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Cancer is a life-changing experience, and cancer treatments can be just as traumatic. If you undergo chemotherapy treatments and lose some or all of your hair, you may need a wig or “hair prosthesis,” in medical terminology. While getting a wig sounds simple at first, it’s actually a complicated process – and more expensive than you might expect.

If you’re looking for a wig, your two major choices are natural human hair wigs (which usually cost from $650 to $2500) and synthetic hairpieces (can cost up to $400). There are pros and cons to both types – a human hair wig is much more expensive, but can last up to 5 years and be washed and styled like your own hair. Synthetic wigs are cheaper, but the lower price reflects a lower quality (usually, a synthetic wig only lasts about a year, and cannot be styled or altered). A quality wig generally costs between $800 and $1,800.

Unfortunately, standard health insurance plans often do not cover the cost of a good hair prosthesis. Don’t worry, though – you have other options! If you think you may be at risk for cancer, a cancer insurance policy may be a wise choice. Cancer insurance provides a lump sum benefit upon first diagnosis of cancer, allowing you to pay for any expenses you may have – and that includes a top-quality wig.

CancerPlans.com allows you to quote top-rated insurance carriers and apply for a cancer insurance policy in one convenient place online. Get your free quote below.

(1) How Much Do Wigs Cost? 2012. HowMuchIsIt.org. August 6 2012. http://www.howmuchisit.org/how-much-do-wigs-cost/

(2) Wigs 101 – The Basics about Wigs and Cancer Treatment. July 2009. About.com. August 6 2012. http://breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeduringtreatment/qt/wigs_basics.htm

(3) How Do I Pay for a Wig During Chemotherapy? July 2009. About.com. August 6 2012. http://breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeduringtreatment/f/wigs_insurance.htm