“Will insurance cover my plastic surgery?”—that’s a great question

If you’re going to invest in plastic surgery, you want to make sure you’re not paying for something your insurance covers. Plastic surgery and insurance coverage are a bit tricky—there’s always gray areas and thin lines.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Your Insurance Company and Plan Determine Coverage

Most insurance doesn’t cover any type of cosmetic surgery procedures.

Companies also make clear distinctions between plastic surgery that’s done for cosmetic purposes and plastic surgery that’s done to:

  • Reconstruct parts of the face
  • Preserve quality of life
  • Restore normal function

Surgery done for these reasons might be covered by your insurance.

Cosmetic Surgery That Won’t Be Covered by Your Insurance

The three most common procedures that aren’t covered by insurance are:

  • Liposuction
  • Breast augmentation
  • Eyelid surgery

These surgeries are considered “optional” and insurance companies will not cover them unless rare circumstances dictate.

Plastic Surgery That Might Be Covered

As previously eluded to, plastic surgery that’s done to preserve function and health can be covered by insurance. Your surgeon’s diagnosis will be looked at by your insurance company. Insurance companies will first determine if non-surgical measures can be taken. If they can’t, coverage might be possible.

It’s important to know that there never are guarantees. Each company has its own rules, restrictions, guidelines, etc. Never get a surgery before you know if it will be covered by insurance, as payments after surgery will be impossible.

Situations Where You Might Be Covered

Insurance companies place a lot of emphasis on the reasoning behind a procedure. Coverage is possible if you have a problem due to:

  • A car accident
  • A major accident
  • A burn incident
  • Injuries sustained during an altercation that you had no control over

Insurance companies view these situations are “non-optional” reasons to have a procedure. Your chances of being covered are high.

An Example of a Situation Where You Have a Good Chance of Being Covered

You sustained an injury to your nose. The injury causes you to not breathe properly and gets in the way of your day to day life. Your surgeon diagnoses you with a deviated septum and says that a nose job can be done to correct it.

In this (or a similar) situation, your chances of being covered are high.

Conclusion—Your Surgeon is Your Best Resource

For information regarding insurance coverage of the specific procedure you’re interested in, it’s always best to seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon. They can diagnose your condition and then give you the information you need in regards to coverage. Their experience is unprecedented—if you can get coverage, they will know how.


Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel


Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

With special expertise in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, and a particular skill for revision surgery, it’s clear why Dr. Spiegel is one of the most celebrated facial plastic surgeons in the world. If you are seeking the best possible results, or have a uniquely challenging problem, you’ve found the right doctor.

Learn More About Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

Dr. Onir L. Spiegel


Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Onir (pronounced “oh-near”) has years of experience in facial aesthetics and treats some of the most recognizable and famous faces. Dr. Onir started her career in oral health, earning doctorate degrees from both New York University and Boston University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her cutting-edge medical research as well as her technical skills in dentistry.

Learn More About Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Jacob Tower


Dr. Jacob Tower

A board-certified specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Jacob Tower brings a thoughtful approach and an artistic eye to New England’s premier plastic surgery practice, The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts. In addition to being an in-demand surgeon, Dr. Tower is an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, a sought-after lecturer, and an expert in facial plastic surgery.

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