Cosmetic Surgeries That are Covered by Insurance in Canada

A nose job is considered an elective cosmetic surgery procedure, so don't look to OHIP or your insurance to cover it. That being said, if it's required to fix a nasal injury or breathing issue, or a deviated septum that's the result of a congenital birth anomaly or trauma, submit an application for full OHIP coverage and they will determine whether they've got your nose, er, back. But if you're left with a lump that you would ideally want shaved down, that makes it cosmetic, so that is all you.

If you're looking for something a little less extreme, check out these non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including a non-surgical nose job.

OHIP will sometimes cover the removal of breast implants, particularly if an infection is involved, there's a capsular contracture (when the scar tissue becomes too tight around the implant and forms a "capsule" that's squeezing it), if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and removal is necessary for an oncologist to properly treat you or a mastectomy is required. If you want a lift afterwards, that's on your dime.

If it's strictly for appearances' sake, then don't let the cosmetic surgeon's door hit you on the way out. Medically, however, there are moles that could be cancerous, or even benign yet still cause irritation or perhaps one is starting to block your vision, and that's when you can look at your insurance coverage (though it differs from plan to plan and whether the deductible has been met).

In Ontario, bariatric surgeries — which assist with weight loss — are covered by OHIP. But patients need to meet certain qualifications like failing to lose weight through a medically supervised program and having a BMI or body mass index over 40.

It's typically covered by OHIP, because it can improve back pain or rashes, but it requires application and pre-approval by OHIP before surgery. Any liposuction, however, on the side of the breast is an uninsured service — in Ontario. In BC, however, it may be covered. So yes to a nip, no to the tuck.

While abdominoplasty procedures are not covered by OHIP, a panniculectomy may be covered, depending on the situation. The surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue will be covered but its coverage depends on the case and if it's medically necessary. However, it does not tighten muscles, nor does it remove as much skin as an abdominoplasty would. So, example, OHIP might cover the removal of the "apron" but not the saggy skin above the navel. Also, the muscle repair of the diastasis recti (the gap in the abs that might make a woman look pregnant) also isn't covered.

Because liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure, it's almost never covered. That is, unless there's some therapeutic benefit or for the treatment of subcutaneous lipomas (small fatty tumours just beneath the skin) — that may change the situation.

Some ganglions are deemed cosmetic yet medically necessary, as the cyst is a tumour/swelling on top of a joint or covering a tendon. Surprised by this surgery?

For most patients, cosmetic eyelid surgery is not covered by OHIP — but there is one exception: those who need treatment to correct severe vision impairment.

Ear surgeries are covered until the age of 18 in Ontario. For those 18 and over and the prominence of your ears are still a bother, it'll come out of your wallet.

Great news for transgender folks looking to undergo gender affirmation surgery. Most Canadian provinces will cover the costs, however, some procedures, such as feminizing surgeries considered cosmetic (breast augmentation, voice surgery, Adam’s Apple reduction and facial feminization), are not currently covered by all health insurance programs.