After you’ve had your COVID-19 vaccine, you might be concerned about how it will affect your veins. (Or you might just wonder if it’s safe to visit the doctor for this reason.) After conflicting news reports, we’ll look at the basics of common venous conditions, if you can expect your insurance company to approve the treatments, and whether you should see a vein doctor. 

What Is the Difference Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

If you have visible veins, it’s easy to wonder if this is a cause for concern. Varicose veins and spider veins are both caused by blood pooling in the veins, which is why you can see the effects through the skin. The blood concentrated there can lead to blue, purple, or red marks, usually somewhere on the legs though they can occur anywhere in the body.

Spider veins are known for snaking every which way across the skin, but varicose veins can do the same. The main difference is that varicose veins are deeper than spider veins and are more likely to lead to bigger health problems.

Are Varicose Veins Covered by Insurance?

This answer ultimately depends on the insurance company and the severity of the varicose vein. If the issue only affects a very small area and the diameter of the vein is relatively small, then it’s considered nonsymptomic and a cosmetic issue. 

If the pooling is likely to lead to more serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis though, then the treatment is likely to be approved by insurance. The right doctor will work with your carrier to clarify whether you need the procedure. 

Are Spider Veins Covered by Insurance?

Not normally. Because spider veins are considered more of a cosmetic issue, they are typically denied by insurance. However, in some cases, spider veins are a sign of a serious underlying health condition, which would make the treatment more likely to be covered. 

Should You See a Vein Doctor Now That You’re Vaccinated?

The odds of a harmful blood clot due to the COVID-19 are still exceptionally low based on the actual numbers. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t see a vein doctor, particularly if you’ve been putting off any kind of treatment due to the pandemic. The right doctor will tell you how your circulation is impacting your overall health (both now and in the future) and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

Courteous Precautions To Take

When scheduling an appointment during COVID, you should still wear your mask and use hand sanitizer in the office. Even if you are vaccinated, you can help keep other people protected by taking these simple precautions. Please note that the establishment you visit should be cleaning regularly to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Find an Exceptional Vein Doctor in Long Island

If you’re looking for vein treatments or vein procedures in Long Island after your COVID vaccine, we invite you to meet our vein physicians in Long Island, NY. Schulman Vein And Laser Center has been helping the people to New York state with everything from cosmetic requests to serious treatments to stave off deadly blood clots. Schedule an appointment today to get the services you need from an exceptional vein doctor.