A tummy tuck is generally considered a cosmetic procedure which means that it does not necessarily require medical attention. It is also considered an “elective,” or a “reconstructive” surgery, which means that it is performed to repair some injury or defect around the abdomen, such as in the case of a hernia. Either way, you want to know what your health insurance company will cover before you consult with your surgeon.
Generally, health insurance companies do not cover elective surgeries, but you should verify that by contacting your insurance company. It may be possible that your surgery can be considered a medical problem in the case of associated hernia, etc., which requires medical attention. In this case, you may need a pre-certification for the insurance to cover at least some parts of the surgery. If there is a possibility that your insurance company will cover any part of your surgery, your surgeon may be able to send a letter of medical necessity to your insurance carrier. However, for the most part, even if your insurance company covers some part of the surgery, they are most likely not going to cover the entire surgery, so be prepared for some out-of-pocket expenses.
Even if your insurance cover some parts of the surgery, it is advisable to read through the insurance policy. Everything you need to know about your insurance policy should be stipulated in your insurance manual. If you have further inquiries or questions or do not feel like going through the entire policy by yourself, contact the company and ask to speak with your insurance plan manager or with someone who is capable of giving you correct information about your benefits. If you do all these upfront, you will not be surprised when the bills that show your financial obligations for arrive post-surgery.
Sometimes, your surgeon will script the details of the surgery to your insurance carrier in a manner that will make them understand the associated health benefits of your procedure. If so, it may be reimbursed under your policy. After you determine your monetary obligations to your surgeon, the next step should be to determine the most comfortable options for paying for your surgery.
