Is Cosmetic Surgery Covered By Health Insurance?


Insurance and what is covered

Care policies can vary, depending on what is considered a medical procedure covered. Most insurers are the definitions of the AMA (American Medical Association) and ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), which states that there are two types of surgery when discussing plastic surgery - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Fortunately, there are guidelines insurance companies must follow when it comes to defining what is considered reconstructive and what is considered aesthetic.

Reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery refers to surgery performed on abnormal structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, include:

  •     Abdominal Surgery: If performed to correct or eliminate health problems such as back pain, infections, hernias, skin rash, or help improve your ability to walk normally.
  •     Breast Surgery: If performed to correct asymmetry, reduce large breasts cause health problems, reconstruction due to loss, congenital absence (born with one breast) or great men, breast reduction.
  •     Ear Surgery: If performed to correct deformed ears by birth, illness or injury.
  •     Eyelid Surgery: If you perform the drooping eyelids that vision problems or correct eyelids that are linked abnormally, creating correct.
  •     Facial Surgery: If performed to balance the appearance due to paralysis or disorders of the muscles of the face, head and neck.
  •     Hand Surgery: If performed with carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, nerve injuries, tendon injuries, fused fingers or other deformities to treat.
  •     Nasal Surgery: If performed to correct deformities caused by birth defects or respiratory disease.

Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is a transformation of normal body structures for self-esteem, or the appearance of a patient to improve. These usually include physical improvements that are not medically necessary. Since breast augmentation procedures, nose (rhinoplasty), facelifts, hair transplants, laser hair removal, procedures for varicose vein removal another "look" of this type of medication.

Research procedures


Read his book of health insurance plan. Are likely to find quick answers to resource utilization and deduction according to the procedure.

Each insurer has a pre-approved list of medical procedures. Therefore, the direct method, contact your health insurance will save you time when you know the exact procedure you need or want it all. Ask about exceptions, rule changes or special considerations. If possible, mail or fax a letter or document that the coverage of the procedure to configure.

When you talk to your health insurance or HMO PPO provider, make sure you understand all the details. Some insurance companies may cover the first surgery, but not the "post-op" complications or touch-ups. Some can not cover the surgery, but will protect you later if a problem occurs. Some may just below the requirements and short-term disability.

Before surgery, the procedure to discuss with your doctor and insurance company for coverage, if any, you can expect.