You may be able to get help with the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair replacement.
You can get help to pay for these products through:
- The HSE, if your hair loss was caused by your cancer treatment
- You or your partner’s PRSI contributions (the government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme)
- Your medical card, if you do not qualify for the Treatment Benefit Scheme
- Your private health insurance – contact your insurer to check
TREATMENT BENEFIT SCHEME
There is a grant worth €500 to help you cover the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair replacement if you have certain types of alopecia. This is through the government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme.
The types of alopecia the scheme covers include:
- Alopecia areata – including alopecia totalis or universalis, diffuse alopecia areata, alopecia ophiasis
- Primary scarring alopecias – also known as cicatricial alopecias
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia)
- Alopecia caused by surgery or trauma, including burns
- If you do not qualify for the Treatment Benefit Scheme you may be able to get a wig through your medical card.
MEDICAL CARD
- Contact a supplier to make an appointment for a fitting.
- Bring your letter or prescription and your medical card details to your fitting appointment.
- The supplier can send your letter or prescription, invoice and medical card details to the HSE – or will tell you where to send them to.