4 Money Saving Tips for Sick Days

Getting a cold can be expensive. Between the cost of tissues, cough syrup, and taking days off of work, coming down with the flu can be a big drain on your wallet. I’m just getting over a cold, which reminded me of all the ways I’ve learned to save money while sick over the years. Here are five of my top tips to help you conserve cash without sacrificing the cold remedies or self-care practices you need to recover. Keep in mind that I’m not a doctor and I’m just sharing what has worked for me!

How to Stick to Your Budget While Sick 

Prepare for Sick Days in Advance 

Flu season is upon us, so it’s time to prepare in advance for those inevitable sick days you’re going to experience this winter. I’m a freelancer, so I don’t get any paid time off. To ensure I can get the rest I need without financial stress, I set aside money from every payment I receive to cover sick days and other emergencies. 

Another step I take to prepare for sick days is to look for clearance cold remedies at pharmacies and grocery stores. I found generic tylenol and cough syrup for about $1 per bottle at Walgreens over the summer and stocked up. I’ve made it a habit to check the cold and flu aisles for clearance items every time I pick up my prescriptions. 

This has enabled me to build a stockpile of the OTC medications I need for a fraction of the price. However, don’t be lured into buying supplies you don’t really need just because the price is low! I make sure to only buy staples I know I’m going to use like headache medicine, eczema lotion, and sunscreen. I also check the expiration date before purchasing clearance items to ensure I’m comfortable with it. I’m ok with taking certain medications past the expiration date, but that’s a medical decision you have to make for yourself. 

Do Some Freezer Meal Prep 

When you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is cook. If you don’t have any pre-made food in the house, you may be tempted to place an expensive delivery order. That’s why I meal prep food in advance for days when I’m short on time or sick. Chili, soups, and stews freeze and reheat well and are perfect for soothing a sore throat. 

If you don’t have time to cook from scratch, watch out for sales on canned soups and frozen meals. Although these options are more expensive than homemade meals, they’re still cheaper than delivery, especially if you grab them on sale. 

Consider Exploring Cheaper Healthcare Options

Although I try to take care of my colds and flus at home, sometimes I need to see a medical professional. Before I head to the doctor’s office, I call the help hotline offered by my health insurance provider first. It’s staffed with qualified nurses who can advise me on next steps, whether that’s seeing a doctor or continuing to monitor and manage my symptoms at home. These services are usually available at no cost and can sometimes help you avoid a more costly trip to the doctor.

If I end up needing medical attention, making an appointment at a local pharmacy is often cheaper than heading to urgent care. However, these clinics are usually staffed by a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. So keep in mind that they may not be able to provide the same level of care as a doctor’s office or urgent care. Again, use your judgment to decide which option is best for you. 

Find Alternatives to Expensive Cold Supplies When Possible

Companies like Kleenex and Vicks have come up with some great cold and flu remedies in the past few years. I love the dissolving Vicks tablets that you can use in the shower to combat congestion. But things like lotion-infused tissues can get expensive. To save money, I try to replicate these products with DIY versions. 

Instead of buying Vicks tablets, I use this DIY shower steamer recipe from HGTV. All you need is some baking soda and essential oils, so a big batch ends up being cheaper than one package of the Vicks tablets. I’ve also switched from Puffs lotion-infused tissues to reusable cotton hankies. They’re much softer than regular tissues, so they don’t cause as much chafing. If my nose still ends up getting dry, I just rub some lotion or vaseline on it. 

Of course, don’t try any DIY projects that are potentially unsafe or use cold remedies that aren’t recommended by your doctor. But finding cheaper options to replace your favorite pricey cold supplies can be a good way to save money. 

How do you save money while sick? Share your tips in the comments! 

Read More 

Plan for Getting Sick on Vacation

10 Ways To Avoid Getting A Cold This Flu Season

Sick, Broke, and Frustrated: What You Can Do When You Cant Afford Medications

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Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.