Health Insurance for Liposuction Procedures

Affordable Insurance Options for Liposuction Care

Cosmetic surgery across the globe is rising but the out-of-pocket expenses and the probability of health risks might make you consider taking insurance. Under this procedure, medical professionals attempt to provide symmetry and change the natural appearance to achieve the desired one.

Liposuction (also, lipoplasty) is one type of cosmetic surgery that is often opted for by individuals. Under this surgery, excess fat is removed from certain areas of body by using suction to provide a contoured shape to the body.

Conditions Under Which Health Insurance Covers Liposuction

When you are inquiring about liposuction insurance coverage, you must carefully understand the conditions to claim insurance. Liposuction is one such cosmetic procedure that is not usually covered under health insurance. However, this does not mean that there is no health policy that covers it.

While considering the insuree's claim, the insurance companies mainly focus on the reason for undergoing such a surgery. Insurance providers categorise surgery into three categories namely:

• Cosmetic Surgery
• Life-Saving Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Insurance companies categorise liposuction as a cosmetic surgery. However, there are certain situations that are an exception.

Common Examples of Liposuction Under Health Insurance Coverage

Here is a list of common instances under which liposuction is covered under health insurance:

• Lipomas removal surgery
• Gynecomastia treatment
• Treatment for lymphedema
• Effect of Lipodystrophy Syndrome in various parts of the body
• Fat Removal for morbidly obese people
• Surgery under which fat from one body part in another. This case usually arises to treat severe burn victims.

Conditions When Liposuction is for Cosmetic Purposes

It is categorised as cosmetic surgery because it addresses only the aesthetic purpose. Multiple conditions prompt that liposuction is primarily for aesthetic enhancements, like:

1. Cosmetic Enhancements: To achieve a more balanced look such as having toned ankles and calves individuals seek liposuction. It also helps in adding more definition around the chin, getting rid of a double chin or redefining the neckline.
2. Cosmetic Procedures: There are certain cosmetic surgeries in conjunction with liposuction that are preferred by professionals to achieve aesthetic results. Such cosmetic surgeries are facelift surgery, breast augmentation or reduction, or abdominoplasty (also, tummy tuck).
3. Fat Deposits: Certain areas of the body do not reduce weight despite regular diet and exercise. To get rid of such stubborn fat deposits, individuals are now resorting to liposuction to achieve a proportionate appearance. Localised fats are usually in areas like abdomen, thighs, hips, or arms.   
4. Body Contouring: Based on your preference of having a smoother body contour or having more prominent features like a chiselled jawline, thinner waistline, or enhanced buttocks. You can achieve these aesthetic targets with the help of liposuction surgery to remove extra fat and refine your body's silhouette.

This list predominantly mentions liposuction treatments for altering natural appearance. Therefore, the chances of availing a policy when undergoing surgery for these purposes are highly unlikely.

Difference between Procedures: Elective and Medical Necessity

To understand the cases that will be covered by insurance policy, we categorise the type of liposuction surgery further into two types:

Liposuction Expense in India

The expense of liposuction varies from one city to another, however, on average it ranges between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 approximately. This cost will further include post-surgery care and medication.

For this reason, demand for liposuction under health insurance is growing. If a medical expert is performing liposuction as a reconstruction surgery then many insurance policies cover it.

To conclude, health insurance plans cover the expenses that fall within the category of medical necessity liposuction. However, while buying insurance you must have a comprehensive understanding of its scope along with terms and conditions.