Laser hair removal: is it reimbursed by social security?

Laser hair removal is gaining popularity; it's a treatment that can destroy up to 95% of hair over the course of a session. To save time on waxing or shaving, and to achieve a hair-free appearance in areas where hair is particularly unsightly, many people are interested in this laser technology that eradicates hair.

Laser hair removal: is it reimbursed by Social Security?

While treatment proves effective with time and patience, it also comes at a cost.
However, in certain cases, laser hair removal is a treatment which can, depending on certain conditions and pathologies, be reimbursed by Social Security.

What are the eligibility criteria? What steps should I follow?
This is what interests us in this article. Let's see in which cases this is possible.

Is laser hair removal reimbursed by Social Security?

Generally, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, so there is no need to consider laser hair removal reimbursement.

However, while the cost of the sessions and therefore of the overall treatment may seem expensive, it is also necessary to consider it in the longer term. Over time, the treatment allows for significant savings, such as the costs associated with regular visits to beauty salons, purchasing products: hair removal cream, shaving foam, razors, wax, etc. Laser hair removal: is it reimbursed by Social Security?

For laser hair removal reimbursed by Social Security and sometimes certain mutual insurance companies, you need to know in which cases reimbursements are possible.

General cases: a non-reimbursed aesthetic service

• Laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic treatment.
• No refunds are provided for purely aesthetic reasons (legs, armpits, bikini line, face).

Medical cases: conditions for support

Laser hair removal can be reimbursed if it is prescribed by a dermatologist for specific medical reasons, this is the case for:

• Pathological hirsutism (this is excess hair growth of hormonal origin).
• Hypertrichosis (This is excessive hair growth).
• Recurring ingrown hairs that cause skin infections.
• Gender dysphoria (In the context of medically supervised transitions).

Eligibility criteria for reimbursement of laser hair removal

Profiles concerned by the support

• Women with hormonally induced hirsutism (polycystic ovarian syndrome, endocrine disorders).
• People undergoing hormonal transition treatment (transidentity).
• Patients suffering from dermatological complications related to ingrown hairs.

Documents required for reimbursement

• A medical prescription from a dermatologist or other qualified physician detailing the need for laser hair removal.
• A medical report that proves the pathology with results of hormonal analyses, ovarian ultrasounds or others.
• The detailed invoice from the dermatologist or the relevant certified medical establishment or institute .

Which areas can be reimbursed?

• Face (chin, upper lip, cheeks): reimbursement possible in the context of pathological hirsutism.
• Neck and back: in cases of hypertrichosis.
• Chronic ingrown hairs on the legs or bikini line: if repeated infections are noted by your doctor or dermatologist.
• Hormone-dependent areas (chest, stomach, lower back) for men in transition.

Steps to obtain a refund

Step 1: Medical consultation

• Make an appointment with a dermatologist, endocrinologist, physician or trained and licensed personnel .
• Assess the medical necessity of laser hair removal.

Step 2: Request for prior approval

• Submit a request to Social Security (support form).

Step 3: Reimbursement by mutual insurance

• Some mutual insurance companies cover part of the costs under certain conditions.
• Compare mutual insurance plans that include dermatological care.

What is the cost of laser hair removal with and without reimbursement?

Average price of a laser hair removal session

• Facial areas: €50 to €150 per session.
• Underarms/bikini line: €80 to €200 per session.
• Full legs: €250 to €400 per session.
• Number of sessions required: generally between 6 and 10 sessions.

What Social Security covers

For laser hair removal care, you should know that:

• Reimbursement is based on the agreed rate, which is often lower than the actual cost. For example, partial reimbursement of 30 to 60% depending on the case.

Role of mutual insurance companies in care

• Some mutual insurance companies offer "cosmetic care" packages to cover expenses.
• Mutual insurance companies recommended for dermatological care (reimbursement up to €300/year).

Alternatives and options to reduce cost

Electrolysis hair removal

• Solution often reimbursed in the context of medical pathologies.
• Precision on small and difficult to treat areas with laser.

Compare specialized centers

• Prices vary depending on the dermatological centers and specialized clinics.
• Beware of promotional offers that may hide lower quality services.

Installment financing offers

• Some centers offer payment in installments without fees.
• Loyalty programs for discounts on future sessions.

Conclusion

As you will have understood, reimbursement for laser hair removal treatment is only possible for specific pathologies and/or for medical reasons.

To obtain a possible reimbursement, for example a reimbursement for laser hair removal for ingrown hairs, you must have a consultation with a dermatologist, endocrinologist or other doctor who can refer you to specialist doctors.

This consultation allows us to build a solid case, allowing you to benefit from optimal care. For laser hair removal reimbursement, you should also check with your health insurance provider to see if this type of procedure is covered by your reimbursements.

In conclusion, in the context of laser hair removal with a dermatologist's reimbursement price, you must see a qualified specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get reimbursed for laser sessions?

To qualify for reimbursement for laser hair removal from health insurance, you should consult a specialist doctor such as a dermatologist, endocrinologist, a certified beauty center, a qualified and trained institute, or a cosmetic clinic. After the consultation, the specialist will need to provide a file to Social Security.

How much does permanent laser hair removal cost?

For a complete laser hair removal treatment, you can expect to pay on average around 80 to 100 euros per session for an area such as the bikini line or underarms, and between 200 and 300 euros for the legs (without the thighs), meaning that a treatment generally involves 6 to 10 sessions.

Who is allowed to perform laser hair removal?

In France, previously reserved for doctors only, a decree now allows nurses and beauticians who wish to practice hair removal using intense pulsed light and laser for non-therapeutic purposes to carry out this activity by following initial training and regular updates.

What are the disadvantages of laser hair removal?

One of the dangers of laser hair removal is the potential for collateral damage, such as burns or skin pigmentation problems, when recommendations and contraindications are not followed. Melanin, present in hair, is also the pigment responsible for tanning.