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Will Insurance Cover my Botox Injections?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Lana Long, MD
Question viewed 10,382 times
Tags: costs, insurance, price

am i wasting time asking insurance to cover botox? I do have terrible deep lines and it affects my ability to get good paying jobs.

37 answers to Will Insurance Cover my Botox Injections?

+1

Insurance for Botox?

While deep lines or wrinkles may have an effect on your job search, unfortunately the use of Botox for this condition is not deemed medically necessary and will be rejected for coverage. The are medical uses of Botox that are covered by insurance, but wrinkles is not one of them. Sorry!
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

+3

BOTOX Cosmetic treatments for aesthetic enhancement...

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments for aesthetic enhancement are not covered by insurance. In some cases, medical insurance will pay for part or all of the costs of functional BOTOX® treatments if the condition to be treated is considered reconstructive, disabling or interferes significantly with the quality of your life. Common examples of this are: Eyelid and facial spasm Migraine headaches Excessive sweating (known as hyperhidrosis) You should check with your insurance carrier to find... more
Jonathan Hoenig, MD

Beverly Hills Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Botox for furrows is not covered by insurance but well worth it

Be glad that there's a safe and effective non-surgical treatment for the problem of deep forehead wrinkles.  Botox and Dysport are a wonderful treatment for this, and it's a small investment to improve your self-esteem and job chances. With the economy and health care reform, we should all be more worried about whether or not we'll have MD's to take care of us when we're elderly than whether or not Botox will be covered by our insurance!
Margaret Weiss, MD

Baltimore Dermatologist
+2

Botox and Insurance

Yes, depending on where you live, insurers willl cover hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox. Fortunately for you, since the insurance companies want you to try different non-surgical options BEFORE they pay for any surgical procedure such as micro ETS (sympathectomy), they are forced to pay for these treatments which include anticholinergic therapy and Botox. The medical provider has to make an effort to get this done for you. Often, it is much easier for cosmetic surgeons, to say that it is... more
Hratch Karamanoukian, MD

Buffalo General Surgeon
+1

Botos Insurance

Insurance does not cover Botox when used for cosmetic purposes, such as frown lines. Lana Long, M. D.
Lana Long, MD

Cincinnati Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox for frown lines is not covered by insurance

Botox, when used for cosmetic improvement, is not a covered service. Insurers focus on functional imorovement as a criterion for coverage and the use of Botox for facial rejuvenation is inapplicable to this definition, Botox is not an expensive procedure and I would encourage you to consult with a plastic surgeon about it's estimated cost.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

The coverage of Botox

In addition to treating wrinkles, Botox has seemed to be quite the cure for other issues, such as migraines, excessive sweating also known as hyperhydrosis, or muscle spasms. These are the only cases that may be covered by insurance. Other cosmetic reasons most likely will not be covered.
Yael Halaas, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox not covered for cosmetic reasons

You are a member of the competitive workforce who seeks to have a refreshed professional appearance. Botox for cosmetic improvement is considered elective by insurance companies and therefore not covered. At times it can be covered for headaches, but requires extensive documentation and consultation with a neurologist. It has to go through an exhaustive review prior to pre-approval.
Peter Schmid, DO

Longmont Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Cosmetic coverage on insurance.

Hello, Cosmetic treatments are generally not covered by insurance. You can of course take it up with your insurance company but you will probably not succeed.   Best Regards, John Di Saia MD
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for cosmetic treatments is not covered by insurance

Botox is covered by some insurance companies for excessive sweating, and may be covered for migraines, because these are both medically necessary indications.  Cosmetic procedures may be desirable but not medically necessary, therefore are not covered by insurance.
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Insurance Coverage for Botox--Chronic Migraines

Botox is not covered for Cosmetic Purposes or Indications. However, the FDA recently cleared Botox to be marketed for use in patients with chronic migraine headaches and some insurance companies will cover it similar to the way there is coverage for medical conditions such as essential blepharospam. 
James Newman, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance Coverage for Botox Cosmetic

I empathize with patients who are re-entering the job market and want to look their best but because of the economy, cannot afford cosmetic procedures.  Botox as a cosmetic use is not covered by insurance companies.  Even with patient HSA accounts, the tax laws have changed so much that patients may not be able to submit cosmetic procedures for reimbursement.  The only time Botox is covered by insurance companies is if it is used as a medical device for a medical problem... more
Grace Liu, MD

Newport Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Insurance companies not listening.

Unfortunately, even though it is true society does (now more than ever) put a value on appearance, the insurance companies still consider getting Botox for facial lines entirely cosmetic. Trying to convince them that the lines have a medical impact on your life (not being able to get a better paying job) will have no effect on their calculations. The best thing to do, if you can't afford Botox YET.... is to focus on getting good sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and going to job intervie more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ArtofDermatology.com

+1

Botox and Insurance

Botox is not covered for cosmetic applications.  Insurance may cover necessary and functional medical applications of Botox, but not to change a person's appearance.
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage for cosmetic Botox

Insurancde does not and should not cover the cosmetic use of Botox.  That would be like asking your car insurance to pay for your car detailing. Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance and Botox

Quite simply, No.  Insurance companies are not dumb.  Gone are the days they they cover procedures without asking.  Take rhinoplasty for example.  Patients still come in thinking that the insurance company is going to pay for their cosmetic rhinoplasty.  Likewise, they are  not going to pay for your Botox.  So, my suggesting is to not waste your time with the issue.  Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Some insurance may cover Botox Injections

Unfortunately a lot of insurance generally do not cover Botox for cosmetic use.  It is not a waste of your time to find out if Botox would be covered by your insurance company.  The coverage is dependent on your plan.  You may also want to speak with your doctor to provide a letter or DIN of the drug to give  to your insurance company.  Some insurance companies cover Botox for Hyperhidrosis (excess sweating). 
David A. F. Ellis, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for lines not ever covered by insurance--it's COSMETIC

