Grant Information

We know that purchasing a wig or hair replacement system can be a significant expense, particularly when hair loss is unexpected or linked to a medical condition or treatment.

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support towards the cost of a wig, hairpiece or eligible hair replacement product through PRSI Treatment Benefit, the HSE, or your private health insurance provider.

At Haló, we are an approved provider for both HSE and Department of Social Protection hair replacement grants, and we can help guide you through the process where possible.

There are a number of different supports available in Ireland, and eligibility can depend on factors such as the cause of your hair loss, your PRSI contribution history, whether you hold a medical card, whether your hair loss is related to cancer treatment, and the terms of your private health insurance policy.

Below, we’ve broken down the main options as clearly as possible to help you understand what support may be available to you.

Department of Social Protection

Treatment Benefit Scheme

If you have certain types of medically related hair loss and have enough qualifying PRSI contributions, you may be entitled to financial support of up to €500 per calendar year towards an eligible non-surgical hair replacement product.

This support is available through the Department of Social Protection Treatment Benefit Scheme.

The scheme may cover eligible hair loss resulting from certain forms of alopecia and cancer-related hair loss, subject to the Department’s eligibility and medical requirements.

Who may qualify?

Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Your PRSI contribution history
  • The type or cause of your hair loss
  • Meeting the medical requirements of the scheme
  • Purchasing an eligible non-surgical hair replacement product
  • Using an approved provider

Depending on your circumstances, insured employees, self-employed people, retired people and some dependent spouses or partners may qualify where the relevant PRSI contribution conditions are met.

How much can I receive?

The Treatment Benefit Scheme can provide up to €500 per calendar year towards an eligible hair replacement product.

If your chosen wig or hair replacement product costs more than the amount covered, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance.

For example:

Wig cost: €1,450
Eligible Treatment Benefit: €500
Remaining client balance: €950

Any consultation fees, deposits or previous payments already made will be accounted for separately where applicable.

How do I know if I qualify?

Eligibility is not based simply on whether you are currently working or paying PRSI. Your overall contribution history and the Department’s qualifying conditions are taken into account. You can find more information here https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/treatment-benefit-scheme/

At Halo, we can help guide you through the eligibility and claim process.

HSE

There are two types of grants available through the HSE.

One for medical card holders & one for those undergoing chemotherpy.

€770 HSE Allowance for Hair Loss Due to Chemotherapy

If you experience hair loss as a result of cancer treatment, the HSE currently provides an allowance of €770 per year towards the cost of a wig or hairpiece.

You do not need to hold a medical card to access this particular allowance.

This support is specifically for people experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment and is separate from supports available for other forms of alopecia or hair loss.

How much is available?

The current HSE allowance is:

Up to €770 per year towards a wig or hairpiece

If your chosen wig costs more than the allowance available, you will be responsible for the remaining balance.

For example:

Wig cost: €1,450
HSE allowance: €770
Remaining client balance: €680

What documentation may be required?

Supporting documentation is required in the form of a medical cert and form that is filled out by your doctor.

We will explain any documentation we require from you as part of your order and funding process.

HSE & Medical Card Support for Other Forms of Hair Loss

If your hair loss is not related to cancer treatment, there may be other supports available depending on your diagnosis and medical card status.

Grant amounts for medical card holders range from around €500-€770. We strongly recommend reaching out to us so we can check your individual entitlement as it differs per locality.

Private Health Insurance

Some private health insurance policies may provide partial reimbursement towards the cost of a wig, hairpiece or hair replacement product where hair loss is medically related.

The amount available varies significantly depending on:

  • Your insurance provider
  • Your exact policy or plan
  • The cause of your hair loss
  • Whether a medical letter or prescription is required
  • The type of hair replacement product purchased
  • Your insurer’s individual terms and annual limits

We always recommend contacting your insurer directly before placing your order and asking specifically whether your policy includes cover.

Wigs are usually listed on a policy under medical devices/appliances.

How The Grant Process Works At Halo

We know that grants and funding can feel confusing, particularly if this is your first time purchasing a wig.

We will always do our best to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Depending on the funding route being used, the process may include:

  1. Attending your wig consultation and choosing your preferred wig or hair replacement option
  2. Confirming which grant, allowance or benefit you may be applying for
  3. Providing any required medical documentation
  4. Completing the relevant forms or authorisations
  5. Paying any deposit, consultation fee or client balance required
  6. Haló submitting the relevant claim
  7. Processing the order in line with our standard ordering terms
  8. Funds are then deducted from your over all balance and grants are paid directly to Halo
  9. You will not need to wait until the grants have been received to take your new wig home. Once they have been approved and all documentation submitted, once all remaining balance is paid, the wig is yours to take home!

Deposits, Balances & Grant Funding

A grant or allowance does not automatically cover the full cost of a wig.

Where the cost of your chosen wig exceeds the confirmed funding amount, the remaining balance is payable by the client.

Any required deposit must be paid in accordance with our current booking and ordering policies.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, a wig cannot be released until all required client balances have been paid and any funding arrangements have been confirmed.

Fully custom and made-to-order wigs remain subject to our separate ordering, cancellation and returns policies.