Tattoo removal

Tattoo removal is a cosmetic medical procedure that erases unwanted tattoos using methods such as laser, surgical excision, and dermabrasion. Insurance providers typically classify tattoo removal as an elective or cosmetic treatment, so most policies like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield do not cover it.

Laser tattoo removal, the most common method, uses Q-switched lasers to break down ink particles over 6 to 10 sessions for professional tattoos, YourInsurance.info states. Medicaid and Medicare exclude coverage for tattoo removal unless deemed medically necessary–for example, treating allergic reactions to ink documented by dermatologists in peer-reviewed journals like JAMA Dermatology (2017).

Costs average $200 to $500 per session nationwide, cited by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2022). Some insurers may partially reimburse removal if a documented allergy or infection occurs, verified through biopsy or medical imaging.

The IRS does not allow tax deductions for elective tattoo removal expenses under Publication 502. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) usually exclude reimbursement for cosmetic tattoo removal unless linked to an approved medical diagnosis.

Veterans Affairs insurance covers tattoo removal only for documented service-related medical conditions such as severe allergic responses cited in VA clinical guidelines (2020). Pre-authorization requests with photographic evidence rarely succeed unless clear medical necessity exists, demonstrated by denial rates exceeding 90% according to Kaiser Family Foundation reports (2021).

Children’s health insurance plans–like CHIP–categorically deny coverage for all non-medical tattoo removals based on published policy statements from state agencies such as Texas CHIP Policy Guide.