Cosmetic surgery can be expensive, and it’s a major consideration that many patients factor in when deciding on their desired procedure. Thus, the issue of insurance coverage is a common discussion between patient and surgeon.
So, will your insurance provide cover the cost of your cosmetic surgery? The answer can be sometimes yes but with a caveat but it’s more often a no, even if it’s a health-related surgery. Here’s more information you may want to take up with your surgeon.
Reconstructive Procedures
In some cases, insurance companies will provide partial or complete coverage of certain procedures considered as reconstructive in nature. Keep in mind that the keyword here is “reconstructive” so procedures done for purely cosmetic reasons aren’t considered for coverage.
For example, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy to remove cancerous breast tissue is considered as reconstructive surgery and, hence, it’s covered by insurance. In many states, in fact, the law actually requires insurance companies to cover the surgery!
Other examples where insurance coverage is possible include:
- Breast reduction where the patient suffered from moderate to severe chronic pain caused by having abnormally large breasts
- Reconstruction of cosmetic defects after an accident
- Repair of congenital defects like cleft palates
- Repair of cosmetic defects with a significant impact on normal body functions, such as a severely hooded eyelid resulting in obscured vision (blepharoplasty)
Your insurance provider will determine whether your desired procedure has reconstructive benefits or not. The decision to grant partial or complete coverage is also up to them. You can talk to your surgeon so that he can lobby for your case, so to speak, and you can enjoy insurance coverage.
Cosmetic Procedures
Sadly, purely cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance and it’s something that you have to deal with. As far as we know, there are no insurance companies that will cover, either in part or in full, the costs for a face lift or a neck lift at Sono Bello Lift when these are done for beauty-related purposes only. You have to present compelling evidence that, indeed, the cosmetic surgery procedure is a legitimate medical concern, and it’s a difficult task.
Fortunately, it isn’t the end of the road for you! You can discuss financing options with your surgeon or nurse, choose from among these options, and proceed with your desired procedure. You may even be surprised that many cosmetic procedures are affordable and you don’t even have to dip into your retirement fund.
Plus, you may even claim as deduction part of your medical taxes. Ask your tax advisor about it and you may just qualify.
