Did you know that in Belgium you can apply through your mutual insurance for partial reimbursement of chemo scarves and caps? In the Netherlands, it is your health insurer that covers headwear under certain conditions. Are you eligible? What amount can you claim? And what if you have also purchased a wig or hairpiece? How do you apply for that reimbursement? We explain everything clearly for you! 

Good news! In Belgium, your mutual insurance fund automatically provides a partial reimbursement for chemo headwear: think chemo caps, scarves, bandanas, turbans, sleep caps, and more. In short: accessories to cover your head when you experience hair loss.

 

How much is reimbursed?

• €120 for a maximum of 3 head-covering accessories.
• You can apply again, but only if at least 2 years have passed since the previous purchase.
• Reimbursement never exceeds the invoiced amount.

Which documents are required?

• A prescription from your treating physician.
• An official proof of purchase: keep the invoice we always send you automatically with every webshop order.

 

And wigs in Belgium?

• Yes, they are also reimbursed via your mutual insurance (with prescription + invoice).
• Up to €180 for hair loss due to chemo or radiotherapy (also for >30% hair loss caused by alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, trauma or inflammation).
• Up to €270 for permanent hair loss with scarring after radiotherapy.
• A new reimbursement is possiblecthe first purchase. Partial hairpieces are not eligible. 

Can you claim both a wig and caps?

No, you must choose one. They cannot be combined. 

What about supplementary insurance (hospitalisation cover)?

Definitely worth checking. Depending on your insurer and policy, extra reimbursements may be available.

 

 

The Netherlands

• Caps, scarves, bandanas…: not part of the basic insurance package, but sometimes covered as headwear under specific conditions. This varies greatly per insurer. Contact your health insurer directly.
• Wigs or hairpieces: in 2025, the maximum basic reimbursement is €482.50. A medical indication (e.g. chemo-related hair loss) is required, along with a doctor’s note. If you have supplementary insurance, you may receive a higher reimbursement.

 

Still have questions?

Always check with your mutual insurance, health insurer and supplementary insurance. They are best placed to confirm what applies in your situation and which documents you need. And don’t worry about invoices: we automatically send one with every webshop order of a chemo cap or scarf.

[Sources: for Belgium: Alles over Kanker & for the Netherlands: Zorginstituut Nederland]