When is a Body Lift Covered by Insurance?

The term "Body Lift" refers a cosmetic procedure that is generally not covered by insurance. Other surgeons have described insurance coverage criteria.

Hope this helps

Nick Slenkovich MD, FACS

Insurance companies will likely not pay for your entire bodylift outright. Although it is usually a cosmetic operation, some portions of the procedure that need to be done as a component of, or concurrently with, the bodylift may be covered benefits under your insurance plan. Examples of medically indicated procedures are:
1) Panniculectomy.
2) Abdominal Hernia Repair.
3) Repair of disfiguring scarring from trauma or previous surgery.

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!

It's not unusual for massive weight loss patients to develop significant amounts of redundant truncal skin. A variety of surgical options are currently available to address these problems. These include both panniculectomy and body lift procedures. The choice of procedure is dependent upon the patient's anatomic findings and aesthetic goals.It would be extremely unusual for an insurance carrier to cover the cost of a body lift procedure. Most insurance carriers would view this procedure as cosmetic in nature.In contrast, abdominal panniculectomy may occasionally be covered by insurance companies if hanging skin is associated with functional problems. Under these circumstances, back pain, rashes and severe infections related to hanging skin may lead to insurance coverage.It's important that each patient be considered individually when undergoing this type of procedure. It's, therefore, important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon. This surgeon should be able to determine what type of procedure will meet your aesthetic goals and whether or not it will be covered by insurance.

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In my experience, rarely is/are any cosmetic portion of body contouring procedures going to be covered by a third party payor.  In selected cases, a panniculectomy may be covered, but this is not a cosmetic procedure, and will not address loose skin around the posterior or lateral portions of your torso..  

Most of the time insurance does not cover body lifts.  If it is a covered benefit, insurers would typically require abdominal skin hanging below the pubic bone, severe rashes and skin infection history, and functional impairment caused by the skin.  

Hello, and thank you for this question. We have found that in the past 10 years it is more and more difficult to get any insurance coverage for body reduction surgery. Many policies have specific explanations regarding body reduction procedures. insurance covers

INSURANCE NORMALLY DON’T COVER PLASTIC SURGERY. FOR PATIENTS WHO HAS MEDICAL CONDITIONS DUE
TO THE EXSESS OF SKIN IN SOME CASES THEY COVER. A GOOD ALTERNATIVE IN MEDICAL
TURISM THAT MAKE AFORTABLE THE RECONTRUCCION

Hello! Thank you for your question! Surgical procedures for aesthetic purposes, to improve appearance, are not covered by insurance. Typically, these as well as complications resulting from such procedures are the responsibility of the patient. Procedures that are meant to correct functional issues and those which cause health-related issues should be covered by your insurance as a medical necessity, with proper examination and documentation. Discuss your issues and complaints with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these as well as to examine and assist you in deciding which procedure(s) will be the best for you. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages will take place along with the risks and benefits. Insurance companies will vary on coverage and is always reasonable to discuss your issues with your surgeon and primary care. It would behoove you to get as much information as possible and even call your insurance yourself. Certainly, pay in advance prior to your surgical procedure and options such as financing are available if you qualify. Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Body lifts are generally not covered by insurance.  Different jurisdictions will have different rules.  In Ontario, your surgeon may apply to the Ministry of Health to seek funding for a panniculectomy.  It may assist in covering a portion of the costs.  Often this will offset some surgical and anaesthetic fees as well as the facility fee. A rough estimate is $2-3K in savings.Dr Rodger ShorttPlastic Surgeon OakvilleAss't Clin ProfessorDirector of Cosmetic Surgery Training,McMaster University