Question:
How do people pay for these surgeries without insurance?

I am grasping at straws really, because our insurer doesn't cover any bariatric surgery. Our policy has an exclusion clause, as do most other insurance companies in Idaho, our agent tells us. How do people pay for these operations--especially if there are complications? It could financially devastate a person who self pays!    — Cheryl Z. (posted on October 9, 2003)


October 8, 2003
I paid for it by going to Mexico where it was cheaper and having a wonderful husband that paid for my surgery out of his savings account from before we were even married. It cost a total of $10,000 including plane and hotel. See my profile for more details. Good Luck to you! (Dr. Aguirre 5/2/03 445/328/165)
   — SMG I.

October 8, 2003
People get family to help pay for it, tap into their 401K accounts, get money from a home equit loan, sell something of value, take out a bank loan or finance through a financing source. One is Patient Financing Services. They finance non-insurance covered items like cosmetic surgery and RNY.
   — M B.

October 9, 2003
Here is a site that provides financing for health reasons. http://www.p-f-s.com/
   — TheresaC

October 9, 2003
We took out a 2nd mortgage. As far as how to pay for complications, I had to just not worry about it. No one can predict the future. As far as missed income, we had disability insurance so that my wage would continue to come in after 6 weeks if there were complications. Hope this helps! Best wishes
   — Cari F.

October 9, 2003
Hi. I found this site the other day. They are trying to help people who cannot pay. You can sign the waiting list but so far they don't have the funds yet. So I don't know if they will have them soon but you can always sign the waiting list and see. Good Luck. http://wlsbutterflyfoundation.org/waitinglist.shtml
   — AmyWollet

October 9, 2003
I, too, went to Mexico because I had to pay for it myself and I plan on going to Mexico for Plastic Surgery also. I had a great experience, great surgeon. But, I took out a bank loan to pay for my surgery. I also considered an option by Capital One. They give loans for plastic surgery and other medical expenses. I don't have the website, it was something that just popped up when I was exploring different surgery sites but I'm sure if you contact the company they can help you. Good luck! If you would like any additional information, send me an email.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 9, 2003
I had vocational rehabilitation pay for my surgery. If you have any co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, or sleep apnea they may pay for it. Their goal is to keep you off of disability. It's a win-win situation. Good luck!
   — Rhonda B.

October 9, 2003
I'm Canadian, and although our health care system does cover WLS, the waiting lists are 2-4 years long, and I just couldn't handle that! So I self-paid and went to Rochester, NY (Dr. William O'Malley). We re-mortgaged the house. It cost just under $10K US, and (thank God) I didn't have any complications to push the price up higher. At 10 mos post, I'm at goal (285/160, 5'7.5"). Good luck!
   — Patricia E.

October 9, 2003
I am self pay, and taking out a loan. I figure I am having surgery instead of getting a new car anytime soon, Who cares if I have an old car when I can have a new me? I'll be paying about $500 a month for the next 3 years to cover it. Also, keep in mind that you can write off medical expenses on your taxes. (I think any that are over $4000 or something like that, you'll have to look it up or talk to an accountant) So in a way, that makes the cost even less. I am staying local to have mine done (total cost of $17,500 for Lap) but I have heard many people who have happily gone to mexico for about $10,000.
   — Patricia T.




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