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Step 1
Ask your medical insurance provider if it will cover the procedure. Although most insurers are reluctant to cover bariatric surgery, some will do so under certain conditions. Normally your doctor will need to provide information on your medical history and the potential benefits of the procedure. If he can emphasize the long-term savings through eliminating medical risks caused by obesity, your insurer may agree to cover your bariatric surgery.
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Step 2
Appeal the insurance company's decision if it denies your request. All insurers have an appeal process. The decision may be upheld, but you won't lose anything but time by trying an appeal.
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Step 3
Ask your doctor if she works with any specific lenders that specialize in financing medical procedures. Many physicians can recommend companies that will lend money for elective surgical procedures such as bariatric surgery if the patient's insurance will not cover it.
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Step 4
Explore other financing options, such as a home equity loan or a credit card. If your doctor recommended a finance company, compare its interest rate against what you could get from your credit card issuers or a home equity lender. You may be able to take advantage of special financing terms through one of your credit card companies.
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Step 5
Delay your surgery until you can save up enough money to pay cash for the procedure. While you may be anxious to have your bariatric surgery, you need to be realistic about whether it's wise to get yourself into debt. Even though this surgery usually goes smoothly, there could be complications that keep you from working after surgery. While you save, you can make some lifestyle changes to give your weight loss a head start while you are waiting for the surgery.
