Cosmetic procedures was once thought to be something only the Hollywood elite and wealthy could afford to undergo. But in modern times, cosmetic surgery is more accessible and financially possible than ever before.
Besides, many clinics now offer financial payment plans to allow incremental payments rather than require the entire cost upfront. Additionally, within Canada, several of the most popular plastic surgeries may be covered by health insurance – with a catch. The procedure often needs to be considered necessary, not just cosmetic.
So, while an FUE hair transplant in Toronto can be a transformative procedure in restoring a full head of hair, it is unlikely to be covered by health insurance.
However, here are seven procedures that can be covered by Canadian health insurance.
Rhinoplasty
While an elective nose job isn’t likely to be covered by health insurance, the procedure is generally covered when circumstances such as injury or breathing issues find themselves present. This can include breakage or a prevalent condition known as a deviated septum.
A deviated septum is a condition where the septum of the nose deviates to the side, preventing proper airflow through the nasal airways. This condition can be present from birth or form if the nose is injured.
Be wary, however, as most insurances will only cover the necessary reconstructive aspects of the procedure, and any additional cosmetic changes are likely to come at a cost to yourself.
Breast Implant Removal
While implants are not covered by health insurance, their removal from a person might be.
Generally, implant removal will be covered in cases where infection or other health complications occur or if the removal is deemed necessary if a person is diagnosed with breast cancer and a mastectomy is required.
Mole Removal
A simple beauty mark is unlikely to be covered by Canadian health insurance. However, if a mole signs of becoming cancerous or causes irritation, itchiness, or vision obstruction, health insurance may begin to cover some or all of the procedure.
Weight Loss Procedures
Depending on where in Canada you are, bariatric surgeries, also known as weight-loss surgeries, may be covered. OHIP, for example, covers these procedures in Ontario. However, a patient must first meet certain requirements, such as having a BMI over 40 and failing to lose weight through medically supervised programs to prove that the assistance of surgery is necessary.
Breast Reduction
Breast reductions are typically covered across Canada in cases where back pain, spinal issues, rashes, or other frequent complications occur. The procedure must, in general, be pre-approved by insurance prior to surgery to ensure coverage. Additionally, depending on the procedure, further cosmetic procedures to help the surgical appearance of the procedure, such as chest liposuction and breast lift, may not be covered. B.C., for example, covers liposuction, but Ontario generally does not.
Tummy Tuck
A cosmetic tummy tuck to treat a bit of post-pregnancy loose skin on the stomach is unlikely to be covered by insurance. However, in cases of copious amounts of loose skin after extreme weight loss, the removal may be deemed necessary by insurance. Often the skin would need to be causing complications such as chafing, infection, or mobility issues for this to occur.
Blepharoplasty
Drooping eyelids are a common sign of aging in the eye region. While minor cases of this condition merely cause a cosmetic tired-looking appearance, the condition can progress itself to the point of obstructing vision in the eye and creating an impairment that prevents daily tasks like driving, reading, and work. In these cases, many Canadian insurances will cover the procedure.
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