Does My Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatments?
There are many options today for eliminating unsightly and often painful varicose and spider veins today. Many of those procedures are minimally invasive, with no downtime afterward. However, patients may still be concerned about the cost of the treatment, particularly if they are unsure of whether their insurance will cover any portion of the expense. While insurance coverage varies from company to company and policy to policy, there are some general rules to consider when determining whether insurance coverage is available for varicose vein treatment.
Symptomatic Varicose Veins
- Symptomatic varicose veins are visible veins that are accompanied by uncomfortable physical symptoms. Some of those symptoms might include:
- Heaviness or achiness in the legs, particularly at night
- Swelling of the lower legs and feet
- Discomfort in the legs after prolonged periods of standing
- Discoloration to the skin around the affected veins
- Development of open skin sores around the ankle, known as venous ulcers
When varicose veins are accompanied by any of these symptoms, it indicates there is an underlying vein condition. In these situations, many insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the varicose vein treatment. However, companies may differ in the types of treatments they might cover, so it is important to check with the insurance company to get specifics on your coverage.
Asymptomatic Varicose Veins
When varicose veins are not accompanied by any type of physical symptoms, they are often considered a cosmetic concern. Insurance companies typically do not pay for treatment of these veins. However, most vein doctors offer payment programs to make these treatments more affordable for their patients.
The only exception to that policy might be a patient who has asymptomatic varicose veins but has had other signs of a vein condition in the past, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Evidence of venous reflux might also be detected on an ultrasound exam, indicating the presence of a current underlying vein condition. If this type of evidence exists, an insurance company might be more likely to cover some or all of the cost of vein treatment even for asymptomatic veins.
If you are unsure of your insurance coverage for vein treatment, it is best to contact your insurance company directly to find out what your coverage might include. To learn more about options in vein treatment, or payment options for procedures not covered by insurance, contact our office at Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan.
