has anyone had complications from surgery in mexico? if so did you have issues with your insurance covering you?

[gettinsleeved 39]

Just had a thought. If I am self paying in Mexico to have the VSG, and when I get home I have any post-op complications, will my insurance cover me???

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

I had complications with my lapband and if your insurance doesn't cover wls they are not obligated to pay for complication from wls either. And trust me, they wont be generous or feel bad. Even in the event of life saving/reviving. I have paid nearly $100,000 in urgent care in regards to my lapband

Follow up care is different. My PCP never ever codes anything wls

[gettinsleeved 39]

no, my insurance does cover WLS but I am not using them to have it done. So, my question is for anyone that has had complications that chose to selfpay (even with insurance, that would cover it) and whether the insurance would cover complications if the original surgery was not done through insurance coverage.

[VegasgalVS 7]

I asked this question also, when I was setting up my surgery date. They offered a "piece of mind insurance" for an additional $500.00 which covers you for the first 12 months for any complications relating to the VS procedure. Of course that means going back to Mexico but it includes the airfare and hospital/hotel stay whichever is needed.

[Richard Foor 655]

As with anything involving insurance companies it will vary depending on your plan. Some policies don't cover based on not covering surgery, other policies will cover, so the only way to actually know is to ask the insurance company. If you call them they should answer your question then you will know for sure.

[gettinsleeved 39]

I'm nervous about calling them, what if they drop me because of my choice??

[bee13 44]

I called my insurance but I used the example of breast reduction surgery in mexico instead of saying WLS...the woman assured me that my insurance covers medical problems resulting from elective procedures.

[Richard Foor 655]

I don't know for sure but I kind of doubt they could drop you for having an elective surgery, seems like that would not be legal, but if you tell them you are considering having surgery and want to know whether they would cover any problems that came up afterwards, they should be able to advise you and then they won't know whether you have the surgery or not unless you tell them later.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

no, my insurance does cover WLS but I am not using them to have it done.

gettinsleeved

do you mind if i ask why you aren't going through insurance???

do you just want to avoid the hoops of insurance, and have the WLS sooner than later????

just curious

[gettinsleeved 39]

yes, don't want to wait forever and jump through never ending hoops, and I will have to pay roughly the same amount overall through my insurance as I will for self-pay in Mexico... I've done my research and am completely confident with my decision to do this... Also I have sent my insurance carrier an email asking about the post-op complications coverage, thanks for all the help guys!