How Much Does NICU Stay (Per Day) Cost?

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides specialized medical care for premature or critically ill newborns. Costs are per day and include 24-hour monitoring, specialized equipment, nursing care, and physician services. Average NICU stays range from a few days to several months.

Cost by State

State	Without Insurance	With Insurance	Medicare
Mississippi	$2,100	$400	$400
Arkansas	$2,200	$400	$400
Alabama	$2,300	$500	$400
Louisiana	$2,300	$500	$400
Oklahoma	$2,300	$500	$400
West Virginia	$2,400	$500	$400
Missouri	$2,500	$500	$400
South Carolina	$2,500	$500	$400
Tennessee	$2,500	$500	$400
Georgia	$2,600	$500	$400
Iowa	$2,600	$500	$400
Kansas	$2,600	$500	$400
Kentucky	$2,600	$500	$400
Nebraska	$2,600	$500	$400
New Mexico	$2,600	$500	$400
South Dakota	$2,600	$500	$400
Indiana	$2,700	$500	$500
Ohio	$2,700	$500	$500
Utah	$2,700	$500	$500
Idaho	$2,800	$600	$500
North Carolina	$2,800	$600	$500
Arizona	$2,900	$600	$500
Michigan	$2,900	$600	$500
Montana	$2,900	$600	$500
North Dakota	$2,900	$600	$500
Texas	$2,900	$600	$500
Wisconsin	$2,900	$600	$500
Wyoming	$2,900	$600	$500
Virginia	$3,000	$600	$500
Florida	$3,100	$600	$500
Nevada	$3,100	$600	$500
Colorado	$3,200	$600	$500
Delaware	$3,200	$600	$500
Illinois	$3,200	$600	$500
Minnesota	$3,200	$600	$500
Pennsylvania	$3,200	$600	$500
Maine	$3,300	$700	$600
Oregon	$3,300	$700	$600
Maryland	$3,400	$700	$600
Rhode Island	$3,400	$700	$600
Vermont	$3,400	$700	$600
Washington	$3,400	$700	$600
New Hampshire	$3,500	$700	$600
New Jersey	$3,800	$800	$600
Connecticut	$3,900	$800	$700
California	$4,100	$800	$700
Massachusetts	$4,100	$800	$700
Alaska	$4,200	$800	$700
New York	$4,200	$800	$700
Hawaii	$4,400	$900	$700

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does nicu stay (per day) cost without insurance?

The average cost of nicu stay (per day) without insurance in the United States is $3,000. Costs vary significantly by state.

Does insurance cover nicu stay (per day)?

Most health insurance plans cover nicu stay (per day) when medically necessary. With insurance, the average out-of-pocket cost is $600.

Does Medicare cover nicu stay (per day)?

Medicare Part B typically covers nicu stay (per day) when ordered by a doctor. The average Medicare-approved amount is $500.

What additional costs should I expect beyond nicu stay (per day)?

Additional costs may include prenatal testing, anesthesia fees, newborn care, extended hospital stays, and any complications. These can add $1,000 to $5,000 or more.