Key takeaways:
There are several ways to use oxygen therapy on the go. Portable oxygen concentrators, a popular option, typically start at around $2,000 for new devices and $1,000 for used ones. Features such as weight, oxygen output, and battery life can influence cost.
There are also other options, including liquid oxygen systems and compressed gas systems, that use both portable and stationary components.
If you meet requirements, original Medicare and Medicare Advantage typically cover most of your portable oxygen expenses. You still may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid coverage varies from state to state.
Without insurance, your cost can vary depending on whether you choose to buy a new concentrator, purchase a pre-owned device, or rent.
Table of contents
What is portable oxygen?
Cost
Insurance coverage
Choosing a concentrator
Bottom line
References
Oxygen is essential for the human body to function. Oxygen therapy allows your body to receive life-saving air over long periods of time. Conditions that may require the use of an oxygen device include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
If you need oxygen on the go, portable oxygen can be a good option. Portable oxygen systems are small, lightweight devices that can be brought along during travel, long walks, social events, and more. However, these concentrators can be costly, with new ones starting at about $2,000.
Read on for more information on portable oxygen concentrators and how to afford one on a budget.
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What is portable oxygen?
Portable oxygen can be delivered through a lightweight and battery-operated mobile device known as a portable oxygen concentrator. These devices provide users with supplemental oxygen. Unlike portable oxygen tanks, concentrators use electrical pumps to extract oxygen from the air. This allows the devices to deliver a continuous and unlimited supply of oxygen.
All oxygen concentrators approved or cleared by the FDA to be sold or used in the U.S. require a prescription. You may have seen advertisements for portable oxygen concentrators that don’t require a prescription, but they may not meet your oxygen needs.
Consult with your healthcare providers about the best portable oxygen device for you.
Portable oxygen concentrators aren’t the only way to receive supplemental air on the go. There are other types of oxygen systems and equipment. The main options are:
Portable oxygen concentrators
Liquid oxygen systems
Compressed gas systems
Type of system | Portable component | Stationary component |
Liquid oxygen systems | This system has a stationary concentrator or reservoir for home use and a portable tank. | Oxygen reservoir with 50-foot tubing |
Compressed gas systems | This system has a stationary concentrator for home use and a small, portable oxygen tank. | Oxygen concentrator with 50-foot tubing |
Work with your healthcare provider to get the right oxygen equipment to fit your lifestyle and activities.
How much do portable oxygen concentrators cost?
Several factors determine the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator, such as:
Type of system
Battery life
Device weight
Oxygen output
Portability
Device accessories
Warranty
Your cost can also vary depending on whether you buy a new portable oxygen concentrator, purchase a used one, or rent your equipment.
Portable oxygen device | Cost | Important considerations |
New | $2,000-$4,000 | Batteries and accessories can increase the cost. |
Used | $1,000-$2,500 | Warranty and the condition of the device can determine cost. Always buy used devices from a reputable seller. |
Rental | Starting at about $150 per week | Rental costs can vary based on the type of concentrator and length of contract. |
Your costs also include other expenses to keep the concentrator running, such as:
Electricity to power the device
Electricity to recharge the battery
Regular maintenance
Extra batteries or backup power during outages
How can I make my portable oxygen concentrator more affordable?
If you’re paying out of pocket for a portable oxygen device, keep in mind that new concentrators range from about $2,000 to $4,000. The most affordable options would be lower-cost refurbished concentrator from a reputable supplier or low-cost new ones, which may last longer.
GoodRx offers a discount coupon for the Belluscura X-Plor, a portable oxygen concentrator that connects to a mobile app. It’s lightweight, coming in at 3.75 pounds, and meets FAA requirements for air travel. Prices for X-Plor start at around $2,000 for the base unit and $2,500 for the traveler’s package with an extra battery and extended warranty.
Is portable oxygen covered by insurance?
Portable oxygen concentrators are considered durable medical equipment (DME) by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurance plans. If you have original Medicare, Part B will cover the costs of oxygen equipment and accessories prescribed by your doctor for home use.
