Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What To Do When You Don't Have Insurance



Recommended Posts

More often than not, the people that I talk to have insurance coverage thru family members. What are the options for a single person who does not have health insurance? I desperately want to have bariatric surgery, and get my life and career moving in the right direction. Any ideas out there? Thank you so much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There are some finance programs that offer interest free promotions for a certain amount of time. One is www.carecredit.com. I would suggest start looking in your area for a dr and start calling them to see what they accept.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have good health insurance but didn't qualify, so I self paid. If you belong to a credit union, see about a line of credit you can borrow and make payments on... I took out a title loan at my credit union against the suv I owned outright and received a very low rate, just like financing the truck all over again. So now it's like I have a car payment for my WLS. If you don't belong to one, joining one is very simple these days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Could you save up for it? Taking out a loan for such a large amount, is a big financial commitment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

More often than not, the people that I talk to have insurance coverage thru family members. What are the options for a single person who does not have health insurance? I desperately want to have bariatric surgery, and get my life and career moving in the right direction. Any ideas out there? Thank you so much.

I'm paying for mine also as my Private Health Cover hasn't kicked in yet. I accessed some of my Superannuation to pay for it...speak to your GP or Surgeon and they will know what letters they need to write toi get the ball rolling.

Best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I financed with HealthOne and my min. monthly payment was around $100. I made larger payments and paid it off in 18 months. Some surgeons only take care credit or a reg. credit card. Many surgeons offer deep discounts for self-pay patients.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I self paid as well and saved $10k by going to Mexico...................Best medical treatment I have ever had!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BabySpoons

      Sometimes reading the posts here make me wonder if some people just weren't mentally ready for WLS and needed more time with the bariatric team psychiatrist. Complaining about the limited drink/food choices early on... blah..blah...blah. The living to eat mentality really needs to go and be replaced with eating to live. JS
      · 1 reply
      1. Bypass2Freedom

        We have to remember that everyone moves at their own pace. For some it may be harder to adjust, people may have other factors at play that feed into the unhealthy relationship with food e.g. eating disorders, trauma. I'd hope those who you are referring to address this outside of this forum, with a professional.


        This is a place to feel safe to vent, seek advice, hopefully without judgement.


        Compassion goes a long way :)

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×