In this Article

• Breast reconstruction: A personal decision
• Why should I consider breast reconstruction?
• When should breast reconstruction be performed?
• What are the different breast reconstruction options?
• How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?
• Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery?
• Follow-up care
• Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?
• Breast Reconstruction Index

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction?

Insurance coverage may vary on your personal situation and your insurance carrier. Make sure to speak with someone at your insurance company who knows the policy. In most cases, insurance companies will cover the first breast reconstruction operation, but there are many gray areas in insurance coverage.

For instance, insurance coverage for re-operation procedures or follow-up visits to your doctor may not be covered, but this depends on your carrier's policy. Additionally, if you are seeking breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, there is an Federal law established in 1998 that requires health insurance plans to cover reconstruction associated with a mastectomy.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson , MD, Sept. 2003.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.

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