in four doses.
The typhoid vaccine works by helping your body produce antibodies that protect against Salmonella Typhi. Travelers should get the vaccine at least two weeks before a trip to allow the vaccine time to work. A serious reaction to a typhoid vaccine is very rare, but some mild side effects may include fever, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, and headaches.
Are there alternatives to a typhoid vaccine?
Though a typhoid vaccine can greatly decrease the likelihood that you get typhoid, it’s only 50-80% effective. There are no alternatives to a typhoid vaccine, but the CDC recommends taking these precautions while traveling:
- Drink only sealed bottled water
- Avoid street food and food served at room temperature
- Eat only fruits and vegetables that have been washed or peeled
- Wash your hands often, and avoiding touching your face
Who should get a typhoid vaccine?
According to the CDC, the inactivated typhoid vaccine (administered by a shot) should not be given to:
- Children under 2 years old
- Anyone who had a previous severe reaction to the vaccine or is allergic to any part of the vaccine
- People who are ill (if you’re sick, you should wait until you’re recovered to get vaccinated)
The oral dose of the live typhoid vaccine should not be given to:
- Children under the age of 6
- Anyone who had a previous severe reaction to the vaccine or is allergic to any part of the vaccine
- People who are ill (if you’re sick, you should wait until you're recovered to get vaccinated)
- Anyone with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or another immune system disease
- People on antibiotics (you should be off of antibiotics for at least three days before receiving a typhoid vaccine)
If you’re unsure whether you should get a typhoid vaccine, ask your doctor about your options.
How much does a typhoid vaccine cost, and what determines the price of a typhoid vaccine?
Amino found that the median network rate for a typhoid vaccine is $200. The cost ranges across the US from $158 to $254—a significant difference.
These are the factors that impact how much a typhoid vaccine costs:
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Where you live may affect how much your vaccine costs, especially since it determines which doctors and health centers are available to you. For example, if you live in an urban area, you may have more options to choose from.
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The network rate, which is what our estimates are based on, is negotiated between your health insurance company and doctor or hospital—so your insurance company and whatever provider you choose will play a large role in determining cost.
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Your health insurance plan affects the cost of your vaccine for a few reasons. Whether your doctor is in or out-of-network can impact the overall cost. Your co-insurance and co-pay amounts, as well as how much of your deductible you have left, can also make a difference in how much you pay out-of-pocket.
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What happens during or after the vaccine, such as a severe reaction to the vaccine that requires additional treatment, can increase your cost. Though unlikely, if an emergency arises, you might have additional unexpected costs.
Now that you know how much a typhoid vaccine could cost, let’s explore insurance coverage and how to get the most for your money.
Will health insurance cover a typhoid vaccine?
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover the cost of typhoid vaccines or any other travel vaccinations. While you can always check with your insurance company, you’ll likely pay the full cost of the vaccine out-of-pocket.
Even if your insurance doesn’t cover typhoid vaccines, you should still get one if your doctor recommends it. To avoid unexpected medical bills, call your insurance provider and find out:
- If they cover a typhoid vaccine
- If you need preauthorization to have the vaccine covered by insurance
- What costs you may have to cover out-of-pocket
- What documentation your doctor needs to provide
All insurance providers have different policies so make sure you call and ask before you schedule your vaccination.
How to get the most for your money
Even if your insurance does cover some or most of your typhoid vaccine, you’ll likely still pay some of the cost out-of-pocket. To make sure you’re getting the most (and best) care for your money:
- Ask your insurance company about your costs, like co-insurance, copays, and deductibles.
- Utilize your Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
- Use Amino to compare prices for different doctors.
- Look into local health or travel centers—they often have more affordable vaccine prices.