Health Insurance for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery is nothing but a surgery performed on people who are obese or suggested to get a surgical procedure to attain weight loss and help with certain metabolic conditions. According to research done by Global Data, the prevalent cases of obesity in India will increase from 40 million to 74 million by the year 2028. Also, Bariatric Surgery is often the best method to prevent and treat many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

There are various procedures in Bariatric Surgery. They are:

• Gastric bypass
• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

As per the doctor’s instructions, you need to meet the criteria to be a candidate for the surgical procedure.

How much does Bariatric Surgery cost?  

The average cost of a Bariatric Surgery in India is approximately between 2.5Lakhs to 5Lakhs. This cost may vary depending upon hospitals and cities. It would be an unexpected financial burden as one might have a medical complication that could be unpredictable in the nearest future. Hence, it is always safe to get insured before facing such medical ailments.

Once the surgery is done, the patient needs to follow the diet plan prescribed by the doctor. Certain weight-loss surgeries might limit the absorption of nutrients and calories. Hence, to cope-up with the post-surgery life, the patient needs to have a proper follow-up with the nutritionist.

What will happen if Bariatric Surgery is not undergone on time?

Obesity is a growing health issue affecting a majority of Indians. According to World Health Organization (WHO), medical cases of obesity have tripled in the last four decades. One might face additional health issues if the obesity condition is left untreated.

1. Obesity might lead to Type 2 diabetes
2. Abnormal weight can develop hypertension
3. Obesity could cause poor heart health
4. Untreated obesity could lead to increased blood pressure
5. Increased weight could trigger cholesterol levels
6. Obesity can lead to sleeping disorders

How can Health Insurance help in Bariatric Surgery?  

In the year 2019, as per IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) guidelines, Bariatric Surgery/ Treatment was included under a health insurance plan. This initiative was highly beneficial to obese people suffering from such complications. The study shows that nearly 38% was expected to benefit from the rural population and 30% from the urban areas.

The Star Comprehensive Insurance Plan is the right one to consider for Bariatric Surgery. The policy offers complete protection for the entire family, both on an individual and floater basis. You can gain the utmost benefit under this plan as it includes coverage for weight loss procedures as per hospital instructions. The policy covers pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses up to specific limits.

Installment Facility: Premium can be paid on a Quarterly and Half Yearly basis. Premium can also be paid Annually (once a year), in Biennial (once in 2 years) and Triennial (once in 3 years).

What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?

1. For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons.
2. Pre-existing conditions related to claims are not covered.

How to file a claim for Bariatric Surgery under your Medical insurance policy?

You need to meet the criteria when filing a claim for Bariatric Surgery. They are as follows:

• Surgeon’s prescription for diagnostic tests to undergo surgery.
• The patient should have a BMI of 40 or higher.
• The policyholder needs to submit medical reports to file a claim for surgery expenses.

Bariatric Surgery is a life-saving surgical procedure and the only option when diet and exercise fail to work. An unexpected burden of surgery cost can have an impact on a family‘s financial situation. In a country like India, where health care costs are strategically high, one cannot neglect the need for a health insurance policy.

Select a health insurance cover today from Star Health and Allied Insurance and avail cashless medical treatment at over 11,000+ network hospitals in India.