Wondering if Health Insurance covers your new wig?

We're here to se the record straight.

If you’re experiencing medical hair loss and living in the USA, your wig may be partially covered by your health insurance.
 
In the U.S., wigs are often referred to as a “cranial prosthesis”. This is how insurance companies classify wigs when they’re being used for medical reasons rather than cosmetic ones.
 
This typically applies to situations like chemotherapy-related hair loss, alopecia, or other medically diagnosed conditions. Coverage depends heavily on your specific insurance plan.
 
Most of the time, the process starts with your doctor. You’ll usually need a prescription or letter of medical necessity confirming that your hair loss is related to a medical condition. From there, some insurance providers will reimburse part of the cost of your wig, while others may not offer coverage at all.
 
Even when coverage is available, it often isn’t straightforward. Many women pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. There are usually limits on how much you can get back, and those limits vary widely between insurers.
 
It’s also important to know that this isn’t automatically included in every plan. Some policies exclude wigs entirely, while others only approve them under very specific conditions. Using the term “cranial prosthesis” when speaking to your insurer can make a difference in how your claim is assessed.
 
The landscape is slowly changing. Some U.S. states have begun introducing laws that require insurance companies to cover cranial prostheses for medical hair loss, but it’s not yet consistent nationwide.

 
What to do next?

• Call your insurance provider and ask if they cover a cranial prosthesis for medical hair loss
• Ask what documentation is required (usually a prescription or letter of medical necessity)
• Check your reimbursement limits and whether you need to pay upfront and claim back
• Ask if there are preferred suppliers or specific claim requirements
• If not covered, look into state programs or non-profit grants for support
• If you’re unsure where to start, it’s worth calling your insurance provider and asking directly about coverage for a “cranial prosthesis.” 

We understand that it's not just hair.
It’s about feeling like yourself again.

As always, we are here for you if you have any questions.
Feel free to get in touch with us at hello@lustahair.com, we are more than happy to chat!