Have you Experienced Hair Loss as a Result of Medical Treatment? Your Health Insurance Might Cover the Purchase of a Wig.

Wigs and Toppers

Nov 26

Whether you’ve been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer or suffering from another illness like alopecia in which hair loss is a symptom, you may be eligible for full or partial coverage by your insurance company for the purchase of a wig. Volt Salons is an Austin, Texas based hair salon with locations in Lakeway and Bee Cave who specializes in hair replacement. Let’s walk through the steps required to seek insurance coverage for your wig, topper, or extensions.

Step 1: Check in with your insurance provider.

As grueling as it is to get your insurance on the phone, this is the absolutely necessary first step of the process. You want to make sure you have the pre-approval for purchase of a wig before moving forward. Every plan is different and despite what you read online, it is essential that you verify coverage by your carrier under your specific plan. They should also be able to give you specifics on the types of wigs they cover.

Step 2: Get the Details from your insurance company on what kind of wigs they cover.

Many insurance companies offer coverage for at least a portion of your medical wig. However, the scope of their coverage can vary widely. They may cap the cost at a certain amount or they may only offer coverage on a specific type of wig - such as a synthetic wig. There’s a chance if you have your eye on a fully human-hair wig, like those we offer at Volt, that you may be coming out of pocket for a majority of it. That’s why it’s crucial to get the specifics on their medical wig coverage eligibility, parameters and amount.

Step 3: Talk to your doctor about a Medical Wig prescription.

Like so many other things in the world of insurance, you’re going to need a doctor’s note! Let your doctor know you’re in the process of obtaining a medical wig and request that they write you a script for a “cranial prosthesis.” Almost every insurance provider who covers wigs is going to require a prescription that says cranial prosthesis, hair prosthesis, cranial hair prosthesis or extracranial prosthesis. Without it, it’s like showing up at the radiologist for an x-ray without a referral. Your insurance company will not show up to pick up the bill! Once you have the prescription, and you’ve spoken to your provider about whether or not they cover and the in’s and out’s of that coverage, it’s time to purchase your wig.

HAIR REPLACEMENT SPECIALIST WITH A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Who you purchase the wig from is really important. Make sure to only work with a reputable, experienced hair replacement company with a current taxpayer ID number like Volt Salons.

Step 4: Visit Volt for your Wig Consultation

Head to our appointment booking page , choose a location, head to the “extensions and hair pieces” section and sign yourself up for a complimentary consultation for a wig or topper. You’ll be asked to fill out a digital form and provide photos of your current hair and your goal or inspiration. Then you’ll meet with on our hair replacement experts, who will walk you through all of your options. We have a selection of retail wigs and toppers on-hand in the salon to give you a greater understanding of the difference between all of the available products. Once you and your stylist decide on the perfect fit, you’ll purchase your hair piece! Make sure you save the receipt, and file a claim. Your wig will be classified as a “Durable Medical Equipment”.

Step 5: File your claim for medical wig coverage

YOU DID IT! You spoke with your insurance to understand your coverage. You obtained pre-approval for the purchase of a wig. You got a prescription from your doctor for cranial prosthesis. You met with Volt Salons and found the perfect product. You purchased your wig or topper. You kept records of the whole process, including your receipt, and now… It’s time to get reimbursed. Fill out the Claim Form from your insurance company’s website, and submit the following documents.