Tummy Tuck Insurance Coverage?
 Tummy Tuck Health Insurance |
Tummy Tuck Insurance
Tummy tuck insurance coverage in the United States is unheard of. It simply doesn't exist. Wouldn't it be nice if it did?
Is A Tummy Tuck Covered By insurance?
That is one of the most frequent questions asked when talking about paying for a tummy tuck. Most people know that in the United States the simple answer is NO. Insurance companies only pay for "medically necessary" procedures which a tummy tuck is not. Some people try to get their insurance companies to pay for part of their tummy tuck operation costs by combining the tummy tuck with a secondary operation such as a hernia repair. In such cases they may have limited success depending on their insurance company.
how to get a tummy tuck covered by insurance
Tricking Insurance Companies to Pay for Tummy Tucks
Some people try to trick the insurance company to pay for at least a portion of their tummy tuck operation by stating that they have a medically necessary procedure they need performed (such as a minor hernia repair or breast reduction surgery) which can be performed at the same time as their tummy tuck. Since the hernia repair surgery requires anesthesia and the operating room anyway why shouldn't these costs be covered by their insurance? Some take great lengths in trying to convince the insurance company by..
- Going to their primary care physician for an examination to see if they have any tummy related area problems that need surgery to correct them, if it is possible to combine the surgery with a tummy tuck operation and if the physician will be willing to provide the insurance company with the appropriate supporting documentation.
- Go to their tummy tuck plastic surgeon for an examination and to see if it is possible to combine the surgery with a tummy tuck operation and if the surgeon will be willing to provide the insurance company with the appropriate supporting documentation.
- Investigate whether their insurance policy provides any coverage for tummy tucks.
Tummy Tuck - Related Operations
- Tummy Tuck/Hernia Operation
Individuals who want a tummy tuck but also have a have a hernia often ask if they can have a combined tummy tuck/hernia operation in order to avoid a second surgery and to save money by having their insurance company pay for the hernia portion of the operation. Tummy tucks are usually not covered by insurance in the United States, while surgery for a hernia is. - Breast reduction operation
This is an interesting excerpt about one person's attempt at getting their insurance company to pay for a tummy tuck.
"Just wanted to mention that when I saw my Plastic Surgeon for a Breast
Reduction through insurance we talked about the Tummy Tuck as well, and he said
in the 23 years he has been doing this, only ONCE had an insurance company paid
for a Tummy Tuck. I would recommend working with a surgeon who has a good track
record of getting insurance coverage, since then the Plastic Surgeon and the
office staff can help you know what you need to do, and what specific
documentation you will need. I decided to pay for mine out of pocket, since the
docs I talked to were convinced I would see HUGE results (I have a 9cm split of
the muscles) and am a good candidate, but none of the docs thought that going
for insurance coverage would work, since it is not "medically necessary" in my
case."
source: http://www.breasthealthonline.com/cgi-bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?tid=138583
QUESTIONS
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Does insurance cover Tummy Tuck surgery cost?
Usually a tummy tuck is not covered by insurance. A portion of the cost may be covered if there is a valid medical reason, but I understand that it is a rare occurrence. Ask your doctor if he can provide the "required medical reasons" then check with your insurance company. Consider your deductible amount and the possibility of a future rate increase (because of the operation) with your insurance company when you analyze your costs. -
When does insurance cover the cost of a Tummy Tuck?
Generally insurance companies do not cover elective cosmetic surgery. There may be cases in which they will cover a portion of your medical costs. These include having a hernia corrected through the procedure or if you have had surgery for weight loss. -
When should I call my insurance company to see if will they will cover the cost of my Tummy Tuck?
Calling your insurance company should be one of the first things you do when thinking about having a Tummy Tuck. When you call your insurance company to inquire about coverage for a Tummy Tuck be sure to ask them if your policy covers the cost of surgery, the cost of anesthesia and hospital costs. Also ask them if there will be an increase in your insurance premiums and if your future coverage will be affected in any way.
Note: While tummy tuck insurance coverage in the United States may be hard or impossible to obtain it is available in other countries. I have had other people tell me that the only reason they had their operation is because their tummy tuck was covered by health insurance.