I won’t lie to you. It can be quite difficult getting an insurance company to pay for either a labiaplasty or vaginoplasty operation. Plastic surgery in general tends to be considered elective surgery, and so the insurance companies aren’t as quick to pay for these. And even less so for these two particular operations. However, a few people have managed to get insurance to cover it by writing a convincing letter to the insurance company. Here’s what you need to know.
First, you need to make your original request for the insurance company to cover the procedure. They’ll probably deny it. That’s when you write a letter of appeal. Start with something like: “This is my written appeal responding to ALLSTATE’S refusal to cover my proposed labiaplasty, dated _____.” Next, state why the company declined coverage. “You stated this was because this was elective surgery, not covered by my policy. Attached you’ll find a copy of my original request and your denial.”
Now make your case: “My requested labiaplasty is not for mere cosmetic purposes, but because of physical discomfort as well as difficulties I might have professionally. Allow me to explain using some frank language. In many cases, someone with oversized inner genital lips experiences irritation and pain while doing normal activities such as exercising or riding a bike. This is true in my situation, and is what a labiaplasty will resolve. Also, this oversized condition is sometimes noticeable through certain clothing, proving embarrassing at professional situations. I assure you, my interest in a labiaplasty is not due to any vanity or untoward motives….but only because it will help me operate more correctly and comfortably in my everyday life.”
Here’s where you really need to not be shy, because you need to include photos:
“I am enclosing photos showing the issue which I hope to resolve through this medical procedure. I’m convinced a labiaplasty is the only way of resolving these issues I’ve mentioned above. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. I assure you, this procedure is medically indicated, not cosmetic.”
Hopefully a letter such as this will help at least some of you receive coverage. Disclaimer: Understand that I am not offering legal advice, but only telling you that a similar letter as this has helped some women get coverage for their labiaplasty.
