The external catheters and PICC line require supplies for cleaning, dressing, and irrigating the line, but the subcutaneous port does not. The port itself, however, is usually more costly than the external catheter and PICC line. The external catheter and the subcutaneous port require operating room time and the services of a surgeon and an anesthesiologist to insert, but PICC lines are usually inserted in the hospital room by a doctor or nurse. External catheters can be removed in the clinic with only IV sedation, but subcutaneous ports can only be removed in the operating room. A good rule of thumb to consider is that if the lines stay in place at least 6 months, the overall costs are almost equal.

Most insurance plans will cover the placement of any central venous catheter and the services of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and operating room facility. Many plans, however, will not cover the cost of the supplies to maintain the line, and this can be an additional financial hardship for families.