What’s the best insurance to have when you’re interested in having Bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

This varies greatly by state, as each states' laws govern what is essential vs cosmetic medical procedures. For example, my work insurance is based in Tennessee, and all bariatric procedures are 100% cosmetic, so no coverage at all! To further complicate things, individual companies within these states can have varying coverage depending on how much business they get from your employer. Even if a company like Blue Cross or Aetna cover it for employees of one company, they won't for others.

You will really need to look into the offerings you have available, and call them directly. You may have to get assertive with them to get a straight answer. I had one make me go through programs and jump through hoops to prepare for it, only to tell me they wouldn't cover anything when I went to schedule surgery. One even told me they would not cover any future medical procedures if I have it done anyway!

I'm with another company and insurance plan now which didn't cover it either, but they didn't blacklist me for having a self-pay procedure.

Good luck, hopefully you're more successful than I was with the insurance company.

I have 2 insurances - Medicare and United health care. From about a $75K bill,I've only paid about $600 out of pocket. I got my money's worth this year !

When I was choosing insurance, I realized it’s good to think about more than just health.

On 8/16/2024 at 7:37 PM, Tweetonte said:

When I was choosing insurance, I realized it’s good to think about more than just health.

Since I’m into cycling, I got bicycle insurance too, and it’s been really helpful. It covers stuff I didn’t even consider before. While you’re figuring out the best insurance for your surgery, maybe check out bicycle insurance for your other activities. I found it really useful.

Edited August 19, 20241 yr by Tweetonte

I found two WLS centers, then asked them what insurance they knew would cover them. I went with the center I could get the insurance for. I tried the other way around and there was so much stuff, procedures that I didn’t understand and hoops to jump through. The center I picked did 99% of the nasty insurance stuff for me! Three years later I still have follow up care and weight loss support groups through the center.