Asking for a Friend: How do you afford electrolysis when your insurance calls it “cosmetic” but your gender dysphoria says otherwise?
First off, I’m sorry you’re having to fight your insurance company. Electrolysis isn’t optional for many transgender and gender diverse people, especially those who aren’t good candidates for laser hair removal. But because it’s often labeled “cosmetic,” it falls into that frustrating category of “deeply essential and wildly expensive.”
Here’s how I’d recommend tackling it:
Consider appealing if it’s surgery prep
If you’re preparing for bottom surgery, electrolysis may be considered medically necessary as it is the only FDA-approved hair removal method that will permanently remove all hair.
You’ll need a letter from your healthcare provider explaining that the treatment is essential, a statement that can be boosted by citing electrolysis as a best practice under the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care.
An example statement could include language like: “WPATH Standards of Care 8 recommends healthcare professionals offer transgender and gender diverse people referrals for hair removal from the face, body, and genital areas for gender-affirmation or as part of preoperative preparation (Statement 15.14). Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method guaranteed to permanently remove all hair.”
Be warned: insurance approvals are still inconsistent, and it may take multiple appeals. Some states like California have specific protections for transgender healthcare that can assist in making an appeal, but protections can significantly vary based on where you live. Nonetheless, if you’ve got the bandwidth to appeal, it’s worth a shot.
Check the costs
If you do decide to pay out of pocket for electrolysis, know that prices vary by region and provider. Call around or ask your local queer community for referrals and to ballpark costs. A single session of electrolysis can run $75–$200 depending on where you live, how you react to treatment, hair type, and treatment area size. Most people will need many sessions, often spread across several week, months, or even years, depending on hair type and area.
Set a savings goal
If you have a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) as a workplace benefit, they may reimburse electrolysis costs with a letter of medical necessity from your provider. Contact your benefits administrator to confirm.
Another option is to open a dedicated savings account. Even a little saved every month adds up over time, especially if you use an online bank with a higher interest rate than most bank pay (these are called “high yield savings accounts”). Make it fun, like labeling it “Gender Euphoria Fund” or “Burn It Off Babe” to help motivate you.
Find resources
If your insurance keeps denying coverage and paying out of pocket isn’t an option, look into gender-affirming mutual aid funds like Trans Lifeline and Genderbands. Both of these organizations offer community and resources, and Genderbands runs an annual microgrant program for gender-affirming care, including hair removal.
Final Thoughts
Electrolysis should be easily accessible as part of gender-affirming care. But, until coverage catches up, building a strategy that combines health insurance appeals, personal savings, and community resources can help you move forward on your terms.
Have questions?
Wondering about something money-related and wish someone else would ask it first?
Have a question you’re too shy to ask anywhere except online in “private” mode?
I’ve got you. Send me your anonymous “asking for a friend” question and I just might feature it in a future post.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. Consider consulting with a fee-only financial planner for personalized guidance.
