Does Insurance Cover Vein Procedures?

Vein disorders can cause major health complications, but are vein treatments covered by insurance?

Though often dismissed as a cosmetic problem, varicose veins are a serious condition that can threaten your circulatory health. Fortunately, most insurance companies will cover treatments for them and other chronic venous insufficiencies as long as they’re deemed “medically necessary” rather than “cosmetic.” Here are the differences between the two categories and the evidence insurers need to make a decision.

Medically Necessary Treatment

Swollen and painful veins are considered symptomatic of medically necessary treatment. You can promote blood flow around the affected area by wearing thigh high compression stockings, but your varicose veins will remain until they are removed or closed through a medical procedure.

Most insurers will ask to review the results of a venous ultrasound before covering treatments for varicose veins. Conducted in a vein specialist’s office and covered by most insurance plans, this short procedure will demonstrate the quality of your veins. If the ultrasound shows that your varicose veins are causing swelling, ulcers, heaviness, or backward blood flow, your treatment will likely be determined medically necessary, and your insurer will cover it.

Cosmetic Treatment

Cosmetic vein treatment improves the appearance of smaller vein disorders. Unlike varicose veins, cosmetic vein issues like spider veins are considered nonsymptomatic of medically necessary treatment and are not usually covered by insurance. As a result, patients will typically have to pay for treatment out-of-pocket.

The good news is that resolving venous disorders is a relatively easy and painless process. If you suffer from protruding, aching varicose veins, schedule a consultation to get an expertise diagnosis and recommended course of treatment. Moreover, the dedicated staff at the Center for Vein Restoration will work with you to determine whether your specific condition qualifies as “medically necessary treatment,” and work with your insurance provider to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision — both from a medical and financial perspective.