Here’s All About Bariatric Surgery and Health Insurance Cover

People with obesity face greater risks of health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Hence, focusing one’s efforts on losing excess body weight is crucial. They may need to undergo various weight-loss surgeries that are collectively referred to as Bariatric Surgery. It is a life-saving surgical procedure, and the only option when diet and exercise fail to work. The burden of bariatric surgery cost, which may range anywhere between 3 lakhs and 5 lakhs in India, can have an impact on a family’s financial situation. Healthcare costs in India are staggeringly high, and therefore one cannot neglect the need for a health insurance cover.

Bearing the medical expenses from your pocket can affect your financial plans for the future. A health cover is indispensable and serves as a financial cushion. It offers coverage for various medical expenses when a person undergoes medical treatment, including hospital bills and beyond that. The other medical expenses are those incurred before and after hospitalisation.

Let us understand more about Bariatric Surgery and the importance of a health insurance policy.

Bariatric Surgery – Definition

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure performed to achieve weight loss. They involve making changes to the digestive system (stomach or small intestine) to help the person lose weight. It would also include limiting the amount of food intake or diminishing the ability to absorb nutrients.

>>Read here to know more about effects of obesity

Health Insurance that covers Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is a medical condition where a person has excessive fat in the body. A person is said to be obese if the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is the weight to height ratio, is above 30. Nowadays, obesity is viewed as a serious health condition caused due to several factors or a combination of those. A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are the leading causes of obesity. 

For those who suffer from severe obesity, bariatric surgery may be an option to prevent health complications such as type 2 diabetes. Health insurers such as Care Health Insurance provide coverage for Bariatric Surgery, subject to the policy terms and conditions. The insured person is eligible to get coverage, provided they meet the following conditions: 

• The surgery is conducted upon the advice of a doctor
• The insured is 18 years of age or above
• The BMI is more than or equal to 40
• Or if BMI is more than or equal to 35 with severe co-morbidities such as obesity-related cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, severe sleep apnea, uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes, following less invasive methods of weight loss.

Having a health insurance policy will safeguard your finances by providing you benefits such as:

• Cashless hospitalisation at a network hospital
• Cover for pre and post hospitalisation medical expenses
• Daily Allowance
• Ambulance cover
• Alternative Treatment
• No Claim Bonus

Final Word

Bariatric surgery is not everyone who is excessively overweight. The person has to fulfil specific medical guidelines to undergo this surgery. Also, it may not be suitable for everyone, as there are risks involved. Moreover, one should note that Bariatric surgery is recommended by doctors only when there is a severe threat to health and not as a cosmetic procedure. The insured person is not eligible to get coverage if the surgery is taken for cosmetic purposes.

Tackling obesity requires a holistic approach that would include everything from food and nutrition to exercises and good lifestyle habits. Bariatric surgery may be necessary, but it can be expensive, which is why one should opt for a health cover.

Choosing a health insurance policy is a decision that can save your family from any financial hardship due to expensive medical treatment. Select a health cover today from Care Health Insurance. We offer a cashless medical treatment facility at over 8350+ network hospitals in India.

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Bariatric surgery is subject to policy terms and conditions.