Will VHI cover Gynecomastia surgery?

LegacyUser

I've had gynaecomastia since 11 (almost 16 now) and I'm quite convinced that it won't go away :P

It's completely shattering my self-confidence, and has partially made me extremely shy and un-outgoing. I can't wear the clothes that I want since my feckin' swollen nipples showsup through them, unless it's a large hoodie etc.

I have VHI insurance cover (according to the mammy) and was wondering if they will cover it. I've heard that they won't cover aesthetic procedures, but if I can get a GP to write a referral letter to a specialist presenting it as a "medical" procedure, they will. Is this true? How likely will this happen (I don't wanna pay for the GP if it isn't going to happen). Also, where would be the best place to get it done?

Cheers all!

Pat Mustard

Mod:

Users are not allowed to ask for legal or medical advice, according to boards.ie rules.

Therefore, it is not allowed to ask where to get this procedure carried out. A doctor will have to advise you on that.

You should really speak to your GP about this. I see that you don't want to pay the GP if it isn't going to happen. However, that's probably the most practical first step here.

Also, you refer to this as possibly falling under the category of an aesthetic procedure. I'm not a doctor and I haven't read the relevant insurance policy but perhaps your GP may have a different opinion on whether this is a purely aesthetic procedure. I guess that such a condition might create practical difficulties for someone who might be actively involved in sports or certain physical activities. Your GP may have a medical opinion on this.

In any event, it is not possible for us to speculate here. I would suggest that you should contact your GP as the first step.

I'll leave this thread open temporarily, provided that no legal or medical advice is asked for or given.

gynoman

hi, ive been in your shoes and still am. i cant link you, but if you click my username and "find more posts" you'll see a thread i created on the subject too, there is some good advice there and a lot of people suggesting exercising as a means to help, it may not completely help but will certainly increase your confidence and make it less obvious

re insurance, ive spoken to my gp about this and he has no doubt he can get this covered under my insurance as its far more than aesthetic and is causing mental anguish etc. he has told me if i want to go ahead, just let him know and he'll write a letter and is very confident it will be approved.

one thing though before you go that route, from my readings it seems that the younger you are, the more chance you will have at succeeding at methods other than surgery, youre still very young don't forget. this may also have bearing on the insurers decision, but I guess you could request it anyway, and if its refused, you can request it again in another year or two maybe whoever refused you now, will realise it's a lot more than just aesthetic. By the way, ask your doctor to have a good feel of the tissue itself to confirm it IS actually gynocomastia. dont forget too that your hormones are probably still all over the place at your age. you should look into your diet too and make sure your following a healthy, natural and clean diet.

Good luck!

Pat Mustard

Link to your thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=91009649

mrolaf

There are lots of medical causes of gynacomastia and therefore they should be treated as a medical procedure. €40 to an expert such as a GP who has trained for many years and can give you solid advice and a referral is a small price to pay. You prob spend more on a night out.

Tramps Like Us

Ring their claims line and ask before talking to GP