Are you interested in health insurance that covers varicose vein treatment? Or perhaps you are simply wondering whether your health insurance will cover the procedure? Either way, you have come to the right place.
Here at Lumina Interventional Radiology, we specialise in minimally invasive non-surgical procedures to treat varicose veins. The main methods we use are endovenous radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. In this blog, we will explore whether health insurance covers vein treatments – let’s dive right in!
Public vs Private Treatment
Although varicose vein treatments are carried out in the public system in NZ, because the condition is so common, surgery is only offered to patients with severe disease. Even if you do meet the criteria, because of the strain the public health system is under, there can be a significant wait time to firstly see a specialist and then secondly have the relevant investigations before eventually being listed for surgery.
The benefit of being treated in private means you can avoid waiting lists and have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it.
Will Health Insurance Cover Vein Treatment?
Varicose vein treatments are covered by most insurance providers. Lumina Interventional Radiology is an Affiliated Provider for South Cross, which means we will take care of all the form filling for you. We also work with all the other major insurance providers including NIB, Sovereign, Accuro, AIA, Unimed and Partners Life, however if you are under one of these policies you will need to get prior approval before getting treated.
Varicose vein treatment covered by health insurance is generally subject to a medical necessity criteria. This means that the insurance provider will only approve cover if you meet their eligibility criteria.
Southern Cross will cover the cost of varicose vein treatment if at least one of the following is present:
- Moderately severe pain or swelling which is unresponsive to simple painkillers
- Skin change (induration, darkening, thickening)
- Recurrent inflammation/ eczema in the legs
- Healed or Active ulcers due to vein disease
- Clotting/ inflammation in a large varicose vein
- Bleeding due to a burst varicose vein
A detailed scan of the deep and the superficial veins is also required to demonstrate there is significant varicose vein disease. This can be arranged with our experienced in-house sonographer.
The criteria can vary between different insurance providers, so it’s important to read their terms and conditions when it comes to their cover for varicose vein treatment.
Remember atLumina Interventional Radiology, we are an Affiliated Provider for Southern Cross, meaning that we will take care of the paperwork if you are insured with Southern Cross.
To learn more about our services, or for any enquiries, please get in touch with us today.
