Pain in Lower Abdomen From Excess Skin, Any Chances Insurance Will Pay for Tummy Tuck ?

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover a tummy tuck. Occasionally with documentation of recurrent infection they will pay for a panniculectomy (simply removing loose skin).#tt#tummytuck

panniculitis  , or infections of the fat of the lower skin may be covered

chronic intertriggo ,  infections in the fold may be covered

most plans have gotten very difficult   

diabetes or other medical conditions and 

history of massive weight loss help

Congratulations on losing all that weight! It would be nice if insurance companies would cover the cost of a tummy tuck, especially in your case, because of the symptoms you have, however, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of an abdominoplasty regardless of your symptoms. You can always ask them and try to get it preauthorized, but it is unlikely.

Insurance companies will not pay for a tummy tuck. What they will occaisionally pay for is a "panniculectomy". This is the removal of just the skin which hangs down over your pubic area, or lower tummy crease. In order to have this covered, it has to be "medically neccesary", and you need to be suffring from chronic skin irritation and breakdown as well as pain unresponsive to non-surgical treatment from your primary care doc. It needs to be documented for at least 3-6 months. If it is covered do not expect the results of a tummy tuck. While it will certainly help with some of the costs, you will need to pay extra if you really want the cosmetic appearance that a tummy tuck gives you. Good luck. 

Thank you for the question.

Unfortunately, unless you can demonstrate repeated infections  related to the redundant skin flap,  insurance companies will not cover the tummy tuck procedure. Given that the pain you are experiencing happens during your menstrual cycle it is  not likely to be related to the abdominal wall skin.  You may want to see your OB/GYN for consultation.

I hope this helps.

Insurance will NEVER knowingly pay for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) which involves relocation of the umbilcus, skin resection both below and above the belly button and muscle repair. Depending on the terms of YOUR policy it MAY partially pay for removal of the skin overhang, Panniculectomy (Apron Resection).

Peter A Aldea, MD

See video response for full answer.   Excess skin from weight loss can cause chronic rashes which can be treated by removing the pannus.  Insurance may cover this.

In general, insurance companies do not cover tummy tucks but they may cover removal on excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen.  This procedure is known as a pannuculectomy.  A tummy tuck normally includes removing excess skin and fat, tightening the abdominal muscles and repositioning the skin around the belly button.  As the muscle tightening and moving the skin around the umbilicus have not been shown to relieve any physical symptoms, they are not generally covered by insurance.  The removal of excess skin and fat has been shown to relieve physical symptoms, particularly pain and irritation due to rashes under the fold of skin and, therefore, may be considered medically necessary. 

If you get insurance approval for a panniculectomy, you can still have a tummy tuck at the same time and your out of pocket cost should be less as insurance is covering a portion of the surgery, anesthesia and facility.

insurance does not pay for abdominoplasty,also excess skin does not result in pain.