Cosmetic Surgery and Health Insurance Coverage: What Are The Options?

If you’re looking to get cosmetic surgery but can’t afford the rising costs of health insurance premiums or deductibles, you may be wondering if there are any options. You might not have been aware that many hospitals offer free or discounted cosmetic surgeries for low-income patients, and some surgeons will work out payment plans with their clients as well. But Group Health Insurance providers do not generally cover cosmetic surgery. Why? We’ll discuss it further in this article.

Table of Contents

• What Is Cosmetic Surgery?
• What Is The Difference Between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery?
• Why Health Insurance Providers Don’t Cover Cosmetic Surgery in India?
• Health Insurance Coverage in Reconstructive Surgery

What Is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgeries are those that typically improve appearance. They’re done for a number of different reasons, such as to remove excess skin after significant weight loss, to fix scars or other markings from accidents and injuries, or to enhance the shape of one’s face. Some people also have cosmetic surgery in order to correct defects like cleft lip and palate.

This surgery was once reserved for those with celebrity incomes, but the rising costs of health insurance premiums and deductibles have made it more accessible to people who are just looking to feel better about themselves.

What Is The Difference Between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery?

The difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery is a bit vague. Many people use the two terms interchangeably, while others argue that they are not synonymous at all. In short, it’s up to you how to define them, though many surgeons would classify both as procedures for improving one’s appearance. That being said, some distinctions can be drawn.

Cosmetic surgery is often to improve one’s appearance and can include procedures such as breast enhancement, tummy tuck, or liposuction. Plastic surgery could also fall under this umbrella but with more focus on reconstructive surgeries for the treatment of birth defects, burns, cancer-related deformities, and injuries.

Plastic surgery is often more involved and may be done in stages. Cosmetic surgeons, on the other hand, are able to provide a one-time operation that will create immediate results, though it’s not always as effective or long-lasting. Overall both of these procedures can improve your appearance by reshaping certain features on your body (e.g., your nose, chin, breasts).

Why Health Insurance Providers Don’t Cover Cosmetic Surgery in India?

Generally, you can buy IIFL online Insurance or any other insurance easily but in terms of cosmetic surgery, things do not go the normal way. Some insurance providers don’t offer health coverage for cosmetic surgery because it doesn’t provide any medical benefits. The modification is usually done to improve a person’s self-image and not for the sake of entry into society or the workplace with better confidence. Most insurers see cosmetic surgeries as elective, which means they are optional but not medically necessary.

This is an understandable stance from the insurer’s perspective because they don’t have to cover these costs and are not obligated legally or morally to do so. However, there might be other options that you may want to consider when it comes to cosmetic surgery coverage.

Health Insurance Coverage in Reconstructive Surgery

Health insurance coverage for reconstructive surgery varies depending on the type of procedure. For example, most private medical plans will cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Other procedures that are often covered include craniofacial and orthognathic surgeries, as well as facial paralysis treatment. However, many other types of cosmetic procedures may not be reimbursed by health insurance.

A company’s health plan will determine what types of reconstructive procedures it covers and to what degree they are covered. It is important for you as a patient to understand your coverage before undergoing any cosmetic surgery.