Do some insurances cover surgery to fix diastasis recti? If I get a tummy tuck would it fix this problem?

Your first step is to call your insurance company.  Ask if you have a benefit and if so what board certified plastic surgeon is within your network. Document your problem with your provider because you'll have to prove that this is a medical necessity.  It's complicated to get these approved with insurance but you don't even want to start until you know you've got the right insurance benefits.  

A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. It will remove excess subcutaneous fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity. The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you. Here you will learn more about your options and it will include an exam to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Our insurance companies in Massachusetts do not cover the repair of a diastasis rectus, which is caused by the pregnancy ( or severe weight gain) pushing the rectus muscles apart. Most insurance companies will cover the repair of a hernia at the time of an abdominoplasty so your board certified plastic surgeon will usually check for this during your exam.  Some insurance companies will cover the panniculectomy portion of an abdominoplasty if the skin hanging down is severe and causing chronic rashes.  But a panniculectomy alone only removes the extra skin that hangs down and does not correct the muscle wall looseness- it is not an aesthetic procedure and is usually only done by itself in severe cases when patients are having significant rashes.

That would be great, wouldn't it?! Unfortunately, insurance does not cover this procedure. Some insurance companies will cover panniculectomy if you meet their medical criteria, but keep in mind this is NOT the same as a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. In a panniculectomy, the muscles are not tightened to fix the diastasis. Also, in a true panniculectomy covered by insurance, you risk losing your belly button, as insurance does not cover the portion of the procedure performed to keep it in place. Be sure to discuss the details with your board certified plastic surgeon before deciding what is right for you.

The hanging of your lower abdomen may be more due to skin excess.  You may also have diastasis recti, which is a separation of the rectus muscles which can occur after pregancy and cause bulging.  Insurance companies generally do not cover tummy tucks, including when there is diastasis recti.

Muscle separation from pregnancy can contribute to bulging of the abdomen and can sometimes be associated with lower back pain due to a weak core.  Traditional core exercises can sometimes make it worse.  Seek core exercises for women with diathasis to try to improve your core.  Insurance does not typically cover tummy tucks or muscle repair.  The only time insurance may cover is if there is a true hernia, not a diathesis.  

It is very unlikely that any health insurance carrier would approve a tummy tuck procedure.  Most carriers would consider this a cosmetic procedure.  There is no medical necessity to fix a diastasis recti, which is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles in the midline.Good Luck!