When you visit your doctor with a complaint or symptoms, you expect your healthcare contract or insurance to cover the cost of your care.

However, many healthcare plans have specific provisions for the coverage of certain conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED).

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is a common problem that affects millions of men worldwide.

How is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

There are several options available for treating erectile dysfunction. These include medications such as Viagra and Cialis, vacuum pumps, penile injections, and surgery.

However, not all of these treatments are covered by healthcare contracts or insurance plans.

Coverage for Erectile Dysfunction Medications

Erectile dysfunction medication is often not covered by healthcare contracts or insurance because it is commonly perceived as a cosmetic drug.

However, some contracts may cover these medications if you have an underlying condition that contributes to your ED, such as diabetes, prostate cancer, or heart disease.

In addition, your healthcare provider may require you to try other treatments before covering medication for ED. For example, you may need to try a vacuum pump or penile injections before you can receive coverage for medication.

Coverage for Surgery

Penile surgery is another treatment option for erectile dysfunction that can be covered by healthcare contracts.

If your ED is caused by a physical issue such as a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the penis, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.

Most healthcare contracts will require that you try other treatments before resorting to surgery.

In addition, surgery may be deemed an experimental or investigational procedure if it is considered unnecessary or if there are alternative treatments available.

Coverage for Other Treatments

If medications and surgery are not viable options for treating your ED, your healthcare contract may cover other treatments such as vacuum pumps or penile injections.

These treatments work by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can help you achieve an erection.

Medical Necessity

Regardless of the type of treatment you seek for your erectile dysfunction, your healthcare provider will need to determine if the treatment is medically necessary.

This means that the treatment is required to treat a diagnosed medical condition and is supported by medical evidence.

If your treatment is not deemed medically necessary, your healthcare contract may not cover the cost of the treatment.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with erectile dysfunction, it is important to understand your healthcare contract and what is covered. Not all treatments are covered for this condition, and medical necessity is always a factor.

Speak to your healthcare provider about your options for treating ED and work with them to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.