Bariatric surgery is a viable option for people with morbid obesity who fail to lose weight through traditional methods. Policyholders should review their plan’s terms and conditions to ensure coverage and fulfil specific criteria for validating their bariatric surgery coverage. There are three types of bariatric surgeries, and patients should consult a medical professional to determine the most suitable option. Finally, the cost of bariatric surgery varies depending on various factors. You should consult healthcare professionals to determine the most affordable and effective option within your budget.
Does health insurance cover bariatric surgery?
Most health insurance policies include bariatric surgery as per the guidelines established by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India in 2019. However, checking the terms and conditions of the insurance that covers bariatric surgery is advisable to ensure coverage. Health insurance policies cover bariatric surgery only if a person meets certain conditions, such as being aged at least 18 years and having a BMI or body mass index of 40 or higher. If the BMI is between 35 and 40 and the patient has comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, or stroke, a policyholder will receive coverage for the surgery. Additionally, the patient must provide a doctor's prescription and relevant diagnostic test reports to claim coverage. Finally, patients should expect to wait for the coverage to begin, as most insurance for bariatric surgery has an initial waiting period of around 30 days. Individuals with pre-existing conditions may have to serve another waiting period of 2 to 4 years.
Types of bariatric surgery
There are three types of weight loss surgeries: Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB).
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy involves removing the outer margin of the stomach to restrict food intake, reducing the stomach to about 15% of its original size.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass involves:
- The process of partitioning the stomach into a smaller upper section and a larger lower section.
- Reattaching the small intestine to the pouch.
- Creating a bypass for food to absorb fewer calories and nutrients.
- Mini Gastric Bypass, also known as Single Anastomosis or Omega Loop gastric bypass, restricts food intake, causes malabsorption, and alters gut hormones responsible for appetite control.
- Unlike the standard Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, MGB involves only one anastomosis and can be performed in less time and with fewer early complications.
The various surgeries come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages; hence patients must seek guidance from a healthcare expert to decide on the most suitable choice.
How much does bariatric surgery cost
The weight loss surgery cost can vary depending on various factors, such as a patient’s health conditions. Remember to ask the insurance provider, “is bariatric surgery covered by insurance” before choosing any type of surgery.
- The cost of weight loss surgery in major cities of India varies from Rs 1,36,000 to Rs 4,58,000.
- In Mumbai, the cost ranges from Rs 1,90,000 to Rs 3,58,000, while in Delhi, it ranges from Rs 2,30,000 to Rs. 4,58,000.
- In Bangalore, the cost is between Rs 2,20,000 and Rs 3,48,000, while in Kolkata, it is between Rs 2,36,000 and Rs 3,26,000.
- In Pune, the cost ranges from Rs 1,36,000 to Rs. 2,76,000, and in Hyderabad, it is between Rs 1,48,000 and Rs 2,66,000.