How much does insurance cover for a nose job?

Question

I want to get a nose job done to fix the appearance of my nose and also some breathing problems. Will insurance only cover the breathing problem surgery or the whole thing?

Farhan Taghizadeh, MD · Answer

Insurance coverage for the rhinoplasty depends on whether the surgery is strictly cosmetic, or whether there is a medical aspect to the surgery (such as difficulty breathing out of the nose).The amount of insurance coverage will depend on your specific health plan.  Often the practice can give you an idea of what your cost will be, based on their prior experience with your insurance plan and the type of surgery you are getting.  Generally speaking, if the rhinoplasty is being done for some type of reconstructive need (such as a badly broken nose, or an obstruction that affects your breathing), the insurance companies are more likely to cover all or part of the procedure. However, if you have no history of injury or obstruction in your nose, and the surgery is for cosmetic purposes, the insurance usually won't cover the procedure and you'll have to pay out of pocket.  I've included a video discussing rhinoplasty costs for additional information.Good luck with your procedure!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Insurance typically will pay for the part of the surgery related to the breathing problem and possibly part of the anesthesiologist and operating room fee.  It does vary on a case by case basis and among insurance carriers.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.Insurance cover the functional or breathing issues or trauma induced problems.The cosmetic portion is not covered by insurance.There is a great deal of variability among different insurance companies with regards to the amount of coverage and different plans have different coverage.  Our staff help by finding out the amount of coverage after an examination and a possible CT Scan is done. Hope this is helpful.Best wishes,Dr Sajjadian

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

The part of a rhinoplasty (nose job) that is cosmetic is NEVER covered by insurance.  The part that is not cosmetic depends on the patients.  For those who have breathing problems or sinus problems, it might be possible to get insurance coverage if certain criteria (set by the insurance company) are met.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The breathing issues may be covered, but the cosmetic issues will not be covered.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

How much does insurance cover for a nose job?

Answers (9)