Can Insurance Pay for Breast Implants if It's Causing Very Serious Emotional and Self Esteem Issues?

Unfortunately, each insurance company has their own criteria. Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.This procedure is commonly covered by insurance through insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses

It is unlikely insurance would pay for a breast augmentation.  Insurance usually covers medically necessary treatments, which in this case they would say is seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist to deal with the underlying emotional issues.  Surgery helps to improve one's body image in emotionally stable individuals.  If you have emotional issue that interfere with your daily functioning, surgery is unlikely to help.

In the US, all cosmetic procedures and related complications are not generally covered by insurance, although this may differ according to your insurance provider. It's best to ask them if they do.