Insurance and Cosmetic Surgery

It is only natural to want to improve your appearance. That is precisely why you are considering plastic surgery. It is also normal in today's world to wonder exactly how much your insurance company will cover. Unfortunately, the short answer to that question when it comes to cosmetic surgery is usually, "Not much".

Plastic Surgery Limitations of Insurance Companies

As usual, insurance companies always seem to balk at paying out any money when it is needed. Whether that is right or not is entirely another discussion for another day, but you do need to be aware of the tremendous limitations that insurance companies place on you when it comes to plastic surgery and your coverage. The basic rule is that reconstructive surgery is covered whereas surgery for cosmetic purposes is not.

What Constitutes Reconstructive Surgery?

When surgery is done to make your appearance become more normal is generally what constitutes reconstructive surgery. Fixing a birth defect like a cleft lip or a cleft palate is considered reconstructive surgery because a normal appearance to the mouth and nose is what is trying to be achieved. Surgically fixing severe burns and other scars is considered reconstructive. Restructuring someone's face after a severe automotive accident, work related accident, or animal attack is considered reconstructive. Basically, if your insurance company decides that your particular body issue is only to improve something that was normal to start with, you are on your own with the costs. It sounds harsh, but it is the reality.

Insurance Exceptions

Exceptions made by insurance companies are rare, but they do happen. It wouldn't hurt to try the appeal process with your particular insurance carrier. Also, there are procedures that do improve your natural appearance, but do so at a benefit to your medical health. One example of such a cosmetic procedure that is sometimes considered for payment by an insurance company is an eye lift. If you can show that your vision was legitimately impaired because of your drooping eye lids, and that this cosmetic surgery will medically improve your impairment, then some insurance companies will pay part if not all of the expenses.

Avoid Insurance Frustration

By expecting up front to not have financial assistance from your insurance carrier, you will avoid some undue stress. This does not mean that plastic surgery is out for you. Discuss financial and payment possibilities with your plastic surgeon, because he/she may have a solution for you.