Foremost in most people’s minds when considering whether or not to undergo bariatric surgery is concern about the cost. There’s no doubt that the cost of weight loss surgery is significant. However, many who need this life-changing procedure may not realize that it is more affordable than they think, especially over the long term.
Beyond the aesthetic benefits of weight loss and increased confidence, weight loss surgery profoundly affects a person’s life and lifestyle – it is transformative. Some tips to help pay for surgery include:
2022 update: remember that insurance plans vary in coverage and eligibility even within the same insurance company. While we endeavor to keep our insurance information as accurate as possible, your plan may chance or have particular coverage details that should be discussed with your insurance company and our billing team.
Speak to your employer’s human resources department or your health insurance company to fully understand the benefits provided for bariatric surgery. Many insurance companies understand the financial benefits (both to you and them) of undergoing surgery to correct significant conditions such as obesity and its related diseases, which may cover some or all of the surgery cost.
If you don’t have insurance coverage for the procedure, you can also explore financing options through family members, secured and unsecured loans, or third-party vendors. Learn more about financing
You may also be able to receive cash pay rates from the hospital or surgical facility at which the procedure is performed. In some cases, these discounts can be significant. While the gastric band and gastric balloon procedures typically have the lowest overall cost, we perform neither. The gastric sleeve has the lowest cash pay cost of the procedures we perform, followed by gastric bypass and duodenal switch.
No matter the payment form, the cost benefits after a successful surgery are many. Obesity comes with a considerable cost to the individual, the insurance company, and society. In many cases, weight loss surgery can pay for itself in just a few years after surgery. Successful patients may save money on medication, doctor visits, specialists, and emergency care.
Patients should be mindful that weight loss surgery is still major surgery, and each payment option has benefits and possible risks. Therefore, speaking to a financial counselor and discussing options with their bariatric team will go a long way to understanding surgery’s true benefits and costs.