Is Diastasis Recti Repair Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance companies do not cover this procedure as they consider it cosmetic. Insurance companies are becoming more and more strict on what procedures they cover and whether or not it is a medical necessity. More than likely this will be something that you will have to pay out of pocket for.

Thank you for your question.  Generally the answer is no.  Diastasis recti repair is part of a tummy tuck which is not covered by insurance.   If you have a true hernia, that will typically be covered by your insurance company and can be combined with a tummy tuck if you wish.  Best to check with a board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck. 

Most insurance companies will not pay for this repair. As stated, it would really have to be more of a hernia than a weakness....And even if they did pay, they are getting very savvy nowadays and would probably only pay for part of the surgery...

   Dear Tricia in PA,

     Unfortunately, even symptomatic diastasis is not covered by insurance. However, if you have a hernia, you may be able to get coverage for this problem. I would suggest a consultation with a general surgeon to determine if you have a hernia. If not, most plastic surgeons repair the diastasis at the time of a tummy tuck. This would be an out of pocket expense however. Good luck.

Thanks for your question.  Unfortunately, diastasis recti is not covered by insurance even if it causes pain, swelling, bloating, deformities, back pain, etc.  More studies need to be done to prove the benefit of repairing the separation of the muscles.  However, from your symptoms it sounds like you may have a hernia.  A hernia repair is covered by insurance, so have your plastic surgeon or general surgeon examine you to determine whether or not you have a hernia.  If you do, a tummy tuck can be performed at the same time to tighten your abdominal muscles and to remove any excess skin from your abdomen.  Even though this part is not covered, some of the time in the operating room will be covered by the insurance company.  Financing options are also offered by many plastic surgeons.  We have great financing options, and I frequently perform tummy tucks with other procedures, like a hernia repair, OB/GYN procedures.