If you are already running out of hair, then you should please have some benefit from it!!! Ok, watch out - if your hair loss is classified as pathological, then it is possible that your health insurance will cover part of the hairpiece costs. If that's not great, then I don't know .... But seriously, hair loss in women is usually classified as such a psychological burden that health insurance companies may agree to provide a subsidy for the hairpiece. The website of the
GKV-Spitzenverbandes states:
"In principle, hairlessness does not lead to an impairment of bodily functions and the use of hair replacement as an aid does not lead to the restoration of lost body hair. <...>According to the case law of the Federal Social Court (BSG), the total loss of hair can nevertheless have disease value in individual cases and therefore be considered a disease in the sense of § 27 paragraph 1 sentence 1 SGB V, because the complete loss of hair can have disease value under the aspect of the disfiguring effect and the insured person withdraws from participation in life in society. <...> The massive hair loss in women has a disfiguring effect, which does not lead to the loss of motor and mental functions but makes it impossible for her to move freely and impartially among fellow human beings. Her participation in life in society is impaired if she withdraws from life in society"</...></...> So if you can prove that you suffer from severe pathological hair loss that affects you psychologically, then you have a good chance.
Applying for reimbursement of the costs of medical aids - this is the best way to go about it
For years I received subsidies from the health insurance for my hairpieces. In order to achieve this, I had my family doctor certify that I suffer from Androgenetic Alopecia 3rd degree. Then I went to a contractor of my health insurance and had them give me a cost estimate for my hairpiece. I then submitted these two documents (usually in person at the branch) to my health insurance company. There the documents are checked and within a few weeks you will receive a decision whether the costs will be covered proportionally. My health insurance company (Techniker Krankenkasse) is very accommodating when it comes to subsidies for hair replacement. Since there are no fixed amounts for the aid group "hair replacement", it is up to the health insurance company to decide how much they want to pay you. In my case, it was 890 euros per hairpiece, and I was allowed to apply for a new one every 24 months at the most. Unfortunately, I have often heard that not all health insurance companies are so generous. The best way to find out how this is regulated at your health insurance company is to call the respective contact hotline or go directly to a local branch.
What are contract partners?
As I already mentioned, you will need a cost estimate from a contract partner of your health insurance company. This is a second hair specialist who has signed a contract with the health insurance companies. Only such companies/barbers are authorized to sell such a hairpiece "on prescription". In order to acquire this approval, some requirements - such as a hairdresser or make-up artist training and a separate room for the consultation of hair loss patients - must be met. You can easily find out who the contractors are in your area by visiting your health insurance company's website.
Why I prefer to pay for my hairpieces myself
So from 20 to 32, I received subsidies from TK for my hairpieces. That sounds wonderful at first - and I am very grateful for it. In the meantime, I prefer to pay for my hairpieces myself. Why? Because then I can choose who I buy from. Over the years I have become more and more dissatisfied with the quality of "German" hair replacement (it is always produced in third countries like China or India - hardly anyone can afford a wig made by German hands). The hair quality became worse and worse, I had every day only quarrels with these hairpieces. I also know today that I was not sold the best on the market, but hairpieces that did not look natural at all. In addition, this hair replacement was also incredibly expensive - even with the aid subsidy of just under 900 euros, I had to pay another 700 euros out of my own pocket. Now I have toppers that cost about 700 euros each and are absolutely top quality. So the calculation is quite simple: I have to pay the same, but I am now a thousand times more satisfied with my current hairpieces.
My recommendation: research, research, research ...
Everybody has to make his own experiences: If you find a contractor you are happy with, get the health insurance subsidy! But pay close attention to what you are being sold and learn to assess the
quality of a hairpiece. Do you now know how to apply for a subsidy? Or are there any questions left unanswered? Let me know in the comments!
