Can laser hair removal be covered by insurance?

Author: Katheryn Murphy  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Most insurance providers classify laser hair removal as a cosmetic procedure, which typically leads to a lack of coverage. However, exceptions exist, particularly when such treatments are deemed medically necessary—for instance, in severe cases of hirsutism caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.

Is laser treatment covered by insurance?

Dermatology services that are typically covered by insurance include steroid injections, surgery, and light therapy — if they are deemed medically necessary. Chemical peels, facials, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion are far less likely to be covered by your health insurance.

Is laser hair removal covered by medical?

Unwanted hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, not a medical procedure, and is therefore not covered by insurance.

Does laser hair removal count as a medical expense?

You generally can't include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.

Is laser hair removal covered by insurance for HS?

most insurance companies won't cover it as it's seen as an elective cosmetic procedure BUT there are some reasons they may cover it. A few examples include but aren't limited to: amputees, trans people, HS, folliculitis, pilonidal cysts, etc.

Is Laser Hair Removal Covered by Insurance? Find Out Now!

Will insurance cover laser hair removal for PCOS?

Most insurance providers classify laser hair removal as a cosmetic procedure, which typically leads to a lack of coverage. However, exceptions exist, particularly when such treatments are deemed medically necessary—for instance, in severe cases of hirsutism caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.

Is hair treatment covered by insurance?

Irrespective of any treatment you choose, the treatments are cosmetic. Since the nature of hair loss treatment is aesthetic rather than healing or preventive, healthcare providers do not include it in their plans.

Who Cannot do laser hair removal?

So are women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. They should wait until they have had the baby before starting a course of treatment. People with keloid scars or healing problems like hypertrophic scars should not have laser hair removal.

What are not qualified medical expenses?

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

Is laser hair removal considered a surgery?

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive technique that uses highly concentrated light to penetrate hair follicles. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft in the follicle-generating heat which damages the follicle to inhibit future hair growth.

Is laser hair removal worth it?

Yes. “I was intrigued by the promise of a longer-lasting solution than shaving, and the results have been transformative. My hair regrew much slower, saving me countless hours and hundreds of dollars in waxing appointments and razors. (Before the treatments, I spent about $100 monthly on professional waxing.)

What do dermatologists say about laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin.

How expensive is full body laser hair removal?

For a full body treatment, you're looking at roughly $35 to $100 per hour. Because each hair is treated one at a time, it takes many sessions. You might spend 15 to 30 hours in total. This means the full cost could be anywhere from $525 to $3,000.

Who is not eligible for laser?

Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively participate in contact sports.

Why is laser treatment so expensive?

They require regular maintenance to keep them in top working condition. Plus, the people operating these machines need specialized training to ensure they're used safely and effectively. All these factors contribute to the cost of laser hair removal treatments.

Does insurance cover a dermatologist for hair loss?

If you have pattern baldness, which can occur as part of the natural aging process, insurers will not usually cover associated treatment costs, as they may consider it cosmetic rather than medical.

What Cannot be claimed as a medical expense?

You typically can't deduct the cost of nonprescription drugs (except insulin) or other purchases for general health, such as toothpaste, health club dues, vitamins, diet food and nonprescription nicotine products. You also can't deduct medical expenses paid in a different year.

Is gym membership a qualified medical expense?

A10: Yes, but only if the membership was purchased for the sole purpose of affecting a structure or function of the body (such as a prescribed plan for physical therapy to treat an injury) or the sole purpose of treating a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease).

What is a non qualified expense?

They include fees for tuition, facilities, technology, mandatory fees, and a portion of the course and services fees. Nonqualified expenses are defined as room and board, student activities, parking, athletics, insurance, equipment, or other similar personal living expenses.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.

What is negative about laser hair removal?

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Can I use insurance for laser hair removal?

The cost will vary depending on the body part you want to treat, healthcare professional's fees, geographic location, and other factors. In most cases, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance.

How to get insurance to cover hair loss treatment?

Steps to Take If You Want Coverage for Hair Loss Treatments
  1. Talk to your doctor. A medical professional can help determine if your hair loss is connected to a health issue that might qualify for coverage.
  2. Check your insurance policy. ...
  3. Submit documentation. ...
  4. Consult with your provider.

What surgeries are not covered by insurance?

Cosmetic procedures such as plastic surgery or vein removal are nearly always considered elective and so are not covered. Fertility treatments are only covered in certain states, and even then, there are loopholes that allow insurers to deny coverage.

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