Bariatric Surgery Insurance

Bariatric and metabolic operations are terms used to describe weight loss surgery. These phrases are utilised to describe how these operations affect patients' metabolisms' body weight, and well-being. These procedures are particularly helpful in managing hyperglycemia, hypertension, sleep disorders, and high blood cholesterol, among several other disorders, concerning obesity. These procedures can also help to avert future health issues. Individuals with obesity who opt to receive surgery benefit from a higher standard of living and a longer life expectancy. Today, a great number of adults who are obese are being advised to opt for bariatric surgery so that they can get their health back on track and develop a more healthy lifestyle. Weight loss surgery in India is becoming more common than ever before. While seen as a cosmetic surgery before, bariatric surgery in India is now a life-saving procedure. Thus, weight loss surgery insurance has become a part of medical insurance plans in India.

Bariatric procedures have been perfected over many years and are one of the most thoroughly researched medical advancements. They are conducted utilising minimally aggressive surgical procedures and tiny openings. Patients benefit from these developments because they endure less discomfort, fewer problems, reduced hospital stints, and speedier recovery. These procedures are exceedingly safe, with reduced complication rates than typical procedures, including gallbladder extraction, hysterectomy, and knee replacement.

These procedures aim to alter the gastrointestinal tract to address obesity and other disorders. The procedures may cause the gut to shrink and a part of the intestine to be bypassed. This reduces food consumption and modifies how the body processes food for energy, culminating in less appetite and more fullness. These procedures help the body acquire and maintain a healthy weight.

There are several different types of bariatric surgery available. An "open" technique, in which the belly is sliced open, or a laparoscopy, wherein surgical tools are directed into the stomach via small half-inch cuts. Most weight loss surgery is now performed laparoscopically rather than openly because it involves fewer cuts, produces less tissue injury, has lesser post-operative problems, and provides for quicker hospital departure.
There are four major types of bariatric surgery. They are:

• Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS)
• VSG or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Adjustable gastric banding or AGB
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)

Weight loss surgery is performed to assist you in reducing obesity and minimise your chance of developing potentially fatal weight-related health conditions, such as;

• Stroke and cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• NAFLD, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
• Sleep Disorders
• Diabetes

Bariatric surgery is usually performed only when you've attempted to reduce weight through healthy eating and exercise but have been unsuccessful.

Bariatric surgery may be a solution for you if you meet the following criteria:

• If your BMI is 40 or greater (extreme obesity).
• You develop a severe weight-related medical concern, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or chronic
• sleep problems, and have a BMI between 35 to 39.9 (obesity). If you have a BMI between 30 to 34 and possess substantial weight-related health concerns, you may be eligible for a weight-loss operation.

Not everybody who is excessively overweight should consider bariatric surgery. To be eligible for weight-loss surgery, you may have to fulfil specific medical requirements. You'll probably have to go through a lengthy screening process to check if you qualify. To live a healthier life, you have to make long-term adjustments.

If you are looking at India's weight loss surgery cost, here is what you need to know. In India, the estimated price of bariatric surgery ranges from 2.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs. The price varies based on the hospital and city. It might be an unanticipated financial hardship if one were to suffer from a medical condition that could occur after or before the surgery for related or unrelated causes. As a result, getting weight loss surgery insurance before dealing with such medical issues is always a good idea. As mentioned above, today, people no longer need to worry about whether insurance will cover weight loss surgery or not, as most leading insurance providers do. Having the right health insurance plan and documenting your process well may help you get health insurance tax benefits, too!

After the operation, the patient must adhere to the doctor's nutritional recommendations. Some weight-loss operations may reduce nutrition and caloric intake. As a result, the patient must have a thorough follow-up with the dietician to deal with life after surgery. You must include the cost of these follow-ups as part of your bariatric surgery cost.

If you are eligible for bariatric surgery, you are at great risk of diseases associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery is an option only after you have tried diet and exercising and have not gotten a positive result. Thus, bariatric surgery may be your only option. If you do not get the surgery in time, the results may be catastrophic. You could suffer from a variety of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, joint problems, sleep apnea, heart problems, high cholesterol, and in severe cases, it may even lead to death. Therefore, getting bariatric surgery when your doctor recommends it is highly advisable.

Given the significant expense of bariatric surgery, getting the life-saving procedure done without insurance may not be an option for everyone. Fortunately, according to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India standards issued in 2019, medical insurance covers bariatric surgery. As a result, it is frequently stated as a benefit for major health insurance plans. Nonetheless, check the coverage wordings of the health insurance to see if it's covered.

Unless these essential parameters are met, health insurance will not cover bariatric surgery.

• The patient has to be 18 or above at the time of surgery.
• The patient's BMI has to be over 40.
• If the patient has a BMI of 35 or above with comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension, they will be considered.
• You'll need a doctor's authorisation and relevant medical test results to get approval.

If you wish to avail of a claim for your bariatric surgery, there are a few documents that you need to present to your insurance provider. These documents are needed only when you want to claim your weight loss surgery. Keep these documents in hand at all times because your provider may ask for them at any given time during the claim process.

• Medical records demonstrating a background of health issues caused by obesity.
• Proof of practising weight-loss-related dietary and behavioural changes.
• There is evidence of failed weight loss efforts while on pharmaceutical treatment (if applicable).

There are two distinct ways in which you may buy medical insurance from Tata AIG.

1. You can obtain the application form by physically visiting the Tata AIG office. You can then fill in the fields on the application and add any other details or evidence you require. After that, you submit the papers at the designated location and wait for a response from the company. You should receive a mail package containing your insurance information shortly if things are in order.

2. If you like, you may also get the policy online. You only need to go to the Tata AIG website and submit an order. You'll find a list of the company's plans and policies and what they involve. Examine each plan carefully to determine which one best meets your needs. Apply for the plan you desire once you've found it. Fill in all of your information and submit your papers. If everything is in order, you will get an e-mail from Tata AIG, including information about your health insurance plan.

Some basic eligibility criteria that people have to meet to get a health insurance plan from Tata AIG are follows.

1. Anyone over 18 years and up to 65 years old is eligible for health insurance; however, minor children must be between 90 days and 25 years. You obtain a medical insurance plan when you attain the age of 25 to profit from cheaper health insurance premium expenses.
2. Pre-existing diseases have a 2-4 year waiting period throughout which you would not be permitted to use all of your medical insurance benefits.
3. Pre-medical checks or screenings are frequently necessary for insurance customers over the ages of 45-55.

Obesity can prove to be fatal if not taken care of in time. While doctors try to control the disease with diet and exercise, it may not always be possible to do so. You may have to get emergency surgery to reduce your weight and live a fruitful life. In such cases, it becomes necessary to have a health insurance plan to fall back on for financial aid. For the reasons stated above, the Tata AIG health insurance plan often proves to be the best health insurance for weight loss surgery. So if you are looking to get a bariatric surgery done, get your policy from Tata AIG today!