Does insurance typically cover the surgery required for a herniated disk?

Health insurance, including Medicare, typically covers herniated disc surgery, according to CostHelper Health. Depending on the insurance plan, the cost of surgery, if covered by insurance, can range from $2,000 to $20,000, or the out of pocket maximum, as of 2015.

Two types of herniated disc surgery are performed depending on the patient's condition, as CostHelper Health indicates. Microdiscectomy involves the surgeon using a small microscope through a small incision to clear the nerve root of material from the disc. In a discectomy, the surgeon makes a larger cut and removes the disc that is causing discomfort to the nerve. These surgeries are only performed if the condition is not improving on its own.