Key takeaways:
If you have experienced hair loss because of cancer treatment and have health insurance, you may be able to get reimbursement for wigs. But your coverage options depend on your specific health plan.
Typically, original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover wigs, because they are not considered medically necessary. Private insurance and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans sometimes cover wigs for people who have hair loss related to cancer treatment.
Many cancer centers and nonprofit organizations provide free wigs to people going through cancer treatment.
Of chemotherapy’s many side effects, the most personal can be hair loss. While some people are content with having less hair or with waiting for their hair to regrow, others feel deeply troubled on emotional, social or cultural levels.
Many people going through chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment cover their heads while losing their hair and as their hair grows back. They often use:
Turbans
Wraps
Scarves
Hats
Others choose to wear wigs or hairpieces. Wigs are typically not covered by original Medicare, or Part A and Part B, which doesn’t consider them medically necessary during or after cancer treatment. Some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and private insurers cover wigs. But even if a wig isn’t covered by your plan or you don’t have health insurance, there are several ways to receive a free wig for hair loss caused by cancer treatment.
Where can people undergoing cancer treatment get free wigs?
Several options for free wigs during or after cancer treatment may be available near you. Below, we review some possibilities for adults and children.
Wig banks
In certain cancer centers, including the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts, there are wig banks and boutiques where you can choose from an array of options made from natural or synthetic hair. At these locations, someone can help you select, fit, and style your wig. In some cases, you may be able to use a loaned wig while you are in treatment. And, in others, the wig is yours to keep.
Charitable organizations
There are also charitable organizations that offer free wigs for people with cancer. They include:
Children with Hair Loss: This nonprofit provides a free care kit that includes a human hair replacement, styrofoam head, and hair products to people under 21 in the U.S. with medically related hair loss.
EBeauty: This organization has a wig exchange program that refurbishes donated wigs and ships to the 48 contiguous states.
Hair We Share: This donation-based organization focuses on providing wigs for children with medical hair loss, but also sends hairpieces to adults with financial need and medical hair loss.
Locks of Love: This well-known nonprofit provides custom-made hair prosthetics from donated hair to people under age 21.
Verma Foundation: This foundation provides free cap wigs (caps with attached hair) to cancer patients across the U.S.
Wigs and Wishes: This organization offers free wigs through participating local wig salons in the U.S. and Australia.
Wigs for Kids: This nonprofit provides free hair-replacement options to children with medical conditions, including cancer.
American Cancer Society
You can call the American Cancer Society helpline at 1-800-227-2345 for information about wig banks in your area. The American Cancer Society offers affordable women’s wigs, men’s wigs, scarves, turbans, and other headwear through its nonprofit TLC (Tender Loving Care). Previously, the organization also offered gift certificates through TLC for free wigs, but no longer.
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How much does a wig cost if you have to pay out of pocket?
The price of a wig depends on the kind you choose — namely, synthetic or human hair — as well as its color, texture, and length. Wigs can range from about $30 to $3,000 or more. To find the best price, search for wigs online, in beauty-supply stores, and at retail wig boutiques.
Some private insurance and MA plans may fully or partially cover wigs as a prosthesis or as durable medical equipment (DME) for people undergoing cancer treatment. But you may be responsible for a portion of the cost, or you may be required to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
If your insurance doesn’t pay for a wig, save your receipt for a potential medical tax deduction. Your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) also can be used for a wig purchase.
Does Medicare pay for wigs for people with cancer?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover the cost of wigs for people undergoing cancer treatment, even as a “cranial prosthesis” prescribed by a doctor. Wigs are not included in Medicare’s list of covered prosthetic devices.
If you have an MA, private insurance, or another health insurance plan, wigs may be covered — even if they’re not listed among your benefits.
How can I get my insurance to pay for a wig?
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment and have health insurance that’s not original Medicare, here are some tips to getting a wig fully or partially covered:
Check your health insurance benefits. Wigs may be listed among cancer treatment items eligible for coverage or reimbursement in full or up to a certain amount.
Have the correct diagnosis for coverage. You will need a medical hair loss diagnosis and a prescription for a cranial prosthesis. Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that the prescription read: “Cranial/Hair Prosthesis for medical purposes. Alopecia secondary to chemotherapy or radiation therapy." Ask your insurance plan about specific terminology.
Work with a wig retailer. You could increase your odds of success by working with a specialty wig retailer that has a track record of successfully filing insurance claims for clients and familiarity with insurance company rules. Retain your receipt for the wig to include with your claim.
Take photos. When you submit a claim, resubmit a claim, or file an appeal, send a photo of you that demonstrates your hair loss.
Request a prior authorization if needed. Having your insurance plan fully or partially cover your wig could mean that you have to get a prior authorization or upfront approval.
File an appeal. You also may be able to appeal an insurance claim denial if your provider determines that a cranial prosthesis is medically necessary. You can also request a medical review of your claim. If you have an MA plan, follow the MA appeals process.
Your state may require health insurance plans to cover hair prosthesis for people undergoing cancer treatment. States that have passed these laws include:
Massachusetts, where state law requires insurance plans to cover up to $350 for a hair prosthesis each calendar year for people undergoing cancer treatment
The bottom line
Hair loss may greatly alter your self image during and after cancer treatment. Though not typically covered by original Medicare, some Medicare Advantage (MA) and private plans cover wigs as a cranial prosthesis or durable medical equipment. You also may be able to get a free wig through a cancer center wig boutique or a national or local nonprofit.
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References
American Cancer Society. (2021). Choosing and wearing a wig.
Carter, J. (2023). Senate Bill 75 - An act concerning insurance and Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Treatment of alopecia areata - Coverage requirements. Maryland General Assembly.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Medicare coverage of cancer treatment services.
Children With Hair Loss. (n.d.). Hair application.
EBeauty Community Inc. (n.d.). Request a wig.
Hair We Share. (n.d.). Wig application.
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). About Publication 502, medical and dental expenses.
Locks of Love. (n.d.). FAQ.
Massachusetts General Hospital. (2022). Free and discounted wigs and salons assisting with insurance claims.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Prosthetic devices.
Milano Collection. (n.d.). Best wigs for cancer patients.
National Cancer Institute. (2020). Hair loss (alopecia) and cancer treatment.
New Hampshire Insurance Department. (2020). Instructions for individual major medical filings checklist.
Oklahoma Senate. (2019). Oklahoma statutes: Title 36. Insurance.
Tender Loving Care. (n.d.). Women's cancer and chemo wigs.
Verma Foundation. (n.d.). About us.
Wigs and Wishes. (n.d.). Request a wig.
Wigs for Kids. (n.d.). Apply for a wig.
Wigs.com. (2020). Medical wigs: Your insurance coverage guide.
