Will medical insurance cover for some tummy tuck procedure?

Question

if i can find a doctor who at least lets medi-cal cover for some surgery it would be great and i can just cover the rest out of pocket. im healthy and everything.

James E. Murphy, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is No.  However in some cases with documentation of history of skin to skin contact wounds due to over hanging pannus or "apron"  and or chronic lower back pain some insurances will cover a Panniculectomy.  This is the removal of the over hanging skin. This would not include the plication (tightening) of the abdominal muscles.  In my experience most plastic surgeon's do not take insurance for these types of procedures.All the best to you.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Medical insurance does not typically cover a tummy tuck procedure, which is considered cosmetic in nature.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Sorry, the chances of getting your tummy tuck paid for by insurance is extremely low.  Insurance companies are wise to people trying to get tummy tucks paid for with their insurance.  It is considered a purely cosmetic operation.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Medical insurance typically will not cover anything that is considered cosmetic.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

Well the unfortunate truth is that a cosmetic procedure is not something that will be covered by insurance.  Almost by definition.  Good luck!

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, insurance will not cover a tummy tuck procedure or something that they deem cosmetic in nature.

Aramis Vega, MD · Answer

Usually the medical insurance companies does not cover cosmetic surgery in Dominican Republic. I recommend you to investigate in your city.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I have never had an "insurance" entity authorize  tummy tuck surgery. In other words, insurance companies do not consider this operation medically necessary. Sometimes, however insurance companies will cover excision of lower abdominal wall skin/apron;  this operation is called a panniculectomy. Best wishes.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Looking at the photos from your previous posting, it will be unlikely for insurance to approve your surgery or part of it. Of note, your umblicus is higher in position for the average patient, you may have to accept a short vertical scar as a trade off.

Will medical insurance cover for some tummy tuck procedure?

Answers (9)