Cranial Prosthesis & Medical Wig Insurance Coverage Guide

By Master Wig Maker & Cranial Prosthesis Specialist, Natasha Crutchfield

 

 

Losing your hair due to a medical condition can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. If

you need a medical wig, also known as a cranial prosthesis, you may qualify for insurance coverage. Many health

insurance providers will pay part or even all of the cost for a cranial prosthesis when hair loss is caused by medical

conditions.

This guide will walk you through what a cranial prosthesis is, what insurance typically covers, and the steps you can

take to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.

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What Is a Cranial Prosthesis? 

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A cranial prosthesis is a custom-designed medical wig created for individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical

 

 

 

 

reasons such as:

 Chemotherapy or radiation treatments

 Alopecia (areata, totalis, or universalis)

 Trichotillomania

 Thyroid conditions

 Kidney disease

 Cancer treatments

 Genetic or medical-related thinning, balding, or stress-related loss

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Does Insurance Cover Medical Wigs?

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Yes, many plans do. The amount covered depends on your insurance provider and policy. Some companies will pay upfront, while others require you to pay first and then get reimbursed.

 

 

 

 Coverage can range from 80–100% of the cost

 Most policies cover 1 cranial prosthesis per year

 In some cases, the prosthesis may also qualify as a tax-deductible medical expense (check with your

CPA)

 

 

***Even if you don’t see “cranial prosthesis” in your policy, don’t assume you’re not covered. Always call your

insurance provider to confirm.

 

 

Steps to Take for Insurance Coverage

 

 

 

1. Call Your Insurance Provider

Ask them:

o Does my plan cover a cranial prosthesis?

o What type is covered (human hair, synthetic, etc.)?

o What documentation is required?

2. Get a Prescription From Your Doctor

o Must say cranial prosthesis (not “wig”)

o Should include procedure code A9282

3. Request a Doctor’s Letter

o A letter can explain how hair loss affects your emotional well-being

o Reinforces that your prosthesis is medically necessary, not cosmetic

4. Keep All Documentation

o Save invoices, prescriptions, and insurance correspondence

o These records are useful for both claims and tax purposes

5. Explore Tax Benefits

o If medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your income, your cranial prosthesis may be tax deductible

o Confirm with your tax advisor

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