Is Laser Hair Removal Covered By Insurance?
There are myriad surgeries or medical treatments that can be covered by insurance. From body contouring to breast augmentation, health insurance can sometimes step in and help. A common question people have when researching laser hair removal is “Will my insurance cover my laser hair removal treatments?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as most people would like, which won’t surprise anyone who has had to jump through the hoops of filing an insurance claim.
For an exact answer on whether or not your insurance will cover laser hair removal, read your insurance policy. Below are some general guidelines for when most insurers will and won’t cover laser hair removal.
Some insurers will cover the cost of laser hair removal when the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
When Might Laser Hair Removal Treatments Be Covered?
Laser hair removal treatments work by laser light targeting the hair follicle in the treated area. The follicle absorbs the light, and it’s destroyed so hair can never grow again. Laser hair removal works for everyone, regardless of hair and skin type. The results from laser hair reduction treatments are permanent, and this is beneficial to many people for medical necessity. But if you’ve ever had to file a medical insurance claim, you’ll know that “medically necessary” isn’t as cut and dried as it sounds.
PCOS
A medical diagnosis of a condition causing excessive and unwanted hair growth, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and a physician’s recommendation for hair reduction is a good start. However, this doesn’t automatically mean your laser hair removal treatment meets the requirements of your insurance policy to be considered medically necessary.
Read the fine print of your insurance policy for specific details. Many insurers require proof that your unwanted hair causes undue emotional or physical distress by disrupting your daily life. Unfortunately, just because your unwanted hair is caused by a medical condition doesn’t mean your insurance will cover it.
Fight the good fight with the support of your physician and documentation before your laser treatment will be covered or you are reimbursed. The most common laser hair removal treatments covered by insurance are associated with clients preparing for gender reassignment/confirmation surgery and wanting to get rid of unwanted body hair.
Gender-Affirming Care
Laser hair removal can help individuals feel like their true selves by eliminating unwanted body hair. No more daily shaving or stressing about stubble. Some insurance plans currently cover laser hair removal as part of gender-affirming surgery and care.
Gender affirmation for your laser hair removal treatments does not automatically guarantee coverage. Refer to your insurance policy to see if the procedure could be covered. Note what documentation would be needed to meet the medically necessary clause of your policy.
Folliculitis
This condition is an infection that develops in the hair follicles that can occur in most places on the body. Follicles become clogged or irritated due to shaving with a dull razor or waxing. Folliculitis causes red bumps that look like acne. They can be painful and embarrassing to deal with and can lead to scarring, discoloration, and further infection. Oral and topical medications can help with folliculitis but laser hair removal is considered to be a better long-term solution.
Ask your insurance company!
This isn’t an exhaustive list of when insurance will or will not cover your laser hair removal treatments. The best thing you can do if you have questions is to contact your insurance company about your insurance coverage. While some laser hair removal providers don’t submit claims to insurers on behalf of clients, they can supply you with any laser treatment or payment documentation to submit your claim.