Does health insurance cover hair loss treatments?
Hair plays a vital role in shaping a person’s personality. On average, people shed 80 to 100 strands daily. Nearly 57% of men aged 29 to 52 face different hair loss issues, while women, though less affected, still make up a significant portion of these cases. As concerns about appearance grow, more people turn to hair loss treatments, raising questions about whether health insurance covers these hair loss treatments.
Baldness: A Growing Concern for Hair Loss
For a long time, people in our country accepted baldness as a natural genetic occurrence, commonly seen with aging. However, times have changed, and people have become more conscious of their appearance, taking hair loss issues more seriously.
Clinically, experts refer to hair loss as ‘Alopecia.’ For young individuals, baldness has become a terrifying nightmare for both men and women.
The following factors could potentially cause hair loss:
- Lack of nourishment
- Usage of hair cosmetics
- Medication for a long period
- Inappropriate care of hair
- Genetic hair fall
- Incorrect shampooing or brushing of hair
In India, the cost of hair loss treatment is usually determined by the grafting method. Each graft contains 1 to 3 hair follicles, and its price typically ranges from ₹25 to ₹45. The total cost depends on the number of grafts transplanted, which can vary from 600 to 4600, depending on the extent of hair loss.
Does insurance cover hair transplants?
No, health insurance companies in India do not cover hair loss treatments. Since hair loss is considered a cosmetic or aesthetic concern rather than a medical condition, it does not qualify for insurance coverage. Moreover, no specific Mediclaim policy, such as “hair transplant insurance,” exists to cover the costs of hair loss treatments. Even optional riders or add-ons from insurance providers exclude benefits for hair transplant procedures.
As a result, individuals seeking hair loss treatments must cover all expenses, including consultations, medications, and surgical procedures, out-of-pocket.
Why doesn't health insurance cover hair loss treatments?
Here are some key reasons why medical insurance excludes hair transplant surgery coverage:
Considered a Cosmetic Concern
Hair loss treatments are typically categorized as cosmetic procedures rather than medical necessities. While medications may address certain causes of hair loss, hair transplant surgeries are primarily done for aesthetic purposes. Although some cosmetic procedures are slowly being added to mediclaim insurance policies, hair transplants are still excluded as they are not deemed medically essential.
High Prevalence of Hair Loss
Hair loss is a very common issue, affecting a significant number of men and women in India. Every year, thousands of individuals seek treatment for it. Covering such a widespread condition would impose a huge financial burden on insurance companies, which is why it is excluded from health insurance.
Focus on Essential Medical Needs
Health insurance is designed to cover medical costs related to illnesses or injuries that affect overall health. While hair loss can sometimes result from health conditions or treatments, it is often caused by other factors like genetics or aging. Because of this, hair loss treatments are generally not seen as a priority in healthcare coverage.