Reimbursement for wig or other headgear for hair loss after cancer therapy

Hair loss from cancer treatment chops at it. Suddenly everyone sees that you are a patient. Many women being treated for breast cancer find hair loss the worst side effect of chemotherapy or radiation. Fortunately, this hair loss is usually temporary and there are solutions such as wigs, hats, caps or scarves. These accessories are best adapted to the patient: for example, there are wigs that approximate your original hair as closely as possible, chemo hats without seams and scarves in an extra soft fabric. They have one drawback: they cost quite a bit of money. A custom wig with real hair is custom-made, and easily costs several thousand dollars. You can usually get a chemo cap for less than 100 euros, though.

New arrangement

From July 1, 2024, the health insurance fund will partially intervene in the costs for cancer patients with hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation, provided that the hair loss has led to complete baldness or there is hair loss with scarring due to radiation. The maximum intervention for a wig is 180 euros for temporary baldness and 270 euros for permanent baldness. For other headgear you get a maximum reimbursement of 120 euros, for a maximum of three accessories. You cannot combine both refunds. To benefit from the new rule, you need a receipt and a prescription from your attending physician stating the necessary conditions.

Are you undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and would like to take advantage of reimbursement? If so, contact the social worker at your breast clinic.