Is There Any Way to Get Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?

Decades ago surgeons used to say that patients had an "old fracture" causing a hump on the nose in addition to potential breathing problems for a deviated septum. For two reasons, that is no longer covered. First, insurance companies know from reviewing submitted medical records when something is post traumatic and when its about a cosmetic rhinoplasty. Second, even if they did pay, the reimbursement is a lot lower for most insurance companies than it used to be. So, if you go to a discount doctor and he's willing to do it for the typically low reimbursement, you might get it done. But the most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons tend not to accept insurance anyway. You have one nose and should not go for the discount. Go for the best surgeon who will give you the best nose that you will have for the rest of your life.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance. Often times, the inside of the nose is crooked and affects breathing. The correction of the septum is part of any rhinoplasty, but it can be covered by insurance if the correct steps are taken. It usually amounts to only a small fraction of the overall cost, but it's better than nothing.

Many people who desire rhinoplasty surgery to change their nasal appearance also have issues breathing through their noses. In those instances, third-party insurance companies may or may not reimburse for the functional parts of your rhinoplasty surgery. There may also be an out-of-pocket cosmetic fee associated with your procedure. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Hello,Technically, an insurance company will only cover a rhinoplasty if it is a functional procedure that is fixing your breathing capability. They will not cover any purely cosmetic procedures. You will have to ask your insurance company if this is allowed, and then send all scans and information from your doctors to your insurance company. All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Occasionally, insurance will cover the septoplasty portion of a rhinoplasty since this portion is considered "functional."  However, please note that many board certified plastic surgeons are not in network with any insurance companies.  

Rhinoplasty to improve the function of the nose (make you breath better) is generally covered by insurance.  Rhinoplasty to improve the shape and appearance of the nose is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.  Tip work or dorsal humps are almost never covered unless they are from a recent trauma.  Old trauma is very difficult and unlikely to be pre-authorized.

It’s not unreasonable to seek prior authorization from
insurance carriers for rhinoplasty when the nasal deformity results from
trauma. Post traumatic nasal deformities
may be caused by significant injuries and are therefore often covered by
insurance.Under
these circumstances, rhinoplasty is viewed as a restorative procedure. When this situation arises, it’s reasonable
to seek prior authorization and nothing is lost if the insurance carrier
doesn’t cover the expense. Under these
circumstances, the procedure can still be performed as a cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Insurance generally covers procedures that are to improve function and your health, but not those that are just for aesthetic purposes.  

Hello! Thank you for your question! Surgical procedures for aesthetic
purposes, to improve appearance, are not covered by insurance.
Typically, these as well as complications resulting from such procedures
are the responsibility of the patient. Procedures that are meant to
correct functional issues and those which cause health-related issues
should be covered by your insurance as a medical necessity, with proper
examination and documentation. Some insurance plans have exclusion
criteria for certain procedures. Also, it is an obligation of the
surgeon not to attempt to authorize purely cosmetic procedures through
insurance.  A rhinoplasty is typically cosmetic in nature and should not b covered?Discuss your issues and
complaints with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these as
well as to examine and assist you in deciding which procedure(s) will be
the best for you. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages will
take place along with the risks and benefits. Insurance companies will
vary on coverage and is always reasonable to discuss your issues with
your surgeon and primary care. It would behoove you to get as much
information as possible and even call your insurance yourself.
Certainly, pay in advance prior to your surgical procedure and options
such as financing are available if you qualify. Hope that this helps!
Best wishes!

 If by rhinoplasty you mean cosmetic, the answer is no they won't. If the septum and or nose is deviated and causing a breathing problem, thsy may cover the part that is functional-not cosmetic.