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If you're looking for health insurance which will help towards the cost of weight loss surgery, you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for gold-tier policies. They're the only type which will definitely cover weight loss surgery - but don't worry, there are plenty of options out there.
Health insurance for weight loss surgery usually costs around $150-$190 a month, so it's definitely worth taking the time to compare - it could easily save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Most private insurers will have a policy that covers weight loss surgery. It will be on the pricier side - around $150-$190 a month - since it’s considered a top-tier policy. Be aware, it's likely there'll also be a 12 month waiting period to serve before you can claim.
The following table shows insurers from Finder partners that cover weight loss surgery.
*Quotes are based on a single individual with less than $90,000 income living in Sydney.
Use this free tool to see more options from Australian health funds. On the results screen simply tick 'Refine Search' then head to Hospital Cover and select 'Weight Loss Surgery' to see a side by side comparison.
There are several options for weight loss surgery, and private health insurers can cover many of them.
You won't be approved until you meet with a physician for an in-depth, face-to-face consultation. If the physician recommends surgery, it will usually be for one of the following:
The public health care system is largely out of the picture for most people because they only accept the most extreme cases and only after you've met a long list of requirements.
You won't be approved until you meet with a physician for an in-depth, face-to-face consultation.
Without health insurance, weight loss surgery can cost upwards of $20,000. Private health insurance will knock quite a bit off of this by helping out with physician consultations, accommodation, anesthetist fees and post-op doctors’ fees.
Naturally, you'll be responsible for the excess but you can also expect a number of other out-of-pocket expenses. Your physician will discuss any additional fees with you before the procedure.
Health insurance can help toward the cost of several other treatments when it comes to losing weight, from gym membership discounts to programs such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. These services can be found in your extras cover – so it’s always worth checking limits allowed.
Choosing to get weight loss surgery is a significant life decision that is often very emotional. Health professionals understand that and want to know that this course of treatment is right for you, and that they are making the right decision to treat you.
That means not everyone who wants weight loss surgery will be able to get it.
Here's what's required in the public and private systems:
If you're serious about losing weight, you'll want a policy that helps you not only kick those kilos to the curb, but that also helps you keep them there. For the best results, look for policies that offer the following:
If your extras policy includes weight management cover, you'll probably be able to squeeze out a few acupuncture sessions. Here's how:
There aren't a whole lot of drawbacks to switching insurers to grab a better policy.
You won't have to re-serve waiting periods for items you've already served, but you will have to serve waiting periods for any new areas of cover. In this case, your cover for weight loss surgery is presumably new, so you'll have to sit tight until that waiting period is up. However, that's no different than if you'd upgraded policies with your existing insurer.
Some insurers give you loyalty benefits for sticking around a while, such as reduced excesses. You will forfeit these, but you can always try to negotiate similar perks with the new guys.
There are multiple procedures available to people who are obese to assist with weight loss, such as gastric bypass or banding surgery, which Medicare can provide cover for if you meet pre-approval requirements. Private health insurance may also cover weight reduction programs and surgeries too.
Stat source: https://www.aihw.gov.au
Picture: Unsplash
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I am looking for a health insurance that will allow me to have a Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. So far, the only options these offer is gastric band, which is not what I am looking for.
Hi Sergio,
As much as we would like to help you, we don’t have further information on which provider covers gastric bypass or gastrectomy surgery.
You can check the rest of the provider list on this page above and go to their page by clicking GET COVER, this will redirect you to their website.
Should you need further assistance, please message us again.
Cheers,
Nikki