Does Health Insurance Cover Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a relatively common experience that affects both men and women. By age 60, 65% of men and 80% of women experience some degree of hair loss. For some people, noticeable hair loss begins as early as their 20s. While some people are indifferent or at least resigned with embracing their new look, many more want treatment options to help them regain their hair’s former thickness. Depending on why you are experiencing hair loss, your health insurance policy may or may not cover treatment.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss is most commonly caused by androgenetic alopecia, a condition in which dihydrotestosterone attacks your hair follicles. About 90% of men and 50% of women experience this condition at some point in their lives.

In other cases, medical conditions cause hair loss. These include significant or sudden weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome. If you notice hair loss, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine whether an underlying cause is to blame and if treatment options are available.

How Much Does Hair Loss Treatment Cost?

How much you pay for hair loss treatment depends on a couple factors, including why you are losing hair and what type of treatment you pursue. Hair transplant procedures may cost up to $15,000 or higher, depending on your unique case and where you live.

Hair Loss Due to an Underlying Medical Condition

If you are experiencing hair loss due to an underlying medical condition, then there is a good chance that your health insurance will cover treatment for the condition, either completely or at least a portion of the cost. To be sure, you’ll want to check your “Agreement of Coverage” document. This document outlines everything your policy covers. You should also call your “Member Services” number on the back of your insurance card for verification/ clarification.

Note that the hair loss itself is not covered by health insurance, just the underlying cause. In many cases, treating the underlying condition results in hair regrowth. It is important to make sure that you follow your policy’s rules for seeking treatment, such as obtaining a referral for a specialist from your doctor and obtaining care within your plan’s network.

Hereditary hair loss is only treatable with hair transplantation. Because this procedure is cosmetic and not medically necessary, it is not covered by health insurance.

There’s one exception in which your health insurance may cover hair loss treatment. Finasteride is a medication that is approved for treating an enlarged prostate, along with blocking the effects of DHT, which can treat hair loss. For those who have an enlarged prostate and hereditary hair loss, this medication may be a good option for treating both, and depending on your health insurance plan’s drug formulary, it may be covered by your policy.

Finding Great Health Insurance with Nevada Insurance Enrollment

While health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures such as hair transplantation, the right policy can provide you with the coverage you need to get affordable treatment for underlying causes. At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, health insurance agents can help you find affordable health insurance coverage that fits your needs and budget.