The HSE
The public health service doesn't provide labiaplasty for appearance or for everyday discomfort. Surgery on the vulva does happen in public hospitals for medical reasons, such as repairing a tear from childbirth or treating a vulval skin disease, and that care starts with your GP, your maternity hospital or a gynaecology referral.
Health insurance
Irish health insurance plans normally exclude cosmetic surgery, except to correct disfigurement from a condition you were born with, an accident or a disease. Labiaplasty for appearance or comfort is almost never covered. Check your own policy in writing before anything is booked.
If you think yours may count as medical, ask your insurer these questions in writing before anything is booked:
- Does my plan cover labiaplasty, or surgery on the vulva, for a medical reason?
- What do you need from my GP and the surgeon?
- Which hospitals and consultants are covered, and is it a full or partial refund?
- What would I pay myself?
Tax relief
Revenue gives no tax relief on cosmetic surgery. Relief may be possible where surgery corrects a health issue, at the standard rate of 20%, so keep your receipts and any letter from your doctor.
Paying for it yourself
Most women pay privately. Our price guide puts labiaplasty at €3,000 to €7,000, from about €3,300 under local anaesthetic. If you use a payment plan, read the interest rate and the total you'll repay, and never sign on the day of your consultation. See what labiaplasty costs.
Questions people ask
Does VHI, Laya or Irish Life cover labiaplasty?
Plans normally exclude cosmetic surgery. Ask your insurer in writing what your own plan covers, and what they'd need from your doctors, before anything is booked.
Can I get labiaplasty on the medical card?
Not for appearance or everyday discomfort. Medical treatment of the vulva, such as a childbirth tear or a skin disease, goes through your GP.
Is labiaplasty tax deductible?
Revenue gives no tax relief on cosmetic surgery. Relief may be possible where surgery corrects a health issue, at the standard rate of 20%, so keep your receipts and any letter from your doctor.
Will my GP need to refer me?
For a private labiaplasty you don't need a referral, but seeing your GP first is wise, and an insurer may ask for a letter.