Is a Neck Lift Covered by Insurance?

One of the most common questions patients ask when considering a neck lift is whether the procedure is covered by health insurance. The short answer is: In most cases, no—a neck lift is considered cosmetic surgery, and therefore not covered by insurance. However, there are rare exceptions, depending on the specific medical circumstances and your insurance provider’s policies.

Below, we break down why neck lifts are usually not covered, the possible exceptions, and what to expect when it comes to financing the procedure.


Why Neck Lifts Are Usually Not Covered by Insurance

A neck lift (also known as lower rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure performed to improve visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline—such as sagging skin, fat deposits, and muscle banding. Because the goal is aesthetic enhancement, insurance providers typically classify neck lifts as elective or cosmetic surgery.

  • Cosmetic procedures are defined as treatments done to improve appearance rather than to treat a medical condition.
  • Insurance plans do not cover elective procedures that are not deemed medically necessary.

This includes the vast majority of neck lifts performed to:

  • Eliminate a double chin
  • Tighten loose or “turkey neck” skin
  • Improve jawline contour
  • Rejuvenate facial harmony

Possible Exceptions: When a Neck Lift Might Be Covered

In very rare cases, insurance may cover a neck lift if it’s deemed medically necessary. For example:

1. Post-traumatic Reconstruction

If the neck lift is part of reconstructive surgery following an injury, trauma, or surgery (e.g., cancer resection), some or all of the costs may be covered.

2. Congenital Deformities

If the neck deformity is due to a congenital condition that impacts function or causes significant psychological distress, insurance may cover surgical correction.

3. Excess Skin Removal After Massive Weight Loss

Some patients who have lost a significant amount of weight develop large folds of skin that cause:

  • Chronic skin infections
  • Difficulty with movement
  • Irritation or hygiene issues

In these cases, insurance may cover the removal of excess skin, but only if documentation proves medical necessity. This typically applies more to body contouring (like panniculectomy) than neck lifts, but there may be overlap.

Important: Insurance companies often require detailed documentation, including medical records, photographs, and letters from physicians to support any claim of medical necessity.


How to Find Out if Your Neck Lift Could Be Covered

To determine if your specific case might be eligible for insurance coverage:

  1. Consult your surgeon – They can assess whether your condition could qualify as medically necessary and help document it.
  2. Contact your insurance provider – Request a copy of their cosmetic surgery policy and ask specifically about neck lift procedures.
  3. Request preauthorization – If there’s any potential for coverage, your provider will likely require a formal preauthorization request with supporting medical documents.

What Are the Alternatives for Financing?

Because most neck lifts are not covered by insurance, patients often explore self-pay options, such as:

  • Financing through medical credit providers (CareCredit®, Alphaeon Credit®, etc.)
  • In-house payment plans offered by some plastic surgery practices
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) — Note: These usually don’t apply unless the procedure is deemed medically necessary

Always ask your surgeon’s office about pricing, payment options, and any bundled procedure discounts if you’re combining your neck lift with other treatments like a facelift or chin liposuction.

Get Consultancy

More insights

Asian Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

Treatment OverviewAsian Double Eyelid Surgery is a specialized cosmetic procedure designed to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease, tailored to the unique anatomical features of Asian eyelids. It results in a natural-looking crease that makes the eyes appear larger and more expressive. Purpose & BenefitsThe surgery defines or forms a double eyelid crease, improving eye shape, symmetry, and facial harmony. Benefits include enhanced eye

Read more >

Gentle, Precise Vision Correction with Next-Generation Laser Technology with SMILE Eye Surgery

For those seeking a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional LASIK, SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is quickly becoming a preferred choice — especially among international patients visiting Korea for premium vision correction. This next-generation laser procedure offers clear, sharp vision with less discomfort and a faster recovery time. What is SMILE Eye Surgery? SMILE is a state-of-the-art laser refractive eye

Read more >

Restore Youthful, Alert Eyes with Expert Care with Ptosis Correction

Are you tired of looking tired — even when you’re well-rested? Drooping eyelids can make you appear older, fatigued, or less alert. If this sounds familiar, ptosis correction surgery may be the solution you’ve been looking for. With Korea’s world-renowned expertise in eyelid surgery, patients from around the world are turning to Korean plastic surgery clinics for natural, rejuvenating results. What Is Ptosis? Ptosis (pronounced

Read more >