Treatment for AGA (androgenetic alopecia) is often expensive and can be a financial burden. However, there are ways to reduce treatment costs by using health insurance. In this article, we will explain in detail how to use health insurance for AGA treatment.
1. Basics of AGA treatment and health insurance
1.1 Scope of health insurance coverage
Under the Japanese health insurance system, treatments for cosmetic purposes are generally not covered by insurance. AGA treatments are also generally considered cosmetic, so many treatments are not covered by insurance. However, some treatments and conditions may be covered by insurance.
1.2 Treatments not covered by insurance
The following treatments are usually not covered by health insurance:
Oral medications (finasteride, dutasteride)
Topical medicine (minoxidil)
hair transplant surgery
Laser treatment or injection treatment
2. When there is a possibility of insurance coverage
2.1 If there are complications
If a doctor diagnoses the mental stress and depressive symptoms caused by AGA and deems that treatment is necessary, psychiatric or dermatological treatment may be covered by insurance. In this case, insurance coverage is available for the treatment of complications, not for the treatment of AGA itself.
2.2 Relationship with other diseases
If AGA symptoms are associated with another disease, insurance coverage may be accepted as treatment for that disease. For example, if hormonal imbalance is the cause of AGA, the treatment may be covered by insurance.
3. How to reduce your financial burden
3.1 Utilization of medical expense deduction
Medical expenses that are not covered by insurance and exceed a certain amount can be deducted on your final tax return. This allows you to receive a refund of your income tax and reduce your financial burden.
Eligibility for medical expense deduction: Medical expense deduction is applicable when annual medical expenses exceed 100,000 yen or 5% of gross income. AGA treatment costs may also be covered.
How to calculate the deductible amount: The deductible amount is the amount obtained by subtracting the amount covered by insurance, etc. from the total medical expenses.
3.2 Utilization of the high-cost medical expenses system
If AGA treatment becomes expensive along with other medical expenses, you can take advantage of the high-cost medical treatment fee system. This is a system in which if your monthly medical expenses exceed a certain amount, the excess amount will be reimbursed.
Eligible expenses: Hospitalization costs, surgery costs, outpatient costs, etc. are covered, but AGA treatment alone is often not covered. Consider using it in conjunction with other treatments.
4. How to choose a recommended AGA treatment clinic
4.1 Check the possibility of insurance coverage
Before receiving treatment, check to see if the clinic will cover your insurance. A reputable clinic will provide patients with the right information and explain whether or not insurance will be covered.
4.2 Clinics offering comprehensive treatment plans
AGA treatment requires a long-term perspective. Choose a clinic that offers a comprehensive treatment plan and takes your financial burden into account.
4.3 Clinic with full patient support
By choosing a clinic that provides full support during treatment and aftercare, you can continue your treatment with peace of mind. Look for clinics that offer free consultations and regular checkups.
5. Summary
AGA treatment is often not covered by health insurance, but may be covered in some cases. You can reduce your financial burden by taking advantage of medical expense deductions and the high-cost medical care expenses system. By choosing the right clinic and creating a comprehensive treatment plan, you can receive effective AGA treatment.
Appropriate information gathering and planning are necessary to continue AGA treatment while reducing the financial burden. Make good use of your health insurance and other systems to receive treatment with peace of mind.
AGA treatment at Hiro Clinic
AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia) is a disease called male pattern baldness, which progresses if left untreated, so early treatment is necessary. The causes of AGA vary depending on the individual, but it is not a disease that cannot be treated.
Hiro Clinic uses cutting-edge regenerative medicine technology to treat AGA.
Our specialized doctors will suggest appropriate treatment methods tailored to each individual and will do their best to support your concerns.
