IV therapy has exploded from hospital treatment rooms into standalone lounges, mobile services, and biohacking centers. Pricing varies wildly — a basic saline drip at one place costs what a Myers' cocktail costs at another. Let me break down what you'll actually pay for each type of infusion.
IV Therapy Cost by Type
| IV Drip Type | Average Cost | Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic hydration (saline + electrolytes) | $99 | $75–$150 | 30-45 min |
| Myers' cocktail (vitamins + minerals) | $175 | $125–$275 | 45-60 min |
| Vitamin C (high-dose, 10-25g) | $200 | $150–$350 | 60-90 min |
| Glutathione push | $150 | $75–$250 | 15-30 min |
| B12 injection (IM, not IV) | $35 | $20–$75 | 5 min |
| NAD+ (250mg) | $350 | $250–$500 | 2-3 hours |
| NAD+ (500mg) | $600 | $400–$800 | 3-4 hours |
| NAD+ (1000mg) | $900 | $700–$1,200 | 4-6 hours |
| Iron infusion (Injectafer) | $500 | $300–$1,500 | 30-60 min |
| Hangover recovery | $150 | $99–$250 | 30-45 min |
| Immune boost (zinc, C, B-complex) | $175 | $125–$300 | 45-60 min |
| Athletic recovery | $200 | $150–$350 | 45-75 min |
| Beauty/skin glow (biotin, C, glutathione) | $225 | $150–$400 | 45-60 min |
Does Insurance Cover IV Therapy?
Mostly no. Insurance covers IV therapy only when it's medically necessary and ordered by a physician:
- Covered: Iron infusions for diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia, IV antibiotics, chemotherapy, severe dehydration requiring ER treatment
- Not covered: Wellness drips (Myers' cocktail, hangover recovery, vitamin C, NAD+, beauty drips)
Wellness IV therapy is considered elective. HSA/FSA eligibility is a gray area — some administrators allow it with a doctor's letter of medical necessity, but it's not guaranteed.
What's Actually Worth the Money?
My honest assessment as a chemist who understands bioavailability:
Worth It (Strong Rationale)
- NAD+ infusions — oral NAD+ is destroyed in the gut. IV is the only way to deliver therapeutic doses. Read our NAD+ guide →
- High-dose vitamin C (10g+) — oral vitamin C maxes out at ~200mg absorption. IV bypasses this limit. Supported by evidence for immune function and as a cancer therapy adjunct.
- Iron infusions — for diagnosed deficiency, IV iron is dramatically more effective than oral supplements. Often medically necessary.
Debatable (Convenience Premium)
- Myers' cocktail — the ingredients (B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C) are all well-absorbed orally. You're paying for speed and guaranteed absorption. Useful if you're acutely depleted; questionable for routine wellness.
- Hangover recovery — saline rehydration works, but you're paying $150 for what a bottle of Pedialyte ($5) and time would do.
Overpriced (Oral Works Fine)
- Basic hydration drips — drink water. Unless you're severely dehydrated (vomiting, diarrhea, heat exhaustion), oral rehydration is equivalent.
- B12 shots for non-deficient people — if your B12 levels are normal, supplemental B12 does nothing measurable. Get tested first.
- Glutathione pushes for skin brightening — evidence for skin lightening is extremely weak. Glutathione is better used as an antioxidant, and oral liposomal forms have decent absorption.
Mobile IV vs. IV Lounge: Cost Comparison
| Factor | IV Lounge | Mobile/Concierge |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | Standard | +$50-$100 travel fee |
| Convenience | You travel to them | They come to you |
| Supervision | On-site medical staff | RN or paramedic only |
| Menu options | Full menu | Limited selection |
| Group rates | Some offer | Common for events |
How to Save on IV Therapy
- Memberships: Most IV lounges offer monthly memberships ($99-$300/month) that include 1-2 drips plus discounts on add-ons.
- First-time deals: Nearly every IV clinic offers a first-visit discount (20-50% off).
- Group rates: Bring friends — many places offer group discounts for 3+ people.
- Skip the add-ons: Add-on glutathione pushes, extra vitamins, and "boosters" are where margins are highest. Stick to the base drip.
Browse IV therapy centers on BestDosage →
Compare centers side by side →
Pricing data compiled Q1 2026 from 30+ IV therapy providers nationwide.
