Why doesn’t my insurance cover the neuronavigator in my spinal surgery?

Increasingly, patients are surprised when they receive a quote or preoperative information from their insurance company indicating that their insurer does not cover the use of the neuronavigator during spinal surgery. The concern is understandable:

If this is an advanced technology that improves surgical safety and precision, why aren’t neuronavigators included in all insurance policies?

The answer is not simple and is more related to administrative and contractual criteria than to the actual clinical utility of this technology.

What is a neuronavigator and what is it used for?

A neuronavigator is an image-assisted surgical navigation system that allows the surgeon to navigate with high precision during an operation. It works similarly to a surgical GPS, integrating CT or MRI images with the patient’s real anatomy in the operating room.
In spinal surgery, its use provides greater accuracy in implant placement, better anatomical orientation, and a reduced risk of error—especially in complex surgeries, revisions, or altered anatomy.

Why don’t some insurance companies cover neuronavigators?

Many insurers consider the neuronavigator—similar to intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring—as an additional service rather than a standard part of the surgical procedure.

In practice, this means:

• Some policies do not include it generally.
• Others cover it only in very specific cases, clearly defined in the contract terms.

These decisions are usually based on cost criteria and internal classifications of techniques rather than on their real impact on surgical safety or quality.

Advanced technology that provides safety and precision

From a medical perspective, the use of neuronavigation and neurophysiological monitoring is widespread in high-level centers and is especially recommended in spinal surgeries.

These tools allow surgeons to:

• Increase surgical precision
• Reduce risks
• Improve patient safety
• Facilitate more complex procedures with greater control

For this reason, many spinal surgery specialists consider them a fundamental part of modern, high-quality surgery, even if insurers do not always cover them.

What should the patient do?

It is important that patients receive and request clear and transparent information from their insurers regarding neuronavigation before the procedure:

• Understand exactly what their policy covers
• Know which technologies are recommended for their specific case
• Obtain explicit authorization from the insurer if coverage is approved
• Learn about the option to claim costs from the insurer if their policy allows it

Quality surgery: beyond coverage

Spinal surgery has evolved significantly in recent years. Today, the combination of surgical expertise, minimally invasive techniques, and advanced technology enables safer and more precise treatments.

Even if not always covered by insurance, the neuronavigator and similar tools, such as neurophysiological monitoring, assist specialized spinal neurosurgeons and represent a clear example of how innovation can make a difference in surgical quality and patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neuronavigators

What is a neuronavigator?

A neuronavigator is a surgical navigation system that allows the surgeon to navigate with high precision during spinal surgery using CT or MRI images.

What are the benefits of using a neuronavigator in spinal surgery?

Using a neuronavigator in spinal surgery improves accuracy in implant placement and increases patient safety, especially in complex surgeries or revision procedures.

Why don’t some insurers cover neuronavigators?

Some insurers consider the neuronavigator a complementary technology rather than a standard part of the surgical procedure, so coverage depends on the terms of each policy.

Is it recommended to use a neuronavigator even if it is not covered?

From a medical standpoint, the neuronavigator provides significant value in terms of safety and surgical quality. For this reason, its use is often recommended even if not covered by the insurer. An individualized evaluation in consultation with a spinal neurosurgeon, such as Dr. Sanmillán, allows determining whether this technology is particularly advisable for each specific spinal surgery case.