Mastectomy Bras, Breast Forms and Wigs: What Insurance Covers
October 17, 2026 · Breast Cancer, Cancer Support
Breast cancer treatment can change how you look and how your clothes fit. After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, many people use special bras and breast forms; during chemotherapy, many use wigs, scarves or hats. These products can help you feel more like yourself, and insurance often helps pay for them.
Here's what's available, how to get a good fit, and how to make sure you get the coverage you're entitled to.
Mastectomy bras
Mastectomy bras look like ordinary bras but have soft pockets on the inside to hold a breast form. They usually have wider straps, no underwire, and front closures that are easier to manage after surgery. Right after surgery, many people wear a soft front-closing post-surgical bra or camisole, sometimes with pockets for drains.
Breast forms
A breast form (also called an external breast prosthesis) is worn inside a bra or swimsuit to give the look of a breast. Options include:
- Lightweight foam or fiber forms, often used right after surgery while you heal, and comfortable for sleep, exercise or hot weather
- Silicone forms, which are weighted and shaped to look and move like a natural breast; some attach to the skin
- Partial forms or shapers, for after a lumpectomy or to even out a difference in size
- Custom forms, molded to your body, which cost more; Medicare doesn't cover them, and many private plans don't fully cover them
Most people are fitted for a silicone form about six to eight weeks after surgery, once healing is complete. A certified mastectomy fitter can help you find the right size, shape, weight and bra. Fittings are usually done in a private room at a specialty shop or hospital boutique. Our directory of prosthetics, wigs and accessories lists shops near you.
What insurance covers
Private insurance: under the federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, most group and individual health plans that cover mastectomy must also cover breast prostheses. (The law doesn't apply to Medicare or Medicaid.) Most plans cover a set number of mastectomy bras a year and a replacement form every so often, but the exact amounts vary, so ask your plan.
Medicare: Medicare Part B covers some external breast prostheses, including a post-surgical bra, after a mastectomy. After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Use a supplier that takes Medicare.
To get coverage, you'll usually need:
- a prescription from your doctor for the breast form and bras
- a supplier or fitter that's in your plan's network
- to check how often replacements are allowed before you buy
Many fitters will handle the insurance paperwork for you. If you're thinking about breast reconstruction later, you can still use a breast form in the meantime.
Wigs and head coverings
Many chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, usually starting a few weeks after treatment begins. Some tips:
- Shop early. Choosing a wig before you lose your hair makes it easier to match your color and style, and you'll have more energy.
- Synthetic or human hair. Synthetic wigs cost less and hold their style with little care. Human hair wigs cost more and need more styling, but can look and feel more natural.
- Comfort matters. A scalp that's lost its hair can be sensitive. Soft caps, scarves and hats are good options, alone or with a wig.
- Ask about scalp cooling. Some cancer centers offer cooling caps that can reduce hair loss with certain chemotherapy drugs. Ask your oncology team whether it's an option and what it costs.
Getting a wig covered
Ask your doctor for a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis" for hair loss caused by cancer treatment. Some private insurance plans will pay for part or all of a wig with that prescription; you may need to pay first and send in the receipt for reimbursement. Original Medicare doesn't currently cover wigs. If you pay out of pocket, keep the receipt; a wig bought on your doctor's advice after hair loss from disease may count as a deductible medical expense. Many cancer centers, hospital boutiques and nonprofits also offer free or low-cost wigs, so ask your social worker or nurse navigator.
Help with costs
If money is tight, a hospital social worker can point you to programs that help with wigs, bras, forms and other costs. Our directory lists financial assistance organizations and national organizations that can help.
The bottom line
Mastectomy bras, breast forms and wigs can make a real difference in how you feel during and after treatment. Get a prescription, use an in-network fitter or supplier, and ask your plan what it covers before you buy. A certified fitter can help you find a comfortable fit and handle the paperwork.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own situation.