Can My Insurance Cover a Nose Job?
Nose jobs, or rhinoplasty, are a cosmetic procedure designed to alter a person’s nose shape and appearance. Insurance companies will rarely cover this type of procedure. However, there may be rare cases where some insurance companies could if it is medically necessary.
How a Nose Job Could be Covered by Insurance
In some cases, the insurance company may be willing to cover the procedure if certain criteria are met. These criteria include:
- The person has a medical abnormality or birth defect. For example, if the patient has a deviated septum that is causing them discomfort or difficulty breathing, the insurance company may view the procedure as medically necessary, instead of just cosmetic. A doctor will need to provide medical evidence confirming this.
- The person is having a reconstructive procedure after a traumatic event, such as a car accident, fall, or sports injury.
- The procedure is to treat a medical condition, such as sleep apnea caused by the structure of their nose.
What You Should Know Before You File a Claim
It is important to remember that insurance companies are under no obligation to cover a nose job, even if it is medically necessary. Additionally, even if they agree to cover the procedure, they may not cover the entire cost. The patient may still be responsible for a portion of the bill after their insurance pays out.
If you are considering having a nose job, check with your insurance company’s policy before you file a claim. Be sure to ask about exclusions and any co-payments you may need to make. Make sure to get the policy in writing, so you can review it before you proceed.
In conclusion, while a nose job may be covered by insurance in certain cases, it is not generally a procedure insurers cover. It is ultimately up to the insurance company and a patient’s specific policy. Before proceeding with the procedure, make sure to research your insurance company’s policy, as well as any other costs that you may have to pay out-of-pocket.