Finding Financial Support for Double Lung Transplants

A double lung transplant is a lifesaving gift that renews hope for a recipient and their family. However, the gift of life often comes with an overwhelming financial burden – and that burden may even stand of the way of a transplant without assistance.

In this post, prepare for what’s to come by learning about the typical cost of a double lung transplant, which costs may not be fully covered by insurance, and how to start a double lung transplant fundraising campaign for additional help.

Average Cost of a Double Lung Transplant

A 2025 report by Milliman tallies the average costs of different organ transplants in the U.S. before insurance. The estimated cost of a double lung transplant in the United States before insurance is $2,346,500, including typical costs such as the following:

Common Double Lung Transplant Costs

The transplant surgery itself is not the only medical expense patients and their families need to prepare for—in fact, you may even need to prove that you are financially ready or actively fundraising before you can be listed for a double lung transplant.

Here are a few of the costs transplant centers want you to be ready for as a double lung transplant candidate. Keep in mind these costs may not be fully covered by insurance:

• Health insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-pays
• Pre-transplant medications
• Unexpected pre-transplant hospitalizations
• Medical travel and temporary lodging while you are being listed for transplant
• Medical travel and temporary lodging when you receive the transplant
• Relocation or moving expenses due to the transplant
• Mileage, tolls, and parking fees for transplant-related medical travel
• Caregiver costs, including lost work

Securing Financial Assistance for a Double Lung Transplant

Establishing greater support for double lung transplant patients is the goal of Help Hope Live. Through community-based fundraising, our nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping those in need to raise funds for medical treatment costs associated with double lung transplant.

How Does Fundraising for a Double Lung Transplant Work?

Fundraising with our nonprofit works as follows:

1. Submit a campaign request for assistance at helphopelive.org/get-started/apply
2. You’ll be paired with a Client Services Coordinator.
3. Your Coordinator will provide you with one-on-one fundraising help, including personalized fundraising materials and guidance on how to rally your community, share your story on social media, reach out to the press, plan in-person or virtual fundraising events, and much more.