Is it permissible for a woman to be treated by a male doctor to utilize health insurance, given her ability to be treated by a Muslim female doctor outside of insurance, and does the ruling differ if the cost of treatment is high?

The original ruling is that a Muslim woman is not permitted to uncover any part of her awrah (private parts) before a male doctor if a female doctor is available who can adequately address her medical needs. However, scholars have differed regarding a situation where a male doctor is available for free, while a female doctor would charge a fee. Some scholars permit this if the female doctor's fee is higher than the usual customary rate, considering the female doctor in this case as non-existent. The Shafiis allowed this, and some went even further, permitting a man to treat a woman even if a non-Muslim doctor is available who charges less than a Muslim doctor.

As for the other opinion, which is the more prevalent one, it is to prohibit a woman from going to a male doctor, adhering to the original principle, as long as the female doctor's fee is affordable and does not burden the payer. This is further emphasized if the part of the body the woman will expose is more private than other areas of the awrah. Furthermore, for looking at the two private parts (front and back) or for a man to examine a woman for treatment, there must be a confirmed and pressing need. Al-Ghazali stated that the need must be such that the exposure does not violate one's dignity. The necessity and need required for looking at a woman's private parts are greater than for looking at a man's private parts, due to the fear of temptation associated with looking at women's private parts.

The Hanafis stipulate that if the illness is in the private parts, then a woman should be sought to treat her. If no woman is available to treat her and there is fear for her life, then everything except the diseased area should be covered, and then the man treats her, lowering his gaze as much as possible except for the wound itself.