Insurance for Areola Tattoos – What is Covered
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or insurance advice. Insurance coverage varies significantly by plan, state, and
individual circumstances. Always consult directly with your insurance provider, medical team, and qualified healthcare professionals for advice specific to your situation.
Breast cancer survivors can be left with feelings of insecurity due to the life saving surgeries and procedures they had to undergo.
Having one or both breasts removed makes some women hate even looking at themselves in the mirror, and scarring from surgeries only increases this problem.
Thankfully, reconstructive surgery, implants, paramedical tattooing and scar camouflage can help post-cancer women feel confident in their bodies and ready to tackle the next chapter of their lives.
The only question is… how are you going to pay for it?
Will your insurance cover areola procedures or will you be forced to cover the entire cost yourself?
Keep reading to find the answer to that and other questions regarding areola tattoo insurance.
Do You Need To Cover Paramedical Tattooing With Insurance?
Not necessarily. Depending on the type of procedure you want, you could pay for it yourself.
Many people who come to paramedical tattooing clinics like Fancy Shmancy are simply looking to get their dream eyebrows or some simple permanent makeup to make their morning routines hassle-free for the rest of their lives.
But areola tattooing is specifically designed to help cancer survivors and is best rolled into the overall cost of reconstructive procedures.
Liana Reznik does a thorough job on every patient who arrives at Fancy Shmancy. When your insurance pays for 50 to 100% of the overall cost, you can experience the benefits of this thoroughness without worrying about how much it’s going to cost you.
Insurance Companies That Cover Areola Tattooing
Another common concern is that your particular insurance provider will not cover this type of procedure.
Fortunately, the Women’s Health And Cancer Rights Act means that medical insurance and catastrophic illness insurance must pay for reconstructive surgery and similar procedures for women who have had a mastectomy.
That being said, you will need to have the proper type of health insurance and or catastrophic illness insurance in place before you can take advantage of these benefits.
Here are five insurance companies that will help you pay for Areola Tattooing.
- Mutual of Omaha
- Aflac
- Blue Cross Blue shield
- US Alliance
- Humana
Insuring Your Provider Covers Your Areola Tattooing Procedure
We all know insurance companies like to drag their feet. How are you going to make sure you’re not stuck paying the entire bill for your upcoming Areola Tattooing session?
The most important thing is knowing what procedures your medical insurance or catastrophic illness insurance provider will cover.
- Reconstructive surgery for the breast.
- Paramedical tattooing for the purpose of nipple reconstruction.
- Paramedical tattooing to cover scars from treatment and or reconstructive surgery/implants.
If you have already had your initial areola tattooing procedure and are simply looking for a touch up it may not be covered by your insurance. Talk to your provider and your doctor to see what your options are.
Communicating With Your Doctor
Good communication between you and your doctor will help ensure they communicate properly with Liana and your insurance company.
Insurance companies are legally obligated to cover certain procedures for cancer survivors who have had a single or double mastectomy. However, if your doctor does not properly communicate your situation and the need for reconstructive plastic surgery and paramedical tattooing you may not get the amount of coverage you need.
Typically, you can get 50-100% of the cost of areola tattooing covered by your medical insurance. This is only if you meet the minimum requirements.
By talking with your doctor and adding your areola tattooing sessions to your overall line up of breast reconstructive procedures you’re protecting yourself. It’s much easier for an insurance company to claim that your medical tattooing is not a necessary part of reconstructive surgery if it is not added to your overall post-cancer reconstruction plan.
Communicating With Fancy Shmancy
There needs to be clear communication between your doctor, your insurance company, and the fancy shmancy clinic for your nipple tattooing procedure to be fully covered.
The clinic will provide your insurance provider with all the necessary documents to ensure you pay as little as possible.
Understanding Your Rights Under Federal Law
Breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy face physical and emotional challenges during recovery. Reconstructive procedures, including areola and nipple tattooing, can help restore confidence and provide a sense of completion to the reconstruction journey.
What WHCRA Covers in 2025
Under WHCRA, if your insurance plan covers mastectomies, it must also provide coverage for all stages of reconstruction, including nipple and areola tattooing. This law applies to most group insurance and individual health plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Insurance Coverage for Areola Tattooing in 2025
Most major insurance carriers that comply with WHCRA requirements will cover medically necessary areola and nipple tattooing when performed after mastectomy and included in the reconstructive plan documented by a physician.
Coverage Rates and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Coverage rates depend on your insurance plan and documentation submitted. Fees vary among professionals based on experience, education, and the level of involvement in the medical process. Advanced medical tattoo artists may charge anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for bilateral areola tattooing, often including two sessions, documentation, and communication with your doctor or insurance company.
Illinois Provider Regulations (2025)
In Illinois, there is no separate ‘medical tattoo’ license. Areola tattooing is performed by tattoo artists working within a registered body-art establishment regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health under the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act (410 ILCS 54).
Medical Necessity and Documentation
The medical necessity statement should come from your reconstructive surgeon or treating physician, not from the tattoo artist. The tattoo artist supports the claim by documenting the procedure and outcome.
Out-of-Network Providers and Reimbursement Process
Many patients choose to work with out-of-network medical tattoo artists. WHCRA ensures these reconstruction services are still covered. Patients typically pay the artist directly, then submit all documentation for reimbursement, which usually occurs within 30–90 days.
Choosing a Qualified and Experienced Artist
Choosing the right professional is crucial. Look for an artist registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health, with experience in medical pigmentation, color theory, and scar correction. Reviewing before-and-after photos is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Understanding your rights under WHCRA is essential for accessing areola tattooing as part of your reconstruction journey. Pricing varies by provider experience and level of insurance assistance. Always confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling your procedure.
If you have questions about the procedure itself, typical cost, etc contact Fancy Schmancy Clinic. Liana Reznik can answer any questions or concerns you may have before scheduling your initial consultation.
FAQs
Will my insurance cover my consultation as well as my Areola Tattooing?
Yes. The consultation is in necessary part of getting an Areola tattoo, and is therefore covered for patients who have had a mastectomy.
How do I check to see if my insurance covers Paramedical Tattooing?
Talk to your doctor and insurance provider. Medical insurance and catastrophic illness insurance are required by law to pay for breast and nipple reconstruction procedures if you have had a single or double mastectomy.
Author: Liana Reznik