Chemo Wigs: Everything You Need to Know About Reimbursement

Hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment is a difficult ordeal, both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, wearing a wig can help restore your confidence. But what about wig reimbursement for chemotherapy patients? Here's everything you need to know to get coverage.

1. Coverage by Health Insurance

In France, health insurance reimburses part of the cost of a medically prescribed wig. To qualify, here are the conditions you must meet:

• Have a medical prescription from your doctor or oncologist.

• Purchase a wig from an authorized supplier (pharmacy, orthopedist, or specialty store).

The reimbursement depends on the type of wig purchased:

• Class 1 wig (synthetic fibers): covered up to €350 .

• Class 2 wig (mixture of synthetic and natural fibers): price covered at €350 , with a possible supplement from mutual insurance.

• Hair accessories (scarves, hats): covered up to €40 .

2. The role of mutual and supplementary insurance companies

Some mutual insurance companies may cover all or part of the remaining costs after reimbursement from Social Security. It is recommended to check the guarantees of your supplementary health contract and to request a detailed quote from the wig seller to facilitate the process.

3. Additional aids

In addition to reimbursement from Health Insurance and mutual insurance, other assistance may be requested:

• Associations : some associations, such as the League Against Cancer, can provide financial assistance for the purchase of a wig.

• Hospitals : Some hospitals have a budget dedicated to supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy.

• Social assistance : depending on the financial situation, the Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) may grant exceptional assistance.

4. How to choose the right wig?

When purchasing a wig, several criteria must be taken into account:

• Comfort : choose lightweight and breathable models.

• Style : choose a cut and color close to your natural hair for a harmonious result.

• Maintenance : Synthetic fiber wigs are easier to maintain than natural hair wigs .

Conclusion

Reimbursement for chemotherapy wigs helps reduce the cost of this essential purchase for patients' well-being. It's important to be well informed about the available assistance and choose a model that meets your needs. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor and your health insurance company to benefit from optimal support.