 | With Insurance: $5-$20+ |
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 | Without Insurance: $15-$80+ |
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| Typical costs: | - Without health insurance, a cane typically costs about $15 to $20 for standard hook canes or ornamental canes; $15 to $40 for foldable or quad canes; and $20 to $80 for canes that have special features, such as those that double as folding seats or those that have wheels.
- A cane typically would be covered by health insurance if prescribed by the doctor because the patient needs support when walking.
- With health insurance, the typical cost would consist of a copay or coinsurance of less than $5 to $20 or more, depending on the total cost of the cane. For example, this Aetna policy has 20 percent coinsurance for durable medical goods.
What should be included: | - A traditional hook cane -- also called a C cane -- typically is made of wood with a simple hook for a handle and a rubber tip on the bottom.
- A grip cane typically is made of wood or metal and has a straight handle made of rubber or PVC to allow a better grip. Some are adjustable.
- A quad cane is similar to a grip cane, but instead of having one tip at its base, it has four tips to allow for better balancing. Some are adjustable.
- A folding cane can be folded down to make it easier to transport. Some are adjustable.
- About.com Physical Therapy offers a guide to types of walking canes.
Additional costs: | - A cane wrist strap, which helps prevent the cane from being dropped, costs about $5.
- Replacement rubber cane tips can cost about$5 each, or slightly less if purchased in a package.
Discounts: | - Some local or regional nonprofits have programs that provide free, short-term (three- to four-month) loans of canes and other medical equipment. For example, Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota has a medical equipment loan program, as does HELP Adult Services in Omaha, Nebraska. Locate a local chapter of Easter Seals through EasterSeals.com, or contact the county health department for a referral to a local program.
Shopping for a cane: | |
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated September 2010 |
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