Upper eyelid surgery is one of the few cosmetic procedures that may be covered by Dutch health insurance — but only under specific conditions. Your insurer may reimburse the surgery when drooping eyelids restrict your field of vision to a medically significant degree. This article outlines the criteria for reimbursement, how to apply, what tests and documentation you'll need, and what to expect from the process at Blooming Plastic Surgery in Haarlem.
The upper eyelid correction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the Netherlands. Many people choose this treatment because it is a relatively minor procedure with significant results. Before deciding whether you wish to undergo this treatment, it is important to be well informed about the procedure. Do you know, for example, whether you are entitled to reimbursement from your health insurer?
As we age, the relaxation of the skin can cause excess skin. Excess skin often occurs above the eyes, causing many people to develop drooping eyelids. Drooping eyelids cause a tired appearance, an older look, and sometimes even reduced vision, resulting in fatigue, headaches, and neck complaints. These complaints can be resolved with an upper eyelid correction. In this procedure, the excess skin above the eyes is removed, resulting in a more open, youthful appearance and improved vision.
Reimbursement from the Basic Insurance Package
In the past, an upper eyelid correction was almost always reimbursed by health insurers. Until 1 January 2005, this treatment was even included in the basic insurance package. However, the rules have been significantly tightened in recent years, resulting in eyelid corrections being reimbursed less and less often. Between 2005 and 2011, the health insurer still reimbursed the procedure if there was reduced vision due to drooping eyelids. Since 2011, however, the rules have changed again, so that now even in the case of reduced vision, the procedure is rarely reimbursed. Health insurers now primarily regard the correction as a procedure that is not medically necessary, rather than a procedure with medical necessity. Only in the case of a congenital, chronic abnormality will the procedure be reimbursed from the basic package.
Reimbursement from supplementary insurance
Due to the withdrawal of reimbursement from the basic insurance, many health insurers have included a partial reimbursement from supplementary insurance in their packages. Some health insurers also have discount arrangements with certain hospitals and private clinics. The upper eyelid correction is often only reimbursed under the most expensive supplementary insurance. Reimbursements currently range from €500 to the full cost of the treatment. However, the requirements to qualify for such reimbursement are very strict. For example, some insurers require that a certain percentage of the pupil is covered by the eyelid. In addition, you almost always need a referral from your GP to qualify for reimbursement.
To find out whether the upper eyelid correction will be reimbursed by your health insurer in your case, it is best to enquire with your insurer by submitting a request. Most providers of the procedure can help you with this. In our price list you can see what our rates for an upper eyelid correction are. Do you have any questions? Call us at 023-5444974 or send an email to info@bloomingpc.nl.