Question:
tell the insurance co or not to
I am considering surgery (lap or rny).My problem is I don t have any health insurance.Instead of paying +20k for the procedure I tought,I rather get an insurance policy so I have it for any other medical problems I may have WLS related or not. Should I tell the insurance the reason why I am getting their policy or If they cover the procedure. I am afraid if I ask them they might deny me. I am leaning toward Amerihealth or BSBC NJ. Did anyone went through this.Please help me????????????? — amah G. (posted on April 9, 2003)
April 9, 2003
I would call the insurance company "anonymously" first and ask if
their policies exclude wls. Then call later to ask for quotes and/or sign
up for a policy. As far as telling them that you're getting the policy to
get wls, if they ask, then be honest. Good luck...
— [Deactivated Member]
April 9, 2003
I have to disagree with the previous poster. Don't tell them a thing.
Insurance companies do not have hearts. They are a business, only
interested in the bottom line...don't ever forget that. You do have a 30
day recision period after getting insurance to get your money back. During
that time, you'll be able to look over the policy, the exclusions, etc. If
you're dealing with an insurance broker, you can ask the broker, but NEVER
clue the insurance company in on your plans. JMHO, of course.
— Leslie F.
April 9, 2003
I didn't tell my insurance company. I asked their policy on weight loss
surgery. I called anonymously and got the information and which surgeons
accepted their insurance. I got my insurance 5 months before surgery and I
was approved immediately.
— Tracy A.
April 9, 2003
You can't be upfront with the broker either. I noticed on my application
that it specifically requires the agent to disclose any health related
information they know about you or you have disclosed to them! No sense in
setting off alarms with anyone when you've already got so many things
working against actually getting the policy you want - weight & any
health problems you already have. I know I was unable to get the policy I
wanted that would actually pay for WLS based solely on my weight, can't
imagine adding on anything else to give them reasons to deny you!
— Shelly S.
April 9, 2003
Before you apply with ANY insurance company, be sure that they don't have
an exclusions regarding weightloss surgery. Don't ask them about it,
specifically, just be sure to ask for a list of ALL exclusions. Then DO
NOT Tell them that you are planning on having WLS. They will probably rate
your premiums much higher than the 'normal' person's would be due to your
weight. They may even deny your application due to your weight. I'm
assuming that you are at least 100# over your ideal body weight.
The only other way I know of to get coverage is to take a job with a
company that offers insurance and does not exclude WLS procedures.
Hope this helps.
Diane N.
http://www.WeightlossSurgery.ws
— DianeN
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