Health Insurance for Bariatric Or Weightloss Surgery

Health Insurance for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery is nothing but a surgery performed on people who are obese or are advised to undergo a surgical procedure to attain weight loss and help with certain metabolic conditions. According to research done by Global Data, the prevalent cases of obesity in India will increase from 40 million to 74 million by the year 2028. Also, Bariatric Surgery is often the best method to prevent and treat many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

There are various procedures in Bariatric Surgery. They are:

• Gastric bypass
• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
   

As per the doctor’s instructions, you need to meet the criteria to be a candidate for the surgical procedure.

How much does Bariatric Surgery cost?  

The average cost of a Bariatric Surgery in India is approximately between 2.5 Lakhs to 5 Lakhs. This cost may vary depending on hospitals and cities. This can be an unexpected financial burden, especially if medical complications arise in the future. Hence, it is always safe to get insured before facing such medical ailments. 

Once the surgery is done, the patient needs to follow the diet plan prescribed by the doctor. Certain weight-loss surgeries might limit the absorption of nutrients and calories. Hence, to cope with the post-surgery life, the patient needs to have a proper follow-up with the nutritionist.

What will happen if Bariatric Surgery is not undergone on time?

Obesity is a growing health issue affecting millions of Indians. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), medical cases of obesity have tripled in the last four decades. One might face additional health issues if the obesity condition is left untreated.

• Obesity might lead to Type 2 diabetes
• Abnormal weight can develop hypertension
• Obesity could cause poor heart health
• Untreated obesity could lead to increased blood pressure
• Increased weight could trigger cholesterol levels
• Obesity can lead to sleeping disorders

Now, you may ask: Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance? Well, the answer is Yes, many health insurance plans provide coverage for it, often under specific conditions, such as a required doctor's prescription, a certain BMI, and others.

Which insurance covers bariatric surgery in India?

Many insurance companies in India offer bariatric surgery coverage, though eligibility criteria and specific coverage amounts vary by plan. Bariatric surgery is generally covered if it is medically urgent and not for cosmetic reasons, with specific conditions like a high BMI (typically over 35) often required, especially when other health conditions like diabetes or high BP are present.

Factors determining the health insurance for bariatric surgery

Some factors may be considered when choosing health insurance for bariatric surgery. If you like to buy private health insurance for this, consider the following conditions:

• Eligibility
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Doctor's recommendation
• Pre-surgery requirements
• Medical necessity
• Policy terms
• Approval process
• Provider requirements

Don't consider premiums alone when you choose health insurance for this surgery. This is because you must also consider the above factors before selecting one of the best private health insurance plans for bariatric surgery.

How can Health Insurance help in Bariatric Surgery?  

In the year 2019, as per IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) guidelines, Bariatric Surgery/ Treatment was included under a health insurance plan. This initiative was highly beneficial to obese people suffering from such complications. Studies show that nearly 38% of the rural population and 30% of the urban population were expected to benefit. 

The Star Comprehensive Insurance Plan is the right one to consider for Bariatric Surgery. The top policy offers complete protection for the entire family, both on an individual and a floater basis. You can gain the utmost benefit under this plan, as it includes coverage for weight loss procedures as per hospital instructions. The policy covers pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses up to specific limits.

Installment Facility: Premium can be paid on a Quarterly and half-yearly basis. Premium can also be paid Annually (once a year), in Biennial (once in 2 years), and Triennial (once in 3 years).

What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?

There is no doubt that bariatric surgery is covered by insurance in India. However, surgeries for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons, as well as claims related to pre-existing conditions, are not covered

Health insurance for post-bariatric surgery

Many health insurance companies that pay for bariatric surgery may only consider some of the factors. But you could consider them. Health insurance coverage for bariatric surgery depends on:

• Age
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Doctor's prescription
• Waiting period
• Pre-surgery requirements

Some insurance companies will cover the health insurance for post-bariatric skin removal surgery. You may claim insurance from a recommended health insurance for bariatric surgery. When shopping for health insurance online that covers bariatric surgery, you must consider things like eligibility, doctor recommendations, pre-surgery requirements, waiting period, and coverage.

How to file a claim for Bariatric Surgery under your Medical insurance policy?

You need to meet the criteria when filing a claim for Bariatric Surgery. They are as follows

Surgeon’s prescription for diagnostic tests to undergo surgery.

• The patient should have a BMI of 40 or higher.
• The policyholder needs to submit medical reports to file a claim for surgery expenses.

Bariatric Surgery is a life-saving surgical procedure and the only option when diet and exercise fail to work. An unexpected burden of surgery costs can have an impact on a family‘s financial situation. In a country like India, where health care costs are significantly high, one cannot neglect the need for a health insurance policy. 

Although expenses incurred on bariatric surgery are usually not covered in a basic medical insurance policy. This is why one should thoroughly review the plan, whether bariatric surgery is cover in health insurance, if they are seeking weight-loss surgery coverage under their health insurance.

Choose a health insrance cover today from Star Health and Allied Insurance and avail cashless medical treatment at over 14000+ network hospitals in India.

Also Read:

→ Is Cataract Surgery Covered by Health Insurance?

→ How Much Does Limb Lengthening Surgery Cost in India?

→ Health Insurance for Bypass Surgery

→ Health Insurance for Heart Surgery