A mesothelioma diagnosis brings immediate concerns about treatment options—and the costs that come with them. With surgery costs exceeding $150,000, immunotherapy running $10,000 or more monthly, and total treatment often reaching $500,000 to $1 million, understanding the financial landscape is essential for patients and families [1]. The good news: multiple compensation sources exist specifically to help mesothelioma patients cover these costs.
Executive Summary
Mesothelioma treatment costs rank among the highest of any cancer, with total expenses often ranging from $400,000 to $1 million depending on treatment intensity and duration. Surgery costs $100,000-$250,000, chemotherapy runs $40,000-$100,000, and newer immunotherapies can exceed $150,000 annually. While health insurance covers most treatment, patients face significant out-of-pocket costs. Fortunately, mesothelioma patients have access to unique compensation sources—including asbestos trust funds and lawsuits—that can recover $1-3 million or more to cover medical expenses and provide financial security for families.
8 Key Facts About Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
- Total Treatment Range: $150,000-$1 million+ depending on approach and duration [1]
- Surgery Costs: $100,000-$250,000 for major procedures like EPP or P/D [2]
- Chemotherapy: $40,000-$100,000 for standard 4-6 cycle regimen [3]
- Immunotherapy: $10,000-$15,000 per month for checkpoint inhibitors [3]
- Hospital Stay: $3,000-$5,000 per day for specialized cancer care [2]
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $10,000-$50,000+ annually with insurance [4]
- Compensation Available: $1-3 million average from trust funds and lawsuits
- Expedited Claims: Trust fund payments available within 90-180 days
What Does Mesothelioma Surgery Cost?
Surgery offers the best chance for extended survival in eligible mesothelioma patients, but it comes with significant costs. The two major surgical procedures—extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)—require extensive surgical teams and prolonged hospital stays.
Average cost for mesothelioma surgery including hospital stay
Surgical Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Estimated Cost Range | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) | $150,000-$250,000 | 10-14 days |
| Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D) | $100,000-$200,000 | 7-10 days |
| CRS-HIPEC (Peritoneal) | $150,000-$300,000 | 10-21 days |
| Pleurodesis | $15,000-$40,000 | 3-5 days |
| Thoracentesis (fluid drainage) | $1,000-$3,000 | Outpatient |
The treatment options guide provides detailed information about each surgical approach.
"I help patients navigate treatment decisions every day, and cost concerns are always part of the conversation. What I tell families is this: don't let financial worries prevent you from pursuing the best treatment. There are resources available specifically for mesothelioma patients that can help cover these costs."
— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano
What Does Chemotherapy Cost?
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of mesothelioma treatment, either as a primary therapy or in combination with surgery. The standard regimen—pemetrexed (Alimta) plus cisplatin or carboplatin—is effective but expensive.
Chemotherapy Cost Breakdown
- Pemetrexed (Alimta): $5,000-$8,000 per infusion
- Cisplatin/Carboplatin: $500-$2,000 per infusion
- Infusion center fees: $500-$1,500 per visit
- Anti-nausea medications: $200-$500 per cycle
- Blood work and monitoring: $200-$500 per cycle
Total chemotherapy costs for typical 4-6 cycle treatment
With chemotherapy typically administered every 3 weeks for 4-6 cycles, total chemotherapy costs range from $40,000 to $100,000 before insurance.
What Does Immunotherapy Cost?
Immunotherapy has transformed mesothelioma treatment, with checkpoint inhibitors like Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) now approved for first-line treatment. However, these breakthrough drugs come with premium price tags.
Immunotherapy Costs
| Drug | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Opdivo (nivolumab) | $10,000-$15,000 | $120,000-$180,000 |
| Yervoy (ipilimumab) | $30,000-$40,000 | Given quarterly: $120,000-$160,000 |
| Keytruda (pembrolizumab) | $10,000-$15,000 | $120,000-$180,000 |
The clinical trials page lists opportunities to access newer treatments, sometimes at reduced or no cost.
What Does Radiation Therapy Cost?
Radiation therapy is often used after surgery or for symptom control. Costs depend on the type of radiation and number of treatments.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation (IMRT): $15,000-$50,000 total
- Standard External Beam: $10,000-$30,000 total
- Proton Therapy: $30,000-$120,000 total
- Palliative Radiation: $5,000-$15,000 for symptom relief
Additional Treatment-Related Costs
Beyond direct treatment costs, mesothelioma patients face numerous additional expenses that can strain family finances.
Hidden Costs of Treatment
- Travel and lodging: $3,000-$15,000+ for treatment at specialized centers
- Lost income: Variable, but often $50,000-$150,000 during treatment
- Home care: $2,000-$8,000 monthly for professional caregivers
- Medications: $500-$2,000 monthly for supportive care drugs
- Medical equipment: $1,000-$5,000 for oxygen, hospital beds, etc.
- Nutritional support: $200-$500 monthly for supplements
"The costs families don't anticipate often hit hardest—travel to treatment centers, time off work, home modifications. When I work with newly diagnosed patients, we map out all these expenses so they can plan appropriately and pursue every compensation source available."
— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano
How Health Insurance Covers Mesothelioma Treatment
Most health insurance plans—including employer plans, Medicare, and Medicaid—cover mesothelioma treatment. However, coverage varies and out-of-pocket costs can be substantial.
