COVID-19
Most COVID-19 illness is handled at home with a test, rest, and fluids, and the cost is small. People at higher risk may be prescribed an oral antiviral within the first few days, which changes the odds of getting seriously ill. A minority need emergency or hospital care for breathing trouble, and some people have fatigue, brain fog, or breathlessness that lasts for months - those follow-up visits and lost work hours usually cost far more than the original infection.
Estimated healthcare costs you pay and other financial effects across the care timeline.
Estimated impact to you over five years
$5,995-$76,280
Estimated healthcare costs you pay plus costs beyond the medical bill, such as missed earnings. Total medical spending is shown separately and is not added again; it already includes the healthcare portion you may pay. Without coverage or when paying cash, your actual healthcare costs may be much higher than this estimate.
Testing & First Evaluation
Days 0-3A home antigen test or a clinic PCR confirms the infection. A short telehealth or office visit sorts out risk factors and whether antiviral treatment makes sense.
Five-year total treatment: Included once in the five-year total
Standard of care: IDSA (2025)
Estimated total impact to you
$15-$640
Standard of care
These care steps follow guidelines from these medical groups.
- Infectious Diseases Society of America: Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19 (2025)
Testing, antiviral pills, and hospital treatment.
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Long COVID multidisciplinary consensus guidance statements (2024)
Care for long-lasting symptoms.