How Much Does a Liver Transplant Cost?

According to this 2025 study by Milliman, a liver transplant costs $1,017,800 before insurance. This estimate includes the following:

• Pre-transplant medical care needs refer to the 30 days leading up to the liver transplant procurement and procedure.
• Organ procurement can be difficult due to the global shortage of organ donors. So just how much does a liver cost? According to the Milliman study, a liver costs an average of $104,000.
• Hospital admission for a transplant is the largest expense for a liver transplant.
• Physician costs for a liver transplant may add up but choosing a physician that matches the patient’s needs is almost the most important factor to consider.
• Post-transplant medical care needs like checkups, and medications can vary depending on the medicines, number of checkups needed, and the duration of the patient’s post-transplant medical care.

Most Common Liver Transplant Expenses

Did you know that the transplant center may require you to show proof of your ability to financially support a transplant before you can join the waiting list for a liver? You may be required to fundraise a certain amount just to be listed for transplant.

Some of the most common liver transplant costs:

• 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 wages
• Living donor costs, including lost wages, transplant testing, and post-transplant medical care
• Post-transplant immunosuppressants, which a transplant recipient must take for the life of their new organ

How Much Does a Liver Transplant Cost With Insurance?

No–in most cases, insurance does not cover the entire cost of a liver transplant and post-transplant care. It is important to discuss these costs with your insurance provider to confirm which costs of the transplant they can cover.

Liver transplant fundraising is one way to supplement the out-of-pocket expenses that my accrue over a patient’s transplant treatment duration.

Liver Transplant Financial Help

If you are struggling to manage the cost of a liver transplant, you are not alone. Most liver transplant candidates are not able to cover the cost of care without assistance.

At Help Hope Live, our nonprofit assists liver transplant candidates and other patients with community-based fundraising. Fundraising can be a powerful way to provide a financial safety net to a transplant candidate or recipient.