Renewing your DOT medical card is something you have to do so you can keep your certification to drive a big rig. Shelling out money to maintain a valid medical card usually only happens every couple of years, and the cost can vary.
The cost to renew a DOT medical card depends on the cost of the required medical exam that must be performed by a DOT-certified examiner. Any other medical treatments or medications required to pass the exam would also add to the overall cost. There is no renewal cost for the card itself.
If you’re wondering what kind of cash out of pocket to expect when your DOT medical card comes up for renewal, read on.
The Cost of a Renewing DOT Medical Card
As a big rig driver, you know how important it is to keep your DOT medical card up-to-date. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) requires drivers to hold a valid medical card to ensure that they are physically fit enough to handle heavy commercial vehicles on the nation’s roadways.
Driver health is so important that medical cards are only issued for a two year period. At the end of that time, prior to the expiration date, you have to submit to – and pass – another physical in order to keep your certification.
The only real cost of renewing a DOT medical card is the cost of the actual physical examination. Typically, the physical exam ranges from $85 to $150, although you may find exams for as little as $50 or as high as $225.
CVS, for example, offers initial DOT medical exams for $109 and follow-up exams for $35.
What Other Costs Might I Expect?
Aside from the cost of the physical exam itself, you might encounter a few other extraneous costs when it’s time to renew your medical card. And these will depend on what the examiner finds.
Consider and plan for some of these possibilities:
- Additional testing by a specialist for certain medical conditions
- Hearing aids
- Vision aids such as glasses or contacts
- Blood pressure medicine
- Insulin
- Mental counseling
- Sleep disorder treatments such as CPAP
- Drug counseling
Now, let’s take a look if you will have to pay out of pocket for your DOT medical exam.
Will I Have to Pay Out of Pocket for a DOT Medical Exam?
Sometimes when we see the doctor, we are expected to pay a copay. Because of this, you may be wondering if you will have to pay out of pocket for a DOT medical exam.
A DOT medical exam is considered an employment-related expense which means it is not covered by most health insurance plans. Because of this, you will be expected to pay for the cost of the physical exam at the time of service. However, some employers may offer reimbursement.
Before you choose an exam location or schedule an exam with a health professional, ask your employer about their specific reimbursement policy. It’s in their best interests to help keep their drivers fully certified and on the road.
Where Can I Get a DOT Medical Exam?
Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to get your physical exam at the same place every time, or even in the same state where you originally got your CDL. That’s good news when you’re thousands of miles away from your home state and your medical card is about to expire.
To help you find a medical examiner near you, the FMCSA has compiled a registry of DOT-certified examiners. You can search the registry by city and state or zip code.
Because you are required to use a DOT-certified health professional, the actual physical examination is the same regardless of location or examiner. There is an exact set of procedures established by the DOT and they must be followed consistently across the country.
How Long Does It Take to Get My DOT Medical Card?
Now that you have all the steps to go and renew your DOT medical card, you may be wondering how long it will take to get the new one.
If you pass, the medical examiner may give you a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) at the end of your visit. However, they are not required to provide it on the day of the exam if they have determined additional tests are needed.
Section 391.43(g) does require the examiner to provide copies to you and your employer if you pass. The examiner has until midnight of the day after the exam to submit the results to the FMCSA.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your DOT medical card usually only comes around every couple of years. But even when it does, it won’t break the bank or empty your wallet. Still, it’s a good idea to plan for the expense of the physical exam and any treatments or medications that may be required to keep your CDL certification.