Tummy Tuck - Getting Insurance To Pay
It’s common knowledge that most insurance companies will simply not cover cosmetic surgery costs. Though, if you’re set on obtaining a tummy tuck, there are ways to be the exception to the rule. If you’re interested in having your tuck paid for, this article will help to shed a little light on the matter.
Step 1 – Start out by visiting your primary care doctor. Have them perform a routine physical,
and discuss the possible side effects that might come with having the procedure. If your doctor is able to link a health issue to a cure by tummy tuck, then your insurance may be willing to help you out.
Step 2 – Is your abdomen causing back pain? This can be a fairly common symptom of individuals who carry a large amount of excess fat in the abdominal region. Insurance companies have been known to cover costs associated with breast reduction for the same reason. Thus, it’s not unrealistic to think that insurance companies wouldn’t do the same for the stomach…. And they do!
Step 3 – Have your physician check you for an umbilical or ventral hernia. These problems are ones which can both be caused by excess weight in the abdominal region. Insurance companies commonly provide coverage for patients who wish to have a tummy tuck as a means to treat either of these issues.
Step 4 – Talk to your physician and have them recommend an exercise / diet regimen to help correct your problem. Schedule yourself regular appointments in order for the doctor to record your progress, or lack thereof. If you happen to have difficulty losing pounds, the physician can send evidence that you are having trouble with the weight loss in order to encourage the insurance company to provide coverage. And hell, if it works, then you just fixed your problem for free!
Step 5 – Call your insurance company and request information regarding tummy tuck coverage. Every company is different, and some are willing to help cover the costs associated with the procedure in patients who are showing significant health issues die to excess weight in the abdominal region. Though, you may also find that some companies are uninterested in helping due to the guidelines in place regarding tummy tuck surgery.
Step 6 – If all else fails, check with your surgeon to see what types of financing is available. Many practices offer different options to their patients, making the bill all the easier to pay off with time.
