Is cold capping expensive?

Breaking down the costs and value of saving your hair during chemotherapy

One of the most common questions people ask about cold cap therapy is: “Is it worth the cost?”

Cold capping is not currently covered by most insurance plans, so the expense often falls on the patient. Understandably, this raises important questions for those already facing the emotional and financial strain of cancer treatment.

In this post, we’ll break down the costs of using Penguin Cold Caps, explore what’s included in the rental, and hear from real users about whether it was worth the investment.

What does cold capping cost?

Penguin Cold Caps pricing is designed to be as affordable and flexible as possible while still giving you medically effective, clinically tested equipment.

Because costs can vary based on your location, treatment length, and support needs, we recommend using our pricing calculator to get an instant, accurate quote based on where you live.

What’s included in the rental?

Penguin Cold Caps provides everything you need to complete safe and effective cold capping sessions:

• A full rotation of Crylon gel caps
• A high-quality insulated cooler with thermometer
• Instructions and support materials for home use
• Access to customer support and cold capping education
• Option to use trained cappers in select regions

Support options: Do I need to hire a professional capper?

Cold capping is a team effort, it’s not something most patients can do alone. The gel caps need to be changed every 20–30 minutes, precisely and efficiently, throughout the treatment day.

Some patients choose to hire a professional capper, especially for their first few sessions. These individuals are trained in scalp cooling techniques and can be a huge relief during a stressful time. Patients often report that this shared experience brings an unexpected sense of connection and empowerment to their treatment journey.

However, hiring a capper comes with added costs, which can range from $200–$400 per session, depending on your location and duration of treatment.

If hiring a capper isn’t within your budget, Penguin Cold Caps offers a cost-effective alternative. Our experienced reps can train a friend or family member via video conferencing. With a little bit of practice before your first chemo, most patients and their loved ones feel confident and capable cappers themselves.

Why isn’t it covered by insurance?

Although cold cap therapy is FDA-cleared and backed by clinical data, it’s still considered an elective or cosmetic treatment by many insurers. That classification, however, doesn’t reflect the immense psychological impact of hair loss for many patients.

Some patients have successfully used Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover the cost. Others have received reimbursement after submitting a letter of medical necessity from their oncologist.

Cost vs. Value: What are you really paying for?

Hair loss can feel like losing a part of your identity. Cold capping allows you to maintain a sense of control and normalcy during one of life’s most challenging chapters.

Patients often report:

• Improved confidence
• Emotional resilience
• Less social anxiety
• Reduced need for wigs or headscarves

Is there any financial help?

Yes. Penguin Cold Caps works with multiple nonprofits and patient support organizations that offer grants and financial aid for cold cap therapy. Some resources include:

• HairToStay – National nonprofit providing subsidies for cold cap therapy
• The Rapunzel Project – Focused on awareness and accessibility for scalp cooling

We encourage patients to reach out early, as funding may be limited and applications can take time.

Final thoughts

Cold capping isn’t a small investment, but for many, it’s an investment in their mental well-being and dignity during one of life’s toughest chapters. With Penguin Cold Caps, you’re not just renting equipment. You’re gaining expert guidance, proven results, and emotional peace of mind.

➡️ Check current pricing for your location and get started today.

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