Do I Need Bulging Veins for Insurance to Cover My Leg Vein Treatment?

You might think that to get your varicose veins treated and covered by insurance, they need to be a visible, bulging mess. The good news is, that's not true! The short answer is a resounding no.

By definition, varicose veins are simply veins that are 3mm or larger and not functioning correctly. Whether or not they bulge out is a whole different story, and it depends on a few interesting factors.

The "Bulge" is a bit of a Chameleon

Ever notice your veins look different throughout the day? Your hydration status plays a huge role. When you’redehydrated, your veins can shrink down. But after a long day on your feet, they can swell up, and you might only see that tell-tale bulge in the evening or heavy leg push workout.

Another factor is your soft tissue thickness. In areas with more padding, such as your thighs, it can take larger varicose veins (around 4-6 mm) to show up on the surface. But on your calves, which have less soft tissue, a smaller vein of just 2-3 mm can be quite visible.

Your Symptoms Are What Matter Most

While an ultrasound machine can spot a problem vein of just 1.5 mm with advanced ultrasound technology, what truly matters for insurance coverage are your symptoms.

Are you experiencing aching, heaviness, swelling, or throbbing in your legs? Do your legs feel tired or restless, especially at night? If these symptoms are impacting your daily life, your vein condition is considered a medical problem, not just a cosmetic one. And that means insurance will likely cover the cost of treatment.

So, don't worry about whether or not your veins are bulging. Leave the complex anatomy to the professionals.

What's most important is getting an ultrasound exam to map out your unique vein system. This allows us to create a customized treatment plan just for you, so you can finally get relief from your symptoms.