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.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

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.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

alphabet_soup

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

Jan 10, 2023

Ozempic stock image

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Mar 28, 2023

Acute psoriasis on elbows is an autoimmune incurable dermatological skin disease stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Jan 17, 2023

Daniel Petkevich demonstrates Medicare coverage by using a scarf and hat as a metaphor

Medicare 101

May 20, 2020

Union Station in Denver stock image

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Mar 9, 2023

treehouse

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

May 25, 2020

HIFU treatment stock image

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

Cover image

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Jan 18, 2024

Dripping medication stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Nov 23, 2022

Saving money against a stopwatch stock image

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

Dec 21, 2022

senior man reaching to his ear with jumbled letters going into the ear stock image

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Nov 9, 2022

Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

Jan 20, 2023

Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

senior man holding out his medicare card stock image

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Dec 22, 2022

Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Jan 4, 2023

Seattle Public Market stock image

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

Mar 10, 2023

Cover image

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Nov 13, 2023

Cover image

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

May 17, 2023

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

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

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What is Plan J?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

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

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50