If you’re experiencing medical hair loss and living in Australia, your wig may be partially claimable through your private health insurance.

This applies to situations like alopecia, chemotherapy-related hair loss, or other medically diagnosed conditions. In Australia, many health funds include wigs under their Extras cover, usually within a category like “aids and appliances.” It’s not always obvious when you’re looking at your policy, which is why so many women miss it.

The process itself is usually quite straightforward once you know it exists. Your provider will typically require confirmation from a doctor or specialist that your hair loss is medically related, and the wig needs to be considered appropriate for that purpose. From there, you can often claim a portion of the cost back, depending on your level of cover and annual limits.

Each fund has its own rules, its own caps, and its own waiting periods. And it's important to note that this isn’t something Medicare covers. It sits entirely within private health extras, which is why it can feel a little hidden.

And beyond health funds, there are also grants and support programs across Australia that exist specifically for women navigating medical hair loss. Most people never hear about those either.

We’re sharing this because you deserve to know what’s available to you.

• Check your Extras cover (look for wigs or appliances)
• Speak to your GP or specialist
• Confirm your provider’s claim limits

If you’re not sure where you stand, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your cover or speak with your provider directly. 

We understand that it's not just hair.

It’s about feeling like yourself again.