Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Rattlesnake biting on a hiker's boot stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 6, 2022

If you need it, you've got coverage

Note: if you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact 911 immediately and seek medical attention.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

One of the most rare but most costly expenses you could find yourself saddled with after an outdoor excursion is an antivenom to treat a poisonous bite. This potentially lifesaving treatment can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Will Medicare help pay for it? Yes, Medicare covers necessary healthcare expenses, and antivenom is no exception.

What is antivenom?

Antivenom is made of antibodies created from a poisonous animal's venom. It's an effective treatment for bites or stings from spiders, scorpions, snakes, and other potentially deadly creatures. As soon as possible after the bite or sting occurs, patients should seek medical attention right away to reduce symptoms and prevent further health complications.

How do you know if a venomous snake or insect has bitten you?

Many venomous creatures have distinct physical characteristics that can help you identify them. Snakes, for example, may have a triangular head and a patterned body or yellowish eyes. Scorpions may be identified by their long tail with a stinger on the end. Spiders may have an hourglass-shaped design on their back. However, not all venomous creatures are easy to identify, so if you feel pain or discomfort after a bite or sting, seek medical help immediately.

What are the costs associated with getting treatment for a snake bite?

The cost of antivenom treatment can vary depending on the type of venom and how much antivenom is needed. Generally, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars for a single dose, but some treatments may require multiple doses. Additionally, there are other costs associated with getting treated for snake bites, such as hospitalization fees, laboratory tests, and doctor visits.

Does Medicare cover the cost of antivenom?

Yes, Medicare Part A or B will cover the necessary costs of treating a venomous bite or sting, including antivenom. Specifically, Part A will be your source of coverage if you are admitted as an inpatient in an emergency room setting. If you are quickly released as an outpatient, Part B covers 80 percent of the costs associated with medically necessary treatments related to a venomous bite or sting. However, you may need to provide some out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and coinsurance.

It's important to remember that Medicare coverage for antivenom may vary depending on the type of venom you were exposed to and your overall health. Be sure to contact your local Medicare office for more information about specific coverage details.

How to get help if you're bitten by a snake while traveling in the United States:

If you're bitten by a venomous snake while traveling in the United States, contact 911 immediately and seek medical attention. Medicare will cover your necessary healthcare costs related to the bite or sting, including transportation to an emergency facility if needed. Additionally, Medicare also covers all medically necessary treatments related to the incident, including antivenom.

What to do if you're bitten by a snake while traveling abroad:

If you're bitten by a venomous snake while traveling abroad, contact the nearest medical facility right away. Medicare does not typically cover medically necessary treatments for injuries or illnesses that occur outside of the United States, except for medical emergency situations. You may also want to contact your travel insurance provider to see what kinds of coverage they may offer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, antivenom is a vital treatment for venomous bites and stings. Medicare covers the necessary costs associated with this treatment, but it's important to keep in mind that coverage details may vary depending on your situation. This content is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about Medicare coverage, give us a call at Fair Square Medicare.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

senior man pondering "which medigap plan should i choose" stock photo

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Aug 1, 2022

Fecal microbiota transplant from healthy in unhealthy intestine, FMT. Improvement intestinal microflora and normalization stool by introducing beneficial bacteria in bowel colon tract. Vector stock illustration

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Dec 2, 2022

Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Nov 28, 2022

Gastroenterologist doctor, stomach specialist. Aesthetic handdrawn highlighted illustration of human stomach. Neutral grey background, studio photo and collage. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Dec 27, 2022

a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Feb 24, 2023

Cover image

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Sep 20, 2023

senior man on a phone call stock image

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

Apr 11, 2023

senior man experiencing discomfort stock image

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Dec 6, 2022

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Nov 29, 2022

Sleep apena stock image

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Dec 27, 2022

Senior woman checking blood pressure/heart rate at home stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Dec 1, 2022

HIFU treatment stock image

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

scientist mixing chemical compounds stock image

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Apr 4, 2023

Costco & Fair Square

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Jan 13, 2023

Cover image

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Nov 30, 2022

Cover image

Will Medicare Cover it?

Oct 3, 2023

Arizona desert stock photo

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

Mar 6, 2023

More of our articles

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Explained

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M