Is Cosmetic Surgery Covered by Florida Health Insurance

In today’s day and age, millions of people—both men and women—undergo cosmetic procedures for many reasons. Nose and breast augmentation are two of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, followed very closely by liposuction. While rare, there are some Florida health insurance companies that may cover cosmetic surgeries in some instances.

When Cosmetic Surgery is Considered ‘Elective’

Insurance companies will typically not cover cosmetic surgery if it is considered elective; the term ‘elective’ means that the patient is choosing to have a procedure that is not medically necessary. Thus, when people choose to have surgeries to augment parts of their bodies, such as facelifts, insurance companies will not cover them. The purpose of Florida health insurance is to provide affordable healthcare in times of medical need. If a procedure isn’t needed—rather, it is elected—then it is unlikely that it will be covered by any insurance policy. There are a few exceptions to this, but health insurance plans that cover cosmetic surgeries are expensive and difficult to find.

When Cosmetic Surgery is Considered ‘Corrective’

In some cases, cosmetic surgeries may be considered corrective instead of elective. The term ‘corrective’ means that the surgery is reconstructive and medically necessary. Some prime examples of such surgeries include breast augmentation after a mastectomy, nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum or even breast reduction. Most insurance companies will cover these procedures, but there are some Florida health insurance companies that will not; instead, they will pay for the part of the surgery that is considered absolutely necessary. Consumers are urged to take the time to review their policies closely in order to determine what is covered and what is not.

What if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Surgery?

If your health insurance plan does not cover a surgery that you have elected, there are a few things you can do. Most cosmetic surgeons offer some sort of financing to those who cannot afford to pay for it outright. There is often interest associated with such financing, so consumers should be sure to discuss these options with the surgeon or clinic; this is much like taking out a loan and it comes with a certain level of responsibility. Otherwise, you can always save the money required to have the surgery and schedule it for a later date.

Insurance Coverage for Elective Cosmetic Surgery

As previously stated, there are not many insurance companies that will provide coverage for elective cosmetic surgery. This is because insurance companies already assume a certain amount of risk when they provide consumers with coverage, and it is also because cosmetic surgery is expensive. In the event that consumers can find a Florida health insurance plan that covers such surgeries, it will likely only cover a certain percentage and up to a certain amount. This is considered an ‘allowance’—the consumer must pay for the rest of the surgery out of pocket.

If you are considering elective surgery, you should keep in mind that it is unlikely that any Florida health insurance company will cover the surgery in its entirety. There are some, however, that may cover a portion of your surgery.