Rhinoplasty insurance – optimal protection from post-op financial risks

For some time by now, rhinoplasty (a nose job) has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world.  For both health-related and cosmetic reasons, an ever-growing number of people are opting to have the shape of their nose corrected. Depending upon the desired result, rhinoplasty can be performed surgically but also as a minimally invasive procedure.

Minimally invasive rhinoplasty is indicated when the modification does not have to be permanent. Using hyaluronic acid, irregularities of the nasal bridge or tip of the nose can be repaired, but this method does not permit resolution of problems with the nasal function.  To accomplish this, an operation is required – which can also provide permanent cosmetic improvements. However, surgical rhinoplasty involves some particular risks and in the worst case can require costly follow-up treatments.

While rhinoplasty by means of hyaluronic acid can be completed in only a few minutes, an operation takes significantly more time. However, surgical rhinoplasty is able correct the broadest range of abnormalities: for example, the tip of the nose can be refined or lifted, the nasal septum can be straightened or nose bumps can be markedly reduced. The surgeon can operate using closed access through the nostrils or open access through an external incision.

However, although rhinoplasty has become an absolutely routine procedure in cosmetic medicine, even the most experienced specialist may make a mistake or other kinds of complications may arise in the course of the operation. These errors are partly attributable to the fact that it takes great sensitivity to harmonise the optimal appearance of the nose with optimal nasal function.

The most common, typically temporary, problems that can arise after rhinoplasty include:

• Swelling
• Secondary bleeding
• Haematomas

In rare, more severe cases, the following complications are also possible:

• Numbness of the nose
• Damage to the tear ducts of the eyes
• Problems with sensory nerves
• Impaired sense of smell
• Permanent dryness of the nasal mucosa
• Crooked bone incisions (bones healing in a crooked form)
• Bowing/displacement of the nasal septum
• Transplant rejection

Rhinoplasty is expensive by itself, but in addition, potential further treatments may pose a major financial burden. Health insurance will only cover the cost of subsequent treatments if the rhinoplasty was medically indicated, that is, if the operation was intended to improve the respiratory function of the nose. For purely cosmetic procedures, by contrast, patients must typically bear the cost of their rhinoplasty as well as potential follow-up treatments. In this situation, follow-up cost insurance from safe4beauty makes sense – this means that in case of complications, patients are well insured and can rely on having a strong partner on their side. Patients may purchase follow-up cost insurance for rhinoplasty up to 24 hours before the operation and flexibly select the term of the insurance.

Our experts will gladly be available to answer any questions related to the rhinoplasty and the appropriate insurance policy to protect against high follow-up costs.

How much does a rhinoplasty cost?

It is difficult to generalise about the costs of a rhinoplasty because they can vary from one patient to another. Diverse factors contribute to the final cost, including:

• Starting situation
• Type of correction (e.g. refining the tip of the nose, straightening bumps)
• The surgical technique used (open / closed access)
• Surgical materials & anaesthesia
• Possible inpatient stay

In general, minimally invasive treatments are significantly less expensive (300 to 500 euros) than surgery – the costs of surgical rhinoplasty start out at around 2,000 euros.

When does health insurance cover rhinoplasty?

In individual cases, rhinoplasty may be reimbursed by health insurance. However, purely cosmetic procedures do not come into consideration – the insurance company will only cover operations that contribute to improved function of the olfactory organ, such as straightening the nasal septum to permit unobstructed breathing. The patient should clarify whether and to what extent health insurance will cover these types of surgery in advance – in medically non-necessary cases, this will also mean that the patient must bear the costs of any potential follow-up treatments.

What does the rhinoplasty follow-up insurance cover in full?

Follow-up insurance from safe4beauty covers the costs of follow-up care after either minimally invasive or surgical rhinoplasty. Similarly, it also covers the cost of treatments that may be required to restore the original outcome. With respect to this, however, the insurance only covers those complications that are clearly attributable to the insured procedure, and only if the patient’s health insurance has not assumed the costs of the first operation.