Paying for a Wig After Hair Loss: Insurance 'Cranial Prosthesis' Claims and the Tax Rule
HairArticleSome insurers will cover part of the cost if your doctor writes a prescription for a 'cranial prosthesis,' and the IRS lets some people count a wig as a medical expense. Here is how to ask, what the tax rule says, and how to choose between synthetic and human hair.
In this article
Whether hair loss comes from chemotherapy, alopecia areata or another medical condition, a wig can help with confidence and quality of life.1 Here’s how to lower the cost.
Ask your insurer about a “cranial prosthesis”
Insurers often use the term cranial prosthesis for a medical wig.1
- Call your plan and ask whether it covers a cranial prosthesis for medical hair loss (alopecia).1
- Get a prescription or letter from your doctor; many plans require one.1
- Ask how payment works. Some plans pay part or all, and some reimburse you after you buy.1
- Keep receipts and the prescription.
Coverage varies, so ask about limits, approved sellers and how often a replacement is covered.
The IRS medical expense rule
You can count a wig as a medical expense if it’s bought on a doctor’s advice for the mental health of someone who has lost all of their hair from disease.2 Medical expenses only help if you itemize, and only the amount above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income counts.2 Hair transplants fall under the cosmetic surgery rules instead.2 Ask a tax professional whether your situation qualifies.
Other ways to save
- Cancer centers sometimes offer discounted wigs.1
- Support organizations may provide free or low-cost wigs; ask your care team.1
- Check return policies before buying; some sellers charge restocking fees or don’t take returns.1
Choosing a type
| Synthetic | Human hair | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Upkeep | Less | More |
| Styling | Less flexible | Can be colored and styled like your own hair |
| Lifespan | Shorter | Often longer with good care |
You can also choose a topper for thinning on top, a halo to wear under hats, or bangs that attach to a hat or scarf.1 If you’re buying before chemotherapy, make sure the cap is adjustable, since your head may measure up to a size smaller after hair loss.1
Our guides to wig fitting, wig glue and scalp changes, scalp cooling and hair care during cancer treatment cover related decisions.
Try: “I’m losing my hair from treatment. Can you write a prescription for a cranial prosthesis so I can submit it to my insurance?”
Hair, Everywhere includes a Hair Check and a monthly Hair Log. Use them to record your hair loss pattern and dates for insurance paperwork. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical, insurance or tax advice. Coverage varies by plan, and tax rules can change; check with your insurer and a tax professional for your situation. Sudden or patchy hair loss, hair loss with other symptoms, or scalp pain or sores should be evaluated by a clinician. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- American Cancer SocietyWigs for Hair Loss (opens in a new tab)abcdefghijk
- Internal Revenue ServicePublication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses (opens in a new tab)abc
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