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

  1. Contact a supplier to make an appointment for a fitting.
  2. Bring your letter or prescription and your medical card details to your fitting appointment.
  3. 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.