If you’re considering having your varicose veins treated and carry Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance, you’re probably wondering if your insurance will cover your varicose vein treatment. According to a publication about varicose vein treatments on the company’s website, it appears that Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover varicose vein treatment. However, the individual being treated must meet some criteria in order to qualify for coverage.

Potentially Covered Treatments:

The following varicose vein treatments may be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance:

• Vein Stripping Surgery
• Endovenous Laser Treatment
• Laser Therapy
• Microfoam Sclerotherapy

Prequalifying Conditions:

In order to qualify for coverage, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You’re suffering from venous skin ulcers caused by varicose veins.
• You’ve had superficial vein thrombosis multiple times.
• Your varicose veins have hemorrhaged and bled externally several times.
• You have persistent pain or swelling caused by your varicose veins that is so severe it interferes with your daily life and wearing compression stockings for at least three months prior to varicose vein treatment did not reduce your discomfort. If your doctor recommends treatment using compression therapy, your health insurance may cover the cost of compression socks or stockings.

Please note that individual coverage may vary by policy, so it’s always best to check with your insurance company to verify eligibility for varicose vein treatment coverage. You can find this information in your policy documents, by calling your insurance company, or by having your doctor do a preauthorization to determine what amount of the treatment will be covered by insurance.

What Treatments Are Not Covered?

Treatment of spider veins or any treatment deemed cosmetic—not medically necessary as determined by the criteria above—do not appear to be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance.

Finding a Varicose Vein Doctor

If you’ve determined that your insurance will cover your varicose vein treatment, the next step is to visit a doctor. While many doctors will perform varicose vein treatments, you’ll be best served by having your treatment performed by a phlebologist. Phlebologists are vein specialists that study venous disorder for several years after completing their medical degree programs. Because of their extra training, phlebologists are generally best suited for treating varicose veins.

Potential Costs of Treatment

Our varicose vein treatment cost estimation tool can help you determine what your potential out of pocket costs will be for your varicose vein treatment. Use the tool to explore potential costs including and excluding health insurance coverage in order to determine how much your treatment will cost.