I have an umbilical hernia and diastasis recti. Will insurance cover the repair of both?

Umbilical hernias are quite common and occur in the setting of a previous surgery, pregnancy, or diastasis recti. We treat umbilical hernias with or without correction of diastasis recti using a combination approach that corrects redundant skin in the lower abdomen and around the belly button. If there is a lot of skin, we would use a tummy tuck scar whereas smaller corrections can be performed using just the belly button incision which is well hidden inside your belly button.


Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question.  While most insurance companies will cover an umbilical hernia repair, very few will pay for repair of rectus diastasis.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to discuss the specific details of the procedures. Hope this helps!

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your symptoms.  Most insurance companies will deem an umbilical hernia, especially one that is symptomatic, to be medically necessary and will cover the cost of repair.  A diastasis of the rectus muscle, however, is not considered medically necessary and insurance will not cover these associated costs.  If you would like both repaired, the hernia will help defray the costs of the diastasis repair, but be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.