Will Insurance Pay for a Nose Job?
A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that alters the structure, shape, or appearance of the nose. Many people turn to cosmetic surgery for a variety of reasons, ranging from abnormal views of their own nose to difficulty breathing. The question is: will insurance cover the cost of a nose job?
When is it Covered?
Insurance typically covers the cost of a nose job if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This means that the surgery must be performed in order to correct or alleviate a certain medical issue. Examples of medical issues that insurance may cover include:
- A deviated septum that is causing difficulty breathing.
- Nose deformities or disfigurements due to an injury or accident.
- Chronic sinus infections.
- Congenital defects that obstruct the normal functioning of the nose.
What do I Need to do?
If you think that insurance may cover a nose job for you, it is important to speak with your doctor and your insurance provider to discuss the reasons why the procedure is medically necessary. Depending on the policy, you may need to provide documentation or proof that a nose job is the only option to cure or help relieve your medical issue.
Will It Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
In general, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery. It is an elective procedure, meaning it is not medically necessary and is not generally covered by most insurance plans. However, if a patient has an unusually large nose and it causes psychological trauma, an insurance provider may be willing to cover the cost of the procedure if it can be argued that the nose job is also medically necessary.
Summary
In short, insurance will cover the cost of a nose job if it is deemed medically necessary by your doctor and your insurance provider. If the reason for the surgery is solely cosmetic in nature, the procedure is typically not covered. To increase the chances of coverage, it is important to speak to a doctor and insurance provider to make sure all requirements are met.