A reimbursement for cosmetic procedures: is this possible?
A facelift, nose correction or breast enlargement, more and more Dutch people are choosing to have something done to their appearance. But such procedures often come with a hefty price tag. The big question is: do you actually get anything reimbursed through your health insurance? Together with health insurance comparator Independer, we delved into this.
Good to know: the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery
Whether a cosmetic procedure is reimbursed depends on what type it is. That's why we explain the difference for you.
Plastic surgery focuses, as described by the NVPC, on restoring form and function. Think of surgeries for congenital defects or burns. The goal is always medical.
Cosmetic surgery is precisely (according to the NVEPC) focused on aesthetics, without medical necessity. Think of breast enlargements, facelifts or Botox. The goal is purely to improve appearance.
A reimbursement from your health insurance
If you go for a cosmetic procedure, such as fillers or a breast enlargement, unfortunately, you have to pay out of pocket. These treatments do not fall under the basic insurance.
Mirjam Prins, health insurance expert at Independer: “Plastic surgery is sometimes reimbursed by your health insurance, but only if there is a medical necessity. For example, if you have a physical complaint that severely limits you in your daily life, or if you are born with a cleft lip. But also after mutilation due to illness, accident or surgery, you are entitled to reimbursement for the treatment.”
Are you transgender and want to undergo gender reassignment surgery? That is also reimbursed through the basic insurance.
If you want to qualify for reimbursement for plastic surgery, you always need a referral from your general practitioner. Do keep in mind that you first have to pay your own risk of € 385. Only then will the costs be reimbursed by your insurer.
This is possible with a supplementary insurance
For some procedures that are not reimbursed through the basic insurance, you can take out supplementary insurance. For example, if you have protruding ears and therefore want a correction.
The nice thing is that if a treatment is reimbursed through supplementary insurance, you do not have to pay an own risk. But be careful: each health insurer has different conditions and coverages. So compare well what the best package is for you!
Alternatives to a cosmetic procedure
You are of course beautiful as you are. Do you still want to change something about your appearance without medical necessity? Unfortunately, that does not fall under health insurance and you have to pay the costs yourself.
Do you find that too big of an investment? Nowadays, there are many treatments possible for which you do not need to go to the surgeon, and which are often much friendlier to your wallet. Moreover, these procedures are quicker, require less recovery time, and carry less risk. Think of treatments such as fillers or laser therapy. Sometimes you can even create a completely different look with certain makeup . This way, you can still make some adjustments without immediately opting for surgery.
