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Almost all
plastic surgery procedures are not covered by regular health insurance and that means that patients need to figure out very early on how they will pay for it. Only some
reconstructive surgery is covered by some insurance policies, and that too requires a lot of paperwork and back and forth with the insurance company and the hospital. Sometimes, the term
"elective
surgery" is also used. What it means that when a person elects to have surgery as opposed to being advised by a doctor for medical reasons. In any case, even when you are entitled, your insurance company is likely to give you a very hard time, as they do in most cases.
 The fact that you will need to pay yourself for plastic surgery is something that most people understand. There are other issues to deal with, however, if your surgery develops unexpected complications. Your health insurance premiums may increase, coverage may be dropped altogether or future coverage may be denied once the insurance company finds out.
Treatments as a result of plastic surgery complications (which might have been covered otherwise, for instance, infections or pain) may also not be covered either. Consult with your health insurance carrier about the conditions in your policy. And also discuss with your
plastic surgeon on how to deal with your insurance company, particularly when complications arise. It is no secret that American insurance provides are mean and nasty to their patients and you just have to deal with that.
However, in a reversal of policy, Medicare
now covers obesity surgery for qualified
candidates.
How to pay for plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is undoubtedly expensive, and no doctor can estimate all the costs beforehand if post-surgery complications develop, particularly if you need to be admitted to a regular hospital. Any surgeon will give you an idea though some actually even offer a package that includes all the expenses. These are some important questions to ask your plastic surgeon before your surgery. It is also important to understand who will pay for post-surgery complications and get that in writing.
So you should plan on paying for the procedure and also have a cushion for any complications. The payment option offered varies by doctor, but in most cases, you need