Getting T

[Eli_]

I'm pre-t and I'm reaching the point where I really can't wait much longer.  My parents aren't supportive of anything trans-related, so I'm going to need to pay for it on my own, and I don't have much money.  I know how much the testosterone itself costs, and I can easily afford that, but what about doctor's appointments? Do you have to check in with a doctor often when on T, and if so, does insurance generally cover part of the cost of the visits? Basically what I want to know is what other expenses there are besides the T itself.
Also, once you get a T letter, how long does it usually take to start injecting?  I've heard some guys say they had to do bloodwork and have a couple of doctor's visits before they could start - how long does all of this usually take?

Sorry for so many questions, but any information is greatly appreciated.

[xAndrewx]

Hey Eli, welcome to Susans

I did things a little differently so here's how it went for me:

I don't have insurance so I found a councilor who gave me discounted sessions. Then I got my letter. Next I found a doctor near me who charged $95 for first visit (without insurance) and $65 per visit after that. I got my prescription for T first visit without bloodwork because the doctor said she just wanted to do bloodwork at 3 months. In about 2 months the hospital said if I don't have a job or insurance since I am a college student I can get discounted lab fees. Some insurance doesn't cover costs of transition. All in all it took me about 3 months from starting therapy to getting on T. Hope that helps

[Nygeel]

:|
I typed out a whole lot of stuff, then some how a button was pushed and everything I typed poof'd and it took me a long time to type.

My blood test cost $300, was supposed to get it pre-T and 2 months on T. I went to clinics which were $70 intake, $20 a session for therapy. Clinic for endo was $40, sliding scale. If your parents pay for your insurance then your medical stuff will come up on their bills.

[Morgan]

I got lucky and found a non-profit organization that does free counseling, blood tests, prescriptions, and injection lessons. The only thing I had to pay for was the hormones itself, which was, lucky for me again, covered by my insurance with a 32$ co-pay every 6 months. If you live in Virginia, it's the AccessAIDS care in Norfolk.