Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?

Insurance coverage for ketamine therapy varies significantly depending on the type of treatment, your diagnosis, and your insurance plan. Here is what you need to know.

Esketamine (Spravato) — Often Covered

Esketamine (brand name Spravato) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and MDD with suicidal ideation. Because it's FDA-approved and administered in a certified healthcare setting, most major insurance plans — including Medicare — cover it after prior authorization. Patients typically pay a copay of $10–$40 per session.

IV Ketamine Infusions — Usually Not Covered

IV ketamine infusions for depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions are generally not covered by insurance because they are considered "off-label" use. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $400–$800 per infusion, with a standard series of 6 infusions costing $2,400–$4,800.

Strategies to Reduce Costs

• Ask about clinic payment plans or financing (many offer 0% APR)
• Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Submit to insurance for possible partial reimbursement (some plans cover anesthesia costs)
• Ask your clinic about sliding-scale fees
• Look into clinical trials — some offer free treatment

Questions to Ask Your Clinic

• Do you offer financing or payment plans?
• Do you help with insurance pre-authorization for Spravato?
• Can you provide itemized receipts for HSA/FSA reimbursement?
• Are there package discounts for the full infusion series?