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Paying for a Wig

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Last Modified: August 12, 2011

Can I get help paying for a wig for when I lose my hair from chemotherapy?

Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Oncology Social Worker at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Presbyterian, responds:

Some health insurance policies cover the cost of wigs; you just have to know their language---usually they are referred to as "cranial hair replacement."
You should contact your insurance company first to see if you have any coverage.

Secondly, the American Cancer Society in some areas can cover up to $75 for wigs. You should also see if your oncologist's office has a copy of the "TLC" catalog which is published by the American Cancer Society and offers a wide selection of lovely wigs, turbans and head coverings.

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat Series. View the transcript from Finding the Cancer Resources You Need.