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Wig for hair loss: subsidy from the health insurer

Illness-related hair loss, for example from chemotherapy, is a great burden for many. A wig can be subsidized by the health insurer as a medical aid. The medical prescription and the fund's fixed amounts are important.

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Your chances of getting your money back

In the case of illness-related hair loss, a wig can be a medical aid that the health insurer subsidizes (§ 33 SGB V). A medical prescription is usually required.
The fund usually pays only up to a fixed amount. For higher-quality real-hair wigs, considerable extra costs can arise that you bear yourself. Have your fund tell you its fixed amount in advance.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Get a prescription

    Have the wig medically prescribed (medical aid).

  2. 2

    2. Submit a cost estimate

    Submit a cost estimate to the fund and wait for approval.

  3. 3

    3. Clarify the fixed amount

    Ask about the fixed amount and any possible extra costs.

  4. 4

    4. Act on refusal

    If the subsidy is refused, file an objection within the deadline.

How to spot the scam

  • The wig is bought without a medical prescription.
  • The purchase is made before the fund's approval.
  • Extra costs above the fixed amount are not budgeted for.

Frequently asked questions

Does the health insurer pay for a wig?

In the case of illness-related hair loss, a wig can be subsidized as a medical aid (§ 33 SGB V). You usually need a medical prescription for this and should submit a cost estimate before buying and wait for approval.

How high is the subsidy?

The funds usually pay up to a fixed amount that varies from fund to fund. For simple synthetic-hair wigs it is often enough; for expensive real-hair models, extra costs arise that you bear yourself. Ask in advance about the exact fixed amount.

What if the fund refuses?

You can file an objection against a refusal within the deadline (usually one month). Justify the medical and psychological significance. A medical statement can support the objection.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.