Short-Term Disability For Mexico Surgery

[Gastricsleeve4me 186]

Hi there! I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves in mexico on May 21. A couple years ago I had a breast reduction in the US and was able to apply for (and get) short-term disability benefits since I was going to be out of work over one week (I was going to be out for two). I called MetLife today (who handles disability for the company I work for) and they said it shouldn't matter if my Dr is in Mexico, so long as they can call and verify I'm having surgery. Curious if anyone has been successful applying. It would mean I wouldn't have to use vacation time, and hopefully that I could do that for two weeks so I feel good going back. Anyone have experience?

[kimmy*custis 276]

It shouldnt matter where the surgery is, like you said, as long as they can verify. I had to use my sick pay and then got to use one week of disability, didnt have to use my vacation, worked out perfectly! Good luck to you!

[mommyinneed 25]

I have short term disabilty through my work and they will not cover elective procedures. Now if I have a hernia it may cover it. I was going to ask that today. Anyone else have any issues getting short term for an elective procedure?

[neeve 12]

I work for verizon they didn't consider the bypass elective so they are allowing me std

[ShoeLover 141]

I got a month off using short term disability. I got my PCP to submit the paperwork for my disability claim, and I showed her the paperwork I got from Dr. Garcia in Mexico. It went fine. They did not consider my surgery as elective because of my comorbidities, although it was not covered on my medical insurance.

[mommyinneed 25]

So I called Aflac which is who my STD is through and was told this procedure could be covered however I have no coverage if I receive medical treatment out of the country!

[reese1 6]

I have american fidelity short term disability insurance. Does anyone else have this kind of insurance, will it pay. Thanks

[mommyinneed 25]

No mine is Aflac however most will

Pay if it's deemed medically neccessary. Mine will not pay because mine has an exclusion for any treatment outside the states and I'm

Going to Mexico! Give them a call and ask. Tell them your plans! I heard if some life insurance policies decline you for up to 5 yrs after gastric sleeve so I'm thinkin my decision to do it in Mexico is a great option not just for the money but for my kids

[Tsleeve 0]

I'm an insurance agent. In GENERAL, the question is does a US doctor say that you can't go to work.

That's a general response and the answer varies by state and by insurance carrier.

[reese1 6]

So your saying that if surgery is not in the US then the insurance will not pay?

I'm an insurance agent. In GENERAL, the question is does a US doctor say that you can't go to work.

That's a general response and the answer varies by state and by insurance carrier.

[Tsleeve 0]

It's a good idea to look at your policy, but it is possible that the disability insurance will indeed pay. A doctor must deem the insured unable to work. The insurance company would likely want a US doctor to make that assessment. However, there may be an exclusion for elective surgeries. There's no way to know that without looking at the policy. You should be able to call the issuer of the policy and ask.

[reese1 6]

It's a good idea to look at your policy, but it is possible that the disability insurance will indeed pay. A doctor must deem the insured unable to work. The insurance company would likely want a US doctor to make that assessment. However, there may be an exclusion for elective surgeries. There's no way to know that without looking at the policy. You should be able to call the issuer of the policy and ask.

Thank you I will.

[TheSkinnyCow73 72]

Hi there! I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves in Mexico on May 21. A couple years ago I had a breast reduction in the US and was able to apply for (and get) short-term disability benefits since I was going to be out of work over one week (I was going to be out for two). I called MetLife today (who handles disability for the company I work for) and they said it shouldn't matter if my Dr is in Mexico, so long as they can call and verify I'm having surgery. Curious if anyone has been successful applying. It would mean I wouldn't have to use vacation time, and hopefully that I could do that for two weeks so I feel good going back. Anyone have experience?

I was able to get 6 weeks STD (paid at 60%), with my Docs approval. Didnt matter at all that it was in Mexico and they never questioned me about it either. I was able to use my PTO hours to pay for my insurance benefits so nothing was pulled from our pockets to pay for anything.

I would also like to add that my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) credit card worked in Mexico and I didnt have any problems at all getting reimbursed.

You should be good to go as long as the doc signs off on all the paperwork!! Congrats and Good Luck!!

[mommyinneed 25]

Fsa really? What did you have to submit to your FAA company? I have an Hra and FSA so that will be something i will look into!

[ShoeLover 141]

I was able to get both short term disability and use my FSA for my surgery in Mexico. I have an FSA credit card. I paid my deposit to Dr. Garcia out of pocket, and then charged the rest on my FSA card on the day of surgery. All I had to submit for the FSA was a letter of medical necessity, and an itemized listing of the services performed. You should be able to get that from your doctors coordinator. I could have also submitted the receipt from when I paid the deposit, but I decided to use the rest of my FSA funds for copays/prescriptions from my PCP.