When is a Body Lift Covered by Insurance?

Typically a body lift is not covered by insurance.  They will cover a panniculectomy which remove skin from the belly button to the pubic bone.  This does not address the lateral flanks or upper abdomen.  Those areas are considered cosmetic.  They do this to remove the area of chronic infection and yeast buildup in the fold of the lower  wall.  They feel that that is justified.

Thank you for your question about coverage criteria for a body lift.  Bariatric surgery is typically covered by insurance carriers unless it is excluded because it is effective in creating weight loss and improving co morbities such as hypertension, diabetes and knee problems.  Despite the strong science in this regard, not all carriers cover the surgery because of the cost...this is called a policy exclusion.  Similarly aesthetic body contouring procedures such as a body lift can not only improve your body image and quality of life but also help to keep the weight off permanently.  Despite these benefits, most carriers exclude most aesthetic procedure such as body lifts.  If aesthetic procedures are excluded as a covered benefit, they will not be covered under andy circumstances.   In some cases they are not excluded as a covered benefit, but must meet medical necessity.  Meeting medical necessity is intentionally vage and difficult to ascertain.  Insurance companies typically do not make this process transparent or efficient.   The most effective approach would be for you to reach out to your insurance carrier to get the information directly from them as it may vary by carrier,  Since you are their customer, they are more likely to be responsive to you than they are to your surgeon.  The first question to ask is whether a body lift is a covered benefit under your plan.  If it is a covered benefit, then I would ask what are the medical criteria and documentation necessary to meet medical necessity.  I would ask them to send you this information in writing.  Thereafter, I would go about scheduling the doctors appointments necessary to fullfill those criteria if possible.  Once that process has been completed, then you are ready to seek consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon.  I hope this helps!  Best wishes on your weight loss journey.

Most elective surgery is not covered by insurance, of course, but there are a few instances  (breast reduction, for example) when it might be determined to be medically necessary or reconstructive.
The only part of the body lift ( TT + outer thigh lift + posterior body lift)  that would possibly be covered is the panniculectomy (excess skin) part of the tummy tuck. It is best to have your primary care physician document any issues you are having (skin infections, fungal infections, rashes, etc.) and look at your insurance policy details (or speak to an agent) to determine what they might cover and what clinical criteria they use. Deciphering what is, and what is not, covered by insurance can be tricky when it comes to elective / reconstructive surgery. Nearly all cosmetic surgery is not covered.
It also doesn't hurt to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and determine what procedure would be able to offer you some relief as well (whether it would be covered by insurance, financed, or saved up for).
Best wishes!