No insurance coverage for gastric bypass surgery

There are insurance companies that have variations in their insurance policy offerings. Some insurance companies offer different amounts of coverage depending on the premium paid by the person or company. Some policies cover gastric bypass or other types of weight loss surgery while others have written exclusion policies. In these written exclusions, things like cosmetic surgery may not be covered and even weight loss surgery won't be covered procedures. There are only a few choices to consider if the insurance company will not cover the gastric bypass surgery procedure for weight loss. These include trying to buy additional insurance, contesting the insurance company's policy, changing insurance companies, or paying for the procedure out of pocket.

There are insurance companies that allow for additional policy coverages for additional premiums. The amount of extra payments depends on the insurance company and the starting policy. Unfortunately these ‘add-on' coverages may be very expensive but may still be less than paying for the gastric bypass surgery out of pocket.

Despite the written exclusion policy, it is typically worth the effort to proceed with the insurance authorization process. There is essentially nothing to loose other than time, and it has been shown that persistence and repeated appeals have in fact resulted in obtaining medical authorization. It is important to remember that this is a very uphill battle.

Another alternative to obtain insurance coverage is to change insurance companies. This may require getting on a spouses insurance plan, upgrading insurance at the renewal date or even changing jobs.

The last resort is in actuality the easiest way to have the gastric bypass surgery for weight loss or other forms of weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, it means that the committed obese person will have to pay for the procedure out of their pocket. This option is being done on a regular basis and there are ways to use savings and home refinancing loans or other loans to fund the procedure.