Does your Health Insurance cover Surgical treatment for Obesity?

Health Insurers have defined certain criteria based on evidence based medicine to cover Surgical treatment for obesity

1. Surgery has to be conducted upon the advice of the Doctor

2. The surgery/Procedure conducted should be supported by clinical protocols

3. The patient has to be 18 years of age or older and

4. Body Mass Index (BMI); greater than or equal to 40 or greater than or equal to 35 in conjunction with any of the following severe co-morbidities following failure of less invasive methods of weight loss;

The comorbidities are

i. Obesity-related cardiomyopathy

ii. Coronary heart disease

 iii. Severe Sleep Apnea

 iv. Uncontrolled Type2 Diabetes

Based on the Sum Insured, the coverage limits change and the insured is eligible based on the Policy opted. The limits of the cover are based on the Sum Insured and the waiting periods apply.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery consists of four types of surgery. They are,

• Gastric bypass
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Gastric banding
• Duodenal switch

Sleeve gastrectomy is the common weight loss surgery recommended by medical practitioners for patients suffering from Obesity.

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure. Maintaining the diet and restricting yourself from added sugars and unhealthy beverages, quitting smoking and alcohol combined with daily exercises will keep your weight in control and prevent Obesity and need for surgery.

For further details, refer policy clause on our official website.