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Just found out that my insurance won't cover any type of bariatric surgery, and it would take me years to save up enough for self-pay.

Im just stuck now and feeling pretty sad about it. I really thought this was going to be my turning point.

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I am so sorry about your insurance coverage. That sucks.

Do you have any other access to possibly better coverage, such as through a spouse's employment?

When you say it will take you years to save up, are you talking about the cost for self-pay here in the US? It is significantly cheaper in Mexico (the most common place for medical tourism). I know many, many people who have traveled to Mexico for their surgery and are pleased with the process and their results. You can find prices typically in the $4-5,000 range, and with a combination of aggressive saving, credit/loans it might be faster than you think?

You might also want to inquire with your company's HR/benefits people and ask if there is any chance they will be picking up an insurance rider for bariatric surgery in the next enrollment period, and ask that they consider doing that. They don't have to, but if they know employees want it, they might consider it more seriously.

In any event, best wishes going forward.

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Honestly, and this is just my opinion, but if I were you I'd consider taking out a loan if Bufflehead's (above) suggestions don't work out. This is your quality of life. There is no price on good health. If my insurance wouldn't have covered it, then I would have tried taking out a small loan and flown to Mexico. That's how desperate I was.

Edited by Hiraeth

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Another option might be looking at surgeons who have payment plans or use Care Credit (a credit line specifically for surgeries and medical expenses). I used Care Credit for some dental work. They are owned by one of the larger banks but I forget which one. I found them very easy to work with and they even gave me a 1 year interest free period. I noticed that my surgeon uses Care Credit.

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I would try the Care Credit, I had a friend who used it for a Tummy Tuck. It was quick and easy to attain. Good Luck!

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