Financing Bariatric Surgery

If you are worried about financing bariatric surgery, don’t let the lack of cash or insurance coverage hinder your hopes of losing weight. Here we will briefly go over some of the options for financing bariatric surgery that you can start you down the path to a healthier weight and a happier life.

Click here to read more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

Weight loss surgery is the fastest way for you to look and feel your best, and to lose that excess weight. Plus it will also make you healthier. Some of these diseases brought on by obesity can include diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, stroke and many more. Most people decide to go under the knife as the last resort to lose the fat, which can be very helpful especially for those persons who have tried every possible way to lose the weight, including various types of diets and exercise but have not have much success.

Financing Bariatric Surgery – The Cost

Generally the cost of a bariatric surgery can range between $10,000 and $20,000. Many people just don’t have this type of money lying around, so finding options for financing bariatric surgery becomes the biggest hurdle.

Financing Bariatric Surgery – Talk To Your Surgeon

Many surgeons understand that bariatric surgery comes with a high cost but it yields beneficial, life changing results so they will often help their patients out as far as financing bariatric surgery goes. They can help you find programs or fee plans for financing bariatric surgery that are easily accessible. They will also discuss with you the reasons that make you a candidate for the procedure, and how this can qualify you for a loan or for coverage.

Financing Bariatric Surgery – What You Are Paying For

When considering financing bariatric surgery, you should be aware of what is included in the cost of surgery so you can obtain sufficient financing. The cost of the surgery will usually include the following fees:

• Surgeon fee
• Hospital fees
• Lab & X-ray fees
• Anesthesia fee
• Miscellaneous fees

Financing Bariatric Surgery

Here are some options for financing bariatric surgery that you should consider if you cannot afford the entire cost of the surgery yourself:

• Payment Plans
• Family & Friends
• Medical Loans
• Credit Cards
• Medical Travel

Payment Plans

Some clinics offer payment plans by which you can pay the whole amount over a period of time. By financing bariatric surgery, the total cost will be broken into smaller monthly payments which will make it affordable and easier to manage. You can also negotiate for a package of the surgery. Find out what fees are included in the package and don’t hesitate to ask, they will surely help you out for this decision is life changing.

Family & Friends

You may want to consider asking help form your family and relatives. For sure they would want you to be healthier, happier and more confident. With their help you can avoid the hassle of paying the interest that loans and banks would charge. Also you are guaranteed that they will be more understanding, especially if there is a time that you won’t be able to pay. This option may vary depending if your friends and relatives will consider this option.

Medical Loans

Find out more about the process of obtaining a loan for financing bariatric surgery. The loan will cover the costs up-front, but just like any loan, you will need to pay it back over time, usually with interest. A lot of these loan and financing companies don’t have any issue with you using it for weight loss surgery as long as you meet the criteria for financing bariatric surgery.

When applying for a loan you may ask to complete pre-qualification sheet before completing the actual application. It is becoming common for financing companies to make the forms available online, so you can find out if you’re approved in only a few minutes. If you don’t want to submit your form online, or if the company doesn’t have an online form, then instead you can call or email them to send you a form. If there is a branch nearby, then you can visit them yourself to find out what the requirements are, and you can ask questions.

In the case that financing bariatric surgery is not an option, or your application isn’t authorized then the clinic might approve other options from other finance resources that can help with financing bariatric surgery, but such financing should be authorized prior committing to the bariatric surgery. A pre-approval is usually much better because it provides you a secured net amount. Attempt to get your finance pre authorized prior to agreeing or proceeding with the treatment, then you won’t be stuck getting a service you can’t pay for.

Banks and other financial institutions can also provide help with financing bariatric surgery. You need to see whether or not your bank provides loan for such surgery or not. If it provides loan then there’s no issue. Apply to get a loan within the category appropriate for you personally as well as your bank and get the finance prepared for you. Before going to the interview you need to your financial info prepared to minimize delays in approval.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are also an option for financing bariatric surgery. You will have to keep in mind the credit limit of the credit card. If the cost of the surgery is more than your credit limit, you may end up paying out of pocket for the remaining amount. Some companies that specialize in financing bariatric surgery will deal directly with the surgeon during each stage of your procedure. Their loan representatives determine your surgical and sometimes even your post-surgical costs and all you have to do is make your monthly payments. Don’t assume that your credit card company will handle all the details for covering the surgical costs. Discuss the issue with the company representative directly before you agree to take out a loan or extend your credit.

Medical Travel

Traveling to another city or another country is definitely an option you can consider to help with financing bariatric surgery. Many countries outside the U.S. can offer you a lower cost without sacrificing quality. One such country is Mexico, many patients travel to Mexico and find a much lower cost for the same surgery, and receive the same quality of care, if not better.

For example, the gastric bypass ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 in the United States. In comparison, the gastric bypass in Mexico costs along $9,000 to $11,000, which is about 50% lower for a gastric bypass surgery in any of the accredited hospitals.

Many medical facilities in Mexico also offer all-inclusive packages that include the cost for the surgery, and all expenses associated, plus accommodations, food, travel to and from the airport, and some even cover the cost for the flight.  If you are considering taking out a loan to help financing bariatric surgery, the reduced amount may make it easier for you to get approved.

Financing Bariatric Surgery…You’ve Got Options!

There are many options for financing bariatric surgery that are out there, so if you don’t have the money right now but want to make the change to a healthier life, then you need to look at all the alternatives. A healthy weight can let you live longer and enjoy a better quality of life, something that you deserve, and the first step towards that is finding options for financing bariatric surgery.