What is Health Insurance for Acne Treatments?

Health Insurance for Acne: What Indian Patients Should Know

In 2021, India had the highest number of acne vulgaris cases among adolescents and young adults, affecting 30.7 million people. Apart from being physically uncomfortable, acne can impact an individual’s quality of life and psychological well-being. Moreover, based on the person’s condition and type of treatment, the medical bills can be pretty high, leading to financial stress.

Wondering whether health insurance covers acne treatments?

Keep reading to find out!

Does Health Insurance Cover Acne Treatment in India?

Yes, but not in all medical circumstances. Health insurance plans in India usually do not cover cosmetic acne treatment, such as chemical peels, facials, or laser treatments for aesthetic purposes.

But when acne is diagnosed as a medical condition, for example, cystic or nodulocystic acne that causes pain, infection, or scarring, then treatments such as dermatological consultations, prescription medication, and some minor procedures might fall under:

• Outpatient (OPD) benefits
• Inpatient care, if hospitalisation is needed due to complications
• Coverage for related underlying conditions (e.g., hormonal disorders)

The key is medical necessity, which must be documented thoroughly by a registered medical practitioner.

Are Cosmetic Acne Treatments Excluded from Health Insurance?

Cosmetic dermatological procedures are not covered by health insurance. They include the following:

• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments for scars or pigmentation
• Microdermabrasion
• Acne facials or skin rejuvenation therapies
• Elective scar revision surgery

These procedures are considered non-essential and hence are not applicable for coverage under health insurance. Coverage would only be possible if these treatments were part of a more comprehensive therapy package to treat a medically diagnosed skin disorder.

Are Dermatologist Visits for Acne Covered Under Health Insurance?

Policies that cover OPD (outpatient department) benefits can cover dermatologist consultations as well. This includes:

• Specialist consultations
• Diagnostic skin tests
• Prescription medications

However, OPD cover is not a standard feature in all policies. You need to choose plans that have OPD benefits clearly mentioned or are available as an add-on.

An OPD cover under a health insurance plan is important, as most acne treatments do not require hospitalisation. So, you must check your existing health policy for OPD coverage before planning to make claims for dermatologist visits.

Can I Claim Insurance for Severe Acne or Complications?

You can file claims in cases of severe acne, such as cystic acne or acne conglobata, that causes:

• Skin infections
• Abscesses
• Significant swelling or discharge
• Scarring that impairs function

Depending on what is medically required, the cost of treatment is usually covered under inpatient hospitalisation or daycare procedures by most health insurance plans. You’re more likely to get your claim accepted when your dermatologist provides:

• A formal diagnosis
• A prescription-based treatment plan
• Justification for medical necessity

Are Acne-Related Medications Covered by Health Insurance?

Oral or topical acne medications that are prescription-based could be covered if:

• Prescribed by a certified dermatologist
• Linked to a medically diagnosed case of acne
• Included within OPD or hospitalisation claims

Items not covered, even with a doctor's recommendation, are over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as face washes, non-prescription creams, and general skincare items.

Are Acne Caused by Other Medical Conditions Covered?

In case acne is a sign of an underlying health issue, it is eligible for coverage under health insurance plans. Conditions include:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism)
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Side effects of other treatments

In such cases, acne treatments may be part of the treatment of the primary disease. In these scenarios, insurance will treat the root cause, while acne management, despite being a lower priority, becomes a covered service under most plans.

What is the process to claim insurance for acne treatment?

If you want to successfully get acne treatment covered by your health insurance, do the following:

1. Visit a certified dermatologist and get a formal diagnosis.
2. Ensure the treatment is medically necessary (not cosmetic).
3. Retain all medical records, prescriptions, and bills
4. Submit a claim through OPD (if covered) or under hospitalisation/daycare if required
5. Follow the insurer’s pre-authorisation or reimbursement protocol, if applicable

Hospitalisation or procedure-related claims generally require pre-approval, whereas OPD claims are reimbursed post-submission of documents.

Are There Waiting Periods for Acne-Related Claims?

Yes, waiting periods apply if:

• Acne results from a pre-existing condition like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction (2–4 years, depending on the policy).
• The policy has a general waiting period for outpatient benefits (often 30 days after the policy starts).
• A specific condition or daycare treatment requires a longer waiting time.

Acne treatment may not be covered under a health insurance plan, and even a claim that is covered could have applicable exclusions and/or waiting periods.

How to Choose a Policy that Supports Acne Treatment?

If you're in the market for a policy that provides acne treatment coverage, prioritise:

• Plans with OPD benefits
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions like PCOS
• Daycare procedure coverage, especially for minor dermatological interventions
• Shorter waiting periods
• Flexibility in choosing add-ons for skin-related concerns

In that sense, Star Health’s policies have OPD as a benefit, and certain dermatological consultations are covered under defined medical conditions. It doesn’t cover cosmetic acne treatments but does support the treatment of acne when it’s part of a larger health concern.

Coverage will tend to vary based on the selected plan. Thus, always ensure to check the policy documents to have a clear idea of the inclusions and exclusions.