Does Insurance Cover Liposuction in the USA?

Aesthetic surgeries or cosmetic surgeries are gaining high popularity with time. People are accepting the changes they want in their bodies without getting judged. There was a taboo on cosmetic surgeries when people used to judge body changes. But now, cosmetic surgeries enhance an individual's outer appearance and boost inner confidence. You can make changes in your body and love it as you like. Knives do not always make scars on your body. Sometimes, they bring out the beauty in you.

There are many types of cosmetic surgeries, and liposuction has been one of the most-sought cosmetic surgeries of all time. If you have landed in this article, you might be looking for liposuction information. Liposuction is an expensive procedure in America and Europe. Therefore, a common question that people raise, "does insurance cover liposuction?" Even you may need clarification regarding Liposuction expenses. If yes, then you have come to the right place at the right time. This article aims to bring all the information about Liposuction and its expenses under one umbrella.

Stick to the article till you finish reading it, and you will surely get your answer here. Go on!

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, like any other plastic surgery, is a cosmetic procedure where surgeons remove excess fat from your body. The surgical site includes your abdomen, hip, thigh, buttocks, and other areas where you can spot fat accumulation.

This procedure is also called body contouring or lipoplasty. Your body will get a new shape after this aesthetic surgery. However, it would help if you remember that traditional liposuction targets only one area. If you want to undergo Liposuction to remove your body fat and get a slim body, then Liposuction is not your perfect pick.

The main purpose of Liposuction is to remove that stubborn fat that refuses to go away even after your gradual weight loss. A surgeon says yes to removing that unwanted fat if you have an unchanging body and a stable weight.

Cost of Liposuction

The cost of Liposuction depends on the Liposuction you are getting for that coveted body. The average cost of Liposuction in the USA is around $3500, whereas a 360 Liposuction may cost you nearly $5500 at a minimal rate.

Does Insurance Cover Liposuction?

Liposuction, like any other aesthetic surgery, is a type of cosmetic surgery that aims to enhance your physical appearance. Thus, it is not a medical emergency, and your life is not at risk. Insurance companies aim to cover treatments that may increase the standard of your daily life, or that can save your life. Aesthetic surgeries do not fit in any of these two criteria. Hence, insurance companies in the USA do not cover liposuction or any such cosmetic surgery.

What Can You Do Next?

Unfortunately, in India, too, insurance companies do not intend to cover your Liposuction treatment. But you will be happy to know you do not have to spend much on reducing those annoying and stubborn fats without thinking about how much does liposuction cost. In India, the minimal rate of traditional liposuction is around $2500. However, it may vary depending on the types and the area of your targeted region. The maximum cost of 360 Liposuction can rise to $3000. Therefore, the average cost of Liposuction in India is around $2500.

However, foreigners often choose India for medical tourism. India ranks 4th in the global cosmetic surgery list. The doctors here are highly skilled and work under top-notch modern infrastructure. They use the latest medical equipment and surgery methods to reduce the chances of side effects and increase success rates.

As you can see, the treatment expenses in India are much lower than that of other Western countries like the UK and the USA. They can receive the same treatment at a much lower rate, nearly one-third of the rates in their countries. Moreover, in India, international patients enjoy vocational packages to feel leisure and comfort. Hence, even if it is impossible for foreigners to get proper Liposuction in their countries, they can easily treat their bodies here in India.

When a Liposuction Surgery Can be Covered by Insurance?

Liposuction surgery coverage is mostly determined by the insurance companies on how the medical treatment is defined.

The insurance companies divide surgery into the following categories to differentiate between cosmetic procedures:

• Cosmetic surgery is performed.
• Reconstructive surgery is performed.
• Surgical intervention is essential for saving lives.

The liposuction costs are typically not covered by health insurance because the liposuction technique is rarely utilized for reconstructive or life-saving treatments.

There are a few exceptions, though. For instance, the insurance company could approve the claim if a patient discovers a breast mass and needs liposuction to remove it. Similarly, breast reduction surgery can be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Because of this, health insurance is probably going to pay the expense of the procedure.

Here are some typical instances where you get coverage by insurance:

• Getting rid of lipomas
• Getting rid of fat accumulation in lipedema patients
• Therapy for gynecomastia
• Therapy for lymphedema
• Body components impacted by the condition of lipodystrophy
• Reducing body fat in severely obese individuals
• Transferring fat from one place to another, particularly from the burned or injured area.

There are certain insurance plans that also cover additional cosmetic operations like liposuction.

How to Claim Liposuction Insurance?

The methods to file an insurance claim are shown below if your insurance plan supports liposuction surgery:

1. Verify your insurance coverage

To find out if liposuction is covered, review your insurance coverage. Additionally, confirm the exact coverage restrictions and criteria.

2. Look for a qualified surgeon

Try to choose a skilled surgeon with liposuction experience. That person ought to be covered by your insurance company's network.

3. Schedule a meeting

Make an appointment for a consultation to go through your needs and the suggested procedure with the surgeon. The medical need of the procedure must also be documented by the surgeon.

4. Obtain pre-approval

To obtain pre-authorization for the operation get in touch with your insurance provider. Give your insurance company the information on your coverage. Provide the medical necessity report from the surgeon. Include any further pertinent details.

5. Plan the process

Schedule the liposuction treatment with a skilled surgeon after pre-authorization has been received.

6. Submit receipts and claims

After the procedure, send your insurance provider any claims and receipts for reimbursement.

7. Follow-up

Keep copies of any communications you have with your insurance provider. If you don't hear back from them within a fair amount of time, get in touch with them again.

It's crucial to know the particular conditions for filing an insurance claim for liposuction may vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider. Before the operation, it's a good idea to confirm the criteria with the insurance provider.

Conclusion

To summarize, insurance companies in the USA do not cover Liposuction. Moreover, it is a fairly expensive process in the USA. Therefore, foreigners can visit India to receive the same treatment at a much lower cost. The doctors here are highly skilled, and they work with high-end equipment.

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