INSURANCE

Vein Care - Insurance for Vein Treatments

Most insurers will cover surgical and non-surgical treatments for varicose veins. Certain medical need criteria must be met however, and you will be told during your consultation or scan whether or not you are eligible to apply for insurance cover. Small veins, spider veins and facial veins are considered cosmetic and are NOT usually covered by insurance.

Southern Cross Health Insurance

Vein & laser is an “Affiliated Provider” to Southern Cross. This means that provided you meet their criteria for medical need, we are able to claim for the consultation, scan, and varicose vein treatment directly.

This is done online to Southern Cross on your behalf, and there is no need for you to get prior approval. The consultation is claimed first, before any treatment is undertaken, then the level of cover is known and whether or not the claim is accepted. It is great system and works well for all concerned.

All you need to do is provide Vein & Laser with your Southern Cross membership number and we do the rest.

Southern Cross will send you a letter informing you that they have made a payment to Vein & Laser and what for, and whether or not you need to make any co-payment. This would be the case if you have 80% cover.

Southern Cross does not cover treatment for small or spider veins.

Other Health Insurers

You are advised to check with your insurer before starting any treatment to find out if you have cover and what they require from you and the clinic involved.

During the initial consultation, Dr Elisabeth de Felice will recommend and outline your treatment options and inform you of the costs involved. Varicose veins always require an ultrasound mapping scan, which may be done following the initial consultation or another day if preferred. The scan costs are covered by insurance.

If you require a letter to support your claim please ask the consultant. Send this and any invoices to that point to the insurance company.

The insurer usually responds by letter informing you of the procedures or treatment they will cover and the amount they will pay. You will know at this time whether there is any shortfall that you will have to pay.

There is often a time limit (e.g. 60 days) during which you must commence the treatment, or you will need to reapply for approval.

You will be given invoices for any procedures or treatment, which you then forward to the insurance company. The insurer makes payment directly to the clinic, and Vein & Laser will invoice you for any shortfall.

Some insurers do cover sclerotherapy for smaller veins.

Keep copies of everything submitted and keep notes of any conversations with your insurer.

Making a claim is usually very straightforward, but Christine will assist you if you have any problems. Give her a call on (09) 410 0990, email or fill out our online form if you need some help.

Southern Cross - www.southerncross.co.nz