Cold caps are devices that reduce the hair loss caused by chemotherapy. UCSF supports two types of cold cap therapy: DigniCap and Penguin.

This table shows estimated costs based on treatment regimen and cold cap type.

Treatment regimen DigniCap cost Penguin cost
12 cycles of Taxol (paclitaxel)

$250 (kit)
+ eight cycles x $325 (UCSF facility fee + DigniCap payment) = $2,600
+ four cycles x $50 (UCSF facility fee) = $200

Total: $3,050

 $449/month x three months = $1,347
Four cycles of TCHP (Taxotere, carboplatin, Herceptin and pertuzumab)

$250 (kit)
+ four x $325 (UCSF facility fee + DigniCap payment) = $1,300

Total: $1,550

 $449/month x three months = $1,347
Six cycles of TCHP

$250 (kit)
+ six x $325 (UCSF facility fee + DigniCap payment) = $1,950

Total: $2,250

 $449/month x five months = $2,245
AC-T: Four cycles of AC (Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide), 12 cycles of Taxol

$250 (kit)
+ eight x $325 (UCSF facility fee + DigniCap payment) = $2,600 + eight x $50 (UCSF facility fee) = $400

Total: $3,250

 $449/month x five months = $2,245
Four cycles of Taxotere/Cytoxan (TC)

$250 (kit)
+ four x $325 (UCSF facility fee + DigniCap payment) = $1,300

Total: $1,550

 $449/month x three months = $1,347

Note: Pricing as of March, 2023. Please refer to the DigniCap and Penguin websites for updated costs.

For a fee, Penguin provides extra services by request:

  • A Penguin employee stays with you during your appointment to switch out the caps on your head = $555 for eight hours.
  • Three-hour live hospital "capping" training for caregivers = $395.
  • Two-hour Zoom or at-home "capping" training for caregivers = $225.

Penguin clients must buy their own dry ice. The cost depends on where you buy it, but figure on roughly $100 per infusion session. Penguin can provide a list of stores that carry it.

Insurance coverage

A growing number of insurance companies are covering cold cap treatments during chemotherapy. Patients with a health savings account or flexible spending account can use those funds to cover the cost of cold caps.

We recommend calling your insurance company's customer support line to ask whether your scalp cooling treatment will be covered. Use the contacts below for further information on how to see reimbursement.