Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that grows on the toes of a patient’s foot. Unfortunately, athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread to other parts of the feet or body. There are many treatments for the fungus offered both over-the-counter and by prescription. Payments for these treatments will most likely be covered by insurance.
Treatments Available
Treatments for athlete’s foot include over-the-counter anti-fungal medicines that are typically applied directly to the affected area. These treatments are typically rather mild and come in spray or lotion form. Because these treatments do not require a prescription, it is unlikely that insurance will pay for their cost. Therefore, the cost of these treatments falls to the patient. However, if the patient has a health savings plan, it is possible for him to be reimbursed for the cost of over-the-counter treatments.
Prescription Treatments and Insurance
Depending on the severity and location of the athlete’s foot, prescription medicines may need to be prescribed and even taken in conjunction with over-the-counter treatments. Medications prescribed for athlete’s foot will be intended to kill the fungus that is causing the rash, irritation and other symptoms. An insurance company should cover the cost of these prescriptions.
Hospital Treatments
While painful, athlete’s foot is not particularly serious. There is very little risk of a patient having permanent damage because of athlete’s foot. As such, insurance companies do not treat the virus as one requiring hospital or physician treatment other than for an initial diagnosis and prescriptions. Therefore, insurance companies may not be willing to pay for extensive or multiple hospital or physician visits for the disease.