Typical Insurance Coverage
- Surgery: Generally covered after deductible and coinsurance
- Chemotherapy: Covered, but specialty drug copays can be high
- Immunotherapy: Usually covered, may require prior authorization
- Radiation: Generally covered with standard cost-sharing
- Clinical trials: Routine care costs typically covered
Typical annual out-of-pocket costs with insurance
Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Even with good insurance, mesothelioma patients often hit their annual out-of-pocket maximums quickly—typically $8,000-$17,000 for individual coverage. This means significant upfront costs each year of treatment.
Financial Assistance for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma patients have access to financial assistance sources not available to patients with other cancers—specifically, asbestos trust funds and lawsuits against the companies responsible for their exposure.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Asbestos trust funds hold over $30 billion to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma patients typically qualify for claims against multiple trusts, with combined recoveries averaging $100,000-$400,000.
- Expedited review: Many trusts offer faster processing for mesothelioma claims
- Payment timeline: 90-180 days for expedited claims
- No lawsuit required: Trust claims are administrative, not litigation
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and other responsible parties can recover substantial compensation:
- Average settlement: $1-2 million
- Trial verdicts: Can exceed $10-50 million
- Expedited litigation: Courts often grant priority scheduling for mesothelioma cases
Veterans Benefits
Veterans with mesothelioma from military asbestos exposure may qualify for:
- VA disability compensation: Up to $3,938/month at 100% rating
- VA healthcare: Treatment at VA medical centers
- DIC benefits: Survivor benefits for spouses
The veterans benefits guide explains VA compensation for mesothelioma.
Other Assistance Programs
- Social Security Disability: Mesothelioma qualifies for expedited approval
- Patient assistance programs: Drug manufacturers offer copay assistance
- Nonprofit organizations: Cancer financial assistance grants
- State programs: Medicaid and state cancer assistance
Creating a Financial Plan for Treatment
Developing a comprehensive financial plan helps ensure you can access the best treatment while protecting your family's financial security.
Recommended Steps
- Review insurance coverage: Understand deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Estimate total treatment costs: Work with your medical team to project expenses
- Contact a mesothelioma attorney: Identify trust fund and lawsuit opportunities
- Apply for expedited trust fund claims: Begin receiving compensation quickly
- Explore all assistance programs: Veterans benefits, SSDI, patient assistance
- Consider treatment center financial counseling: Major cancer centers have financial navigators
The immediate financial assistance guide provides resources for urgent financial needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does mesothelioma treatment cost in total?
Total mesothelioma treatment costs typically range from $150,000 to $1 million or more depending on treatment approach. Aggressive surgical treatment with chemotherapy and follow-up care costs the most, while palliative care focused on symptom management costs less. Most patients face costs in the $400,000-$600,000 range over the course of treatment.
Does health insurance cover mesothelioma treatment?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover mesothelioma treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. However, patients typically face significant out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that can total $10,000-$50,000 or more annually. Some newer treatments may require prior authorization.
What financial assistance is available for mesothelioma patients?
Financial assistance options include asbestos trust funds (averaging $100,000-$400,000), mesothelioma lawsuits (averaging $1-2 million in settlements), VA benefits for veterans, Social Security Disability, pharmaceutical patient assistance programs, and nonprofit cancer assistance programs. Most patients qualify for multiple assistance sources.
How much does mesothelioma surgery cost?
Mesothelioma surgery costs range from $100,000 to $250,000 or more depending on the procedure. Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) are the most expensive. These costs include surgeon fees, hospital stay (typically 7-14 days), anesthesia, and immediate post-operative care.
What does chemotherapy for mesothelioma cost per month?
Chemotherapy costs vary widely depending on the drugs used. Standard pemetrexed plus cisplatin regimens cost approximately $8,000-$15,000 per cycle. With 4-6 cycles typical, total chemotherapy costs range from $40,000-$100,000. Additional costs include anti-nausea medications, blood tests, and infusion center fees.
Can I get expedited compensation to help pay for treatment?
Yes. Many asbestos trust funds offer expedited review for mesothelioma patients, providing payments within 90-180 days. Attorneys can also pursue emergency motions in lawsuits to accelerate discovery and settlement for patients with limited life expectancy. These expedited options help cover treatment costs more quickly.
Next Steps
Understanding mesothelioma treatment costs is the first step toward building a comprehensive financial plan. Don't let cost concerns prevent you from pursuing the best available treatment—compensation sources exist specifically to help mesothelioma patients and their families.
Our experienced mesothelioma team can help you identify every applicable trust fund, pursue appropriate legal claims, and connect you with financial assistance resources. Most consultations are free, and attorneys work on contingency—meaning no fees unless you recover compensation.
Related Resources
- Top 6 Mesothelioma Treatment Centers — Where to receive care
- Asbestos Trust Funds Guide — Compensation sources
- Trust Fund Claims Process — How to file claims
- Free Case Assessment — Evaluate your compensation options
Learn More
- Mesothelioma Treatment Costs — Detailed cost information
- Insurance Coverage Overview — Coverage details
- Immediate Financial Assistance — Urgent resources
Sources:
- National Cancer Institute. (2024). Cancer Treatment Costs: National Estimates.
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2024). Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.
- Journal of Clinical Oncology. (2024). Mesothelioma Treatment Patterns and Costs.
- American Cancer Society. (2024). Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care.
Last updated: February 1, 2026
About the Author
David Foster18+ Years Mesothelioma Advocacy | 20 Years Pharmaceutical Industry | Host of MESO Podcast
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