Cosmetic Surgery: Are Nose Jobs Covered by Insurance?
Nose jobs, medically termed as rhinoplasty, have become a popular cosmetic surgery procedure for people seeking to reshape the size or contour of the nose. But if those contemplating the surgery have health insurance, they may ask: are nose jobs covered by insurance?
Insurance Coverage Depends on the Purpose of Surgery
When it comes to health insurance covering rhinoplasty, the answer is that it depends. To be eligible for insurance coverage, the purpose of the surgery must be to correct a deformity that interferes with the normal functioning of the nose, or to correct a pronounced facial disfigurement to improve breathing.
Rhinoplasty for Cosmetic Purposes Not Covered by Insurers
On the other hand, if someone wants a rhinoplasty purely for cosmetic reasons, the expense will not be covered by health insurance. The individual is responsible for the entire expense which typically ranges from $3000-$10,000 depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Financing and Other Payment Methods
These days, there are various financing options available to make cosmetic surgery more affordable such as loans from the healthcare institution or from banks. Additionally, a person can pay for a rhinoplasty procedure with:
- Cash or debit/credit card.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Medicare (in certain cases).
In some cases, the surgeon may also have a payment plan option. It is also important to check if the surgeon participates in a patient facial financing plan that is accepted by insurance providers.
Summary of Nose Jobs and Insurance
The bottom line is that if a person is looking to get a nose job purely for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely the expense will be covered by insurance. However, rhinoplasty to correct a deformity that interferes with normal functioning or to correct a pronounced facial disfigurement could be eligible for insurance coverage depending on the insurer. Talk to a healthcare provider before having a rhinoplasty procedure to find out whether insurance covers the expense.