Will band excluded insurance cover band induced emergency???

want2bmeagain · October 4, 2007

I have read many posts about having to get to the ER for an unfill (or trying to find someone capable enough to do an unfill!), complication, slippage, etc. during a true emergency when there is no way to get to our original surgeon fast enough.

I, like many folks, have health insurance with a complete exclusion for obesity related surgery, thus, was self pay. Does insurance cover an emergency that is due to an originally excluded procedure??? Scary thought, knowing what it costs to even walk into an ER.

I know the ulimate answer for each of us is to check with our providers, but I have learned so much by other's experiences, and wanted thoughts and advice before I call my ins. company to find the answer. I want to get your thoughts and hear your experiences on this one! It truly is something to think about.

thanks!

Alexandra · October 4, 2007

In general, any truly emergency situation will be covered by all carriers, no matter what the reason. There's just too much liability otherwise. That said, the treatment might be limited to an emergency unfill or whatever is necessary just to stabilize the situation; it's unlikely a carrier that excluded the surgery in the first place will pay for a revision surgery, even if it is necessary.