Tummy Tucks Not Covered by Insurance
Tummy tucks are not covered by insurance. Sometimes after massive weight loss a persistent pannus can be removed in an insurance-covered procedure called a panniculectomy (if there are certain symptoms present). A panniculectomy and a tummy tuck are very different procedures, however. (John Whitt, MD (retired), Louisville Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty covered by insurance?
If you have a pannus (this is skin and fat sagging and overhanging your belt line), then a good insurance plan will pay for a panniculectomy, particularly if it causes a skin rash or skin breakdown beneath the overhanging skin.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are very very strict about their coverage of these procedures. Even if they pay for a panniculectomy (as they rarely do), they will only pay for the removal of the skin below your navel, and not the rest of the skin tightening. (Jason Hess, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Insurance does not cover tummy tucks
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, period. It is not, and should not be, covered by any health insurance plan. If you have a large hanging pannus, then insurance MAY cover its removal (a panniculectomy), but even this is not common. (Carmen Kavali, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
There is NO Insurance Coverage of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy Tuck is a COSMETIC operation – one which improves appearance but does not improve function or saves life. No insurance company I am familiar with pays for ANY cosmetic operations. On the other hand, it sound like they should pay for treatment of your uterine fibroids. (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)
No insurance to my knowledge will cover a tummy tuck as it is not considered medically necessary. It is purely cosmetic surgery. I concur with my colleagues here – a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure. Insurance companies will not cover it as they do not deem it medically necessary. It is an elective cosmetic procedure. (C. Bob Basu, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)