Insurance will only pay for things that are medically necessary.  Your deep lines are a cosmetic problem, not  functional problem, despite how you think they affect your job-hunting. 
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage of Botox

Unfortunately, insurance company consider Botox as cosmetic treatment just like facelift. However, certain conditions that can be treated with Botox may be covered by health insurance. Conditions such as migraine headaches and excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) may be covered. Check your health insurance policy.
Stanley Okoro, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for lines will not be covered by insurance

Unfortunately, Botox treatments, like a facelift, is an elective cosmetic procedure that will not be covered by insurance. Using Botox to improve your appearance is not unlike make-up, hair styling, or nice clothing. Botox is very useful and works great, so go ahead and have some if you think it will help your job prospects. 
Randy J. Buckspan, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Whether insurance covers Botox injections

Most insurance companies would not cover a cosmetic procedure. Hence most common botox indications would not be covered by your insurance company. There are some medical indications such as debilitating hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating), and with your neurologist (migraine, and other headaches) whose treatments may be covered by an insurance company. It is important to run clarify with your insurance company what they would be willing to cover with regards to botox use before embarking on... more
Sanusi Umar, MD

Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Insurance cover botox?

Unfortunately Botox is considered a cosmetic treatment; sometimes hyperhidrosis could be covered. Insurance will only cover botox if it’s needed for medical reasons; i.e. migranes
Bruce Katz, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Insurance Coverage for Botox

While insurance may cover medical uses for Botox, such as hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, torticollis, muscle spasms related to spinal problems, and anal fissures, "wrinkles", while seen in your eyes as an employment disability, have yet to be considered a medical disability. I don't see this as anything but a cosmetic problem.....Sorry.
Karen Vaniver, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox or Dysport not covered by insurance carrier for cosmetic usage

I would not waste time and energy attempting to get insurance coverage for Botox or Dysport for cosmetic indications, e.g. wrinkle reduction on forehead. Even with excessive sweating, which is a FDA-approved indication, you may have great difficulty in getting coverage with certain insurance carrier. On the other hand, if you have flexible spending account via your employer and had set aside enough fund last November, you may be able to get some pre-tax deduction if you can obtain a... more
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Cosmetic Botox use never covered by insurance

  Since physicians have begun to use Botox, there have proven to be many excellent uses for this medicine. Some uses for Botox and the vocal cords, around the bladder, and for neck spasms are medically and indicated and may be covered by insurance. However cosmetic uses of Botox are not covered by insurance plans. For more information on Botox or to schedule an iConsult, please visit us online at: 
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance Coverage for Botox Treatments

There is very little to no chance that your health insurance carrier would cover Botox for your particular purpose. In my practice we have had patients gain insurance coverage for a variety of medical issues, including migraine headaches, TMJ and excess sweating (hyperhidrosis). Unfortunately, this can be a laborious process for patients and physicians alike. There is a lot of red tape involved and even once completed insurance companies have been known to deny the coverage - leaving you,... more
John M. Hilinski, MD

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance doesn't cover Botoc for cosmetic purposes

Your health insurance will not cover Botox for cosmetic purposes such as wrinkles. Some health insurance companies will cover Botox for medical purposes such as migraines, neurological disorders, and Hyperhidrosis.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Unfortunately, Botox treatments are rarely covered by insurance

Outside of Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis and occasionally for migraines, it is rarely covered by insurance. However, patients are able to use the flex medical accounts at times for such treatments with better luck. I hope my answer was helpful.
Steven E. Rasmussen, MD

Austin Dermatologist
+1

Botox injections

To treat facial lines that impair your ability to get a job is really an aesthetic concern and not a medically indicated treatment. This is not covered by insurance.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance for Botox?

I am not aware of an insurance covering Botox treatments for facial wrinkles or furrows. I have seen them cover it for excessive sweating in the armpits.
Jerome Potozkin, MD

Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox and Insurance

Botox treatment for lines/wrinkles is cosmetic.  Insurance companies will definitely not cover anything deemed aesthetic/cosmetic surgery.   Botox however is used in other non-cosmetic treatments for medically indicated therapies.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage for Botox injections

If you get your medical insurance to pay for smoothing your wrinkles, I would vote for you for the presidency of the USA or at least make you a US negotiator in the Middle East or with Iran. Obviously, you would posses amazing persuasion skills that none of us has and which could be well used in these important part of the world. I SERIOUSLY doubt you will succeed.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and Insurance

Unfortunately, unless you have a cosmetic rider on your insurance it is very unlikely that they will cover Botox (especially Botox Cosmetic) unless the treatment is for a medically necessary purpose.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

+1

The best way to determine if an insurance company will...

The best way to determine if an insurance company will cover Botox is to ask the insurance company. Botox is currently provided as Botox and Botox Cosmetic. The actual substance in the containers is the same but the indications are different. Botox Cosmetic is the form of Botox used in treating lines between the brows and other lines in the face. Botox is used to treat other 'medically necessary' conditions such as axillary sweating and facial spasms among other indications. Generally, an... more
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Will insurance cover botox?

Yes, you are wasting your time. Insurance companies do not cover Botox treatments for aesthetic indications. Botox is a nice luxury if you can afford it. Most patients find it worth the price.
Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox covered by insurance

Botox Cosmetic is very rarely covered by insurance. There have been a few cases that may have gotten coverage for excessive sweating, or muscle spasms, but insurance companies typically do not cover cosmetic procedures. 
Alan M. Gardner, MD

Atlanta Dermatologist

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