Does insurance cover electrolysis?

Author: Heather Pfannerstill  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Please note: Most insurance companies require a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to qualify for electrolysis coverage. There are also some insurance companies allowing a medical diagnosis of PCOS (hormonal disorder related) to qualify for electrolysis coverage.

Does insurance ever cover electrolysis?

Unfortunately, the general rule is that most health insurance companies do not cover electrolysis treatments, primarily considering excessive hair growth as a cosmetic issue. However, there are exceptions.

Can electrolysis be medically necessary?

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) affirmed in 2008 and 2016 that laser hair removal and electrolysis are medically necessary to treat gender dysphoria.

Can electrolysis be covered by insurance for PCOS?

Alternatively, if you are seeking electrolysis due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or another follicular disorder, a medical necessity letter from your treating provider (dermatologist, endocrinologist, or primary care provider) completed within the last 18 months is required.

How much should I expect to pay for electrolysis?

Electrolysis Cost

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.

PCOS and Laser Hair Removal | Electrolysis | My experience

What is a downside to electrolysis?

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful.

Which is cheaper electrolysis or laser?

The cost for electrolysis and laser hair removal varies depending on the provider, size of treated areas, and amount of sessions. However, laser hair removal is typically more affordable than electrolysis.

Who Cannot get electrolysis?

Electrolysis should not be done in the following conditions: Blood disorders e.g. hepatitis, AIDS HIV. Hepatitis and HIV are both serious viruses transported by the blood. Due to the risks of cross infection the treatment is not permitted.

How to get insurance to cover laser hair removal?

Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity: Some insurers may cover the procedure if your healthcare provider provides a letter of medical necessity. Submit Receipts for Reimbursement: Insurers might reimburse you after you submit a receipt for the procedure.

Does electrolysis get rid of hormonal hair?

Electrolysis is one possible treatment for unwanted hair growth due to PCOS. A person may find that treating PCOS with certain medications may help prevent hair growth.

Is electrolysis 100% permanent?

Yes, it is. Electrolysis stands alone as the permanent alternative to lifetime maintenance. No other hair-removal solution can claim the universal acceptability and success offered by electrolysis treatments.

How painful is electrolysis?

Is electrolysis painful? Electrolysis doesn't typically cause too much discomfort. You may feel a slight tingling. Talk to your electrologist about a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) if necessary.

Why don t more people do electrolysis?

Much Slower Than Laser Therapy

A common reason people don't prefer electrolysis is that the process takes a lot more time.

What is the normal price for electrolysis?

Cost of Electrolysis

The cost of treatments can vary widely depending on several factors, but generally, you can expect to pay between £25 and £60 per session. These sessions usually last between 15 minutes to an hour.

Does Starbucks cover electrolysis?

Under Starbucks benefits for transgender partners, procedures historically deemed cosmetic by most employers, such as electrolysis, facial feminization, breast reduction or augmentation and more are covered by insurance in the U.S. The company worked with World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to ...

Do dermatologists offer electrolysis?

How to get the best results: Have a board-certified dermatologist or board-certified electrologist perform your electrolysis.

Will insurance cover hair removal for PCOS?

Insurance coverage for laser hair removal for women with PCOS can vary depending on the individual policy and the severity of the condition. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost of laser hair removal if it is deemed medically necessary to treat the symptoms of hirsutism.

How to get insurance to cover skin removal?

You'll need to prove that your surgery is medically necessary in order for your insurance company to pay for it, so you'll want to first speak with your doctor. Begin documenting all the steps you've taken to overcome your medical issues so that your doctor can understand that surgery is truly a last resort.

Does my insurance cover hair loss?

Typically, for insurance to pay for treatment, the hair loss must be caused by a medical condition, such as an underlying illness or injury with pre-approvals required from the insurance companies prior to any treatment.

How expensive is electrolysis hair removal?

A one-hour session can range anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the area being treated. Electrolysis hair removal is often more expensive compared to other methods, but it is more effective in the long run as the results are permanent.

Why is electrolysis bad?

Going to an inexperienced electrolysis technician can cause permanent skin damage. Because electrolysis involves permanently damaging the hair follicle, it can damage other parts of the skin if the probe is placed incorrectly. Sadly, it's one of the most common side effects of electrolysis.

What celebrities get electrolysis?

Celebrities donning this look include Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and supermodel Cara Delevingne. But even bold eyebrows require maintenance and upkeep. Electrolysis is an excellent grooming choice because it permanently removes the pesky, unwanted hairs individually while keeping the fullness that you desire.

Should I get laser or electrolysis first?

You do not want to have both electrolysis and laser done on the same area of your body at the same time; however, some people start their hair removal process with laser, wait a few months to see what growth remains, and finish the process with electrolysis.

Can you get electrolysis on pubic hair?

MtF genital electrolysis is a pubic hair removal process and is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal.

Does electrolysis really remove hair permanently?

Because electrolysis destroys the hair follicle, hair can never grow back. It's effective for the greatest range of skin and hair types. Electrolysis is the only method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permanently removing unwanted hair.

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