Will Medical Insurance Cover the Costs of Rhinoplasty?

The part of rhinoplasty that is covered by insurance is the part that deals with obstruction of the airway--deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, and crooked nose.

Most contracts between insurer and insured stipulate reimbursement for reconstructive, but not cosmetic procedures.  If your rhinoplasty is being performed for functional indications and/or major post-traumatic deformity, yes, it may be a covered benefit.

The answer is No, unless there are nasal breathing issues that can be corrected with surgery and/or if nasal trauma causes functional problems. Aesthetic nasal improvements are usually not paid for by your health insurance.

It really depends on your insurance company.  Most will pay for a rhinoplasty that is a medical necessity.  This means a deformity in your nose is giving you some breathing problems or is health related.  If it is strictly cosmetic, meaning you just don't like the nose you were born with, more than likely you will have to pay out of pocket for your surgery.

"Dr.D"

Often, both functional nasal surgery (septoplasty, turbinate surgery, nasal valve surgery) and cosmetic nasal surgery (cosmetic rhinoplasty for outside shape) are performed together, in one trip to the operating room.

Insurance will usually cover the functional - breathing related - surgeon's fee and the facility/anesthesia fees related to that portion of the surgery.

Once the surgeon begins to focus on the cosmetic rhinoplasty - changing the outside of the nose - the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fees, and facility fees  - become out of pocket expenses.