Does Health Insurance cover Adult Circumcision in the United States?

You’ve planned your circumcision surgery, and you’re wondering if your health insurance will cover the procedure. After all, the cost of getting a circumcision in the US is relatively high, even if the procedure does provide a multitude of medical benefits for every individual.

Though insurance plans don’t cover the surgery for cosmetic reasons, there are some circumstances in which coverage may be available.

Circumstances for Insurance Coverage

Health insurance companies vary widely in their coverage of procedures, and whether or not a particular process is covered depends on the individual provider.

Unlike infant circumcisions, which are widely covered by US health insurance, most insurance providers do not cover adult circumcision if there is no medical problem present. For instance, the procedure is considered elective if based on religious, social, or otherwise cosmetic reasons.

However, your insurance may cover the costs if the circumcision alleviates a medical problem, for example, problems involving foreskin retraction.

Here are some situations in which insurance may cover the cost of adult circumcision:

Phimosis: The foreskin is too tight to be retracted over the glans. Can cause pain during erection and may affect urination.
Recurrent Balanitis: The foreskin and head of the penis become infected and inflamed. Can cause soreness and swelling of the penis, which is typically painful.
Paraphimosis: The foreskin can’t return to its original position after being retracted. Can cause the head of the penis to swell and become painful. Immediate treatment is necessary to avoid serious medical complications, like restricted blood flow to the penis.
Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO): Progressive sclerosing inflammatory dermatosis of the glans penis and foreskin that causes scarring, inflammation, and impaired function of the penis. This medical complication is also known as penile lichen sclerosis.
Penile Cancer: Wart-like growth or ulcer on the end of the penis or under the foreskin, causing discharge, bleeding, or changes in the skin/foreskin. Cancer of the penis is rare, but it ,affects more than 2,000 Americans every year.
Urinary Tract Infection: Bladder infection that causes pain or burning sensation while urinating. Blood may also be present in the urine. A ,2013 study suggested that uncircumcised men may be more vulnerable to UTIs.

While some providers cover corrective circumcision if necessary to the patient’s health, the best course of action is to familiarize yourself with your insurance plan and understand what is covered and what isn’t.

Contacting customer service can be helpful when trying to figure out what exactly is included in a particular policy. Call the 800 number on your insurance card and ask to speak with an insurance specialist to understand your plan’s health benefits.

Ultimately, checking with your health insurance company is the best way to determine if it offers coverage for this surgical procedure. If your insurance doesn’t cover circumcision, you can opt to change to one that does or undergo the procedure without insurance.

How to Reduce the Cost of Circumcision Without Insurance

Circumcision can be costly, and many growing families lack the financial means to cover the expense. However, there are ways to reduce costs with some prior planning.

Start by researching local options for circumcisions. For example, county-run hospitals sometimes offer lower prices than private healthcare clinics or pediatricians. You can also ask about financing plans or if payment installments are possible.

If these won’t work for your circumstances, find providers offering discounted services in exchange for reduced medical billing paperwork processing time or deferred payments.

Considering all your options, you can save money on a circumcision procedure without sacrificing the quality of care. After all, your health is the priority.

Additional Resources for Insurance Covering Circumcision

If you’re looking for more information on this topic, various excellent resources are available.

The most accessible starting point is by searching online. There are many dedicated websites and articles that cover the subject of insurance and circumcision in depth. In addition, social media is another useful arena where you can connect with relevant groups to hear the latest news.

Alternatively, check your local library. A quick search will give you access to many helpful books, specialized magazines, and newspapers that provide valuable insights and perspectives. Our best tip is to ensure that the sources you use are written within the past five years—you may run into outdated resources, especially as the world of medicine and insurance advances.

There is no shortage of resources to feed your knowledge of the topic, and our team is happy to help you find the best plan for your situation.

Health Ensure-ance: We Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Although circumcision is a fairly common procedure, there are still many men who are not aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with it. If you’re considering circumcision for yourself or your son, you’ll find that most research shows that the surgery’s benefits greatly outweigh its risks.

We hope the cost won’t stop you from making the best choice for yourself. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the costs of adult circumcision if your health insurance does not cover the procedure. Regardless of your financial status, we believe every single individual deserves access to healthcare—especially for procedures that enhance your well-being.

If you’re ready to start your research, ,book a consultation with us today, and we’ll help you on your journey toward a better, healthier you. Get in touch with our team!

References:

,Circumcision in men – NHS (,www.nhs.uk ,)

,Adult Circumcision – Urology San Antonio

,Key Statistics for Penile Cancer

Does Health Insurance cover Adult Circumcision in the United States?