Original Medicare will also cover the cost for:
Tubing or a mouthpiece
Oxygen contents
Device repairs
Device servicing
Device maintenance
If you own your equipment, Medicare Part B will cover the cost of oxygen and supplies if your need for supplemental oxygen is deemed medically necessary.
Medicare coverage for oxygen equipment and accessories lasts for 5 years, which is deemed a reasonable lifetime for the devices by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). After meeting your deductible, you will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount of your oxygen costs for up to 36 months or 3 years. After that, your oxygen supplier must continue to provide the rental device and/or associated services for up to 2 more years. If you have an ongoing need beyond 5 years, you can sign up for replacement equipment and/or supplies and restart the 36-month payment period.
Medicare Advantage plans provide similar coverage for portable oxygen and may offer benefits beyond what original Medicare offers.
Medicaid coverage for portable oxygen concentrators varies from state to state. Many state Medicaid programs will cover up to 100% of the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator if the treatment is considered medically necessary and fits the state’s DME definition. For coverage amount and requirements, contact your state Medicaid agency.
Private insurance coverage varies but portable oxygen is a likely benefit. For instance, Aetna offers coverage for medically necessary portable oxygen concentrators for people who meet certain criteria.
How do I choose a portable oxygen concentrator that fits my budget?
Finding a portable oxygen concentrator that fits your budget depends on the supplemental air you need. If you have Medicare or private health insurance, many of your expenses are typically covered.
Without insurance, you may want to select a more affordable option, such as a pre-owned or rental device. If you are paying out of pocket for your device, consider buying a refurbished oxygen concentrator from a reputable supplier.
What is the lifespan of a portable oxygen device?
The typical lifespan of a portable oxygen concentrator is between 4 and 7 years.For all oxygen equipment, the CMS considers 5 years a reasonable lifespan.
How long your device lasts depends on several factors, such as:
Whether it was purchased new or used (considered 300 hours or more of run time)
Frequency of use
Manufacturer and device type
Upkeep, such as timely service, maintenance, and cleaning
Damage from water, humidity, and extreme temperatures
How often should you have a portable oxygen concentrator serviced?
Generally, portable oxygen concentrators should be serviced once a year by a professional maintenance technician. Regular checks ensure your device runs properly and may help the device last longer.
In addition to having your concentrator serviced on schedule, you can help extend its life by performing regular home maintenance, such as:
Changing the air inlet filter, according to the user manual instructions
Keeping the outside of your device clean
Changing the nasal cannula and tubing, according to the user manual instructions
Draining the battery quarterly and fully recharging the power source
Checking tube connections regularly for leaks
The bottom line
Portable oxygen can give you the freedom to breathe well while on the go. While portable oxygen concentrators are entirely mobile, there are also stationary concentrators that have portable tanks. New portable oxygen concentrators start at about $2,000, while used ones can cost half as much. Some suppliers also rent the devices. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans typically cover medically necessary oxygen machines. Medicaid and private insurance coverage can vary. Check your health plan to find out what is covered and your expected out-of-pocket costs.
Why trust our experts?
Written by:
Veneta Lusk
Veneta Lusk is a personal finance and healthcare writer with 15 years of experience. She holds a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Edited by:
Cindy George, MPH
Cindy George is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.
Reviewed by:
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.
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References
Aetna. (2023). Oxygen.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Oxygen and oxygen equipment - policy article.
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Complete Medical Supply. (n.d.). Oxygen rental rates.
Haupt, A., et al. (2023). 10 best portable oxygen concentrators of August 2023. Forbes Health.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Oxygen equipment and accessories.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What Part B covers.
Oxygen Concentrator Store from American Medical Sales & Rentals. (2023). What is the average lifespan of a oxygen concentrator?
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Pulse oximeters and oxygen concentrators: What to know about at-home oxygen therapy.
University of California San Francisco Health. (n.d.). Your oxygen equipment.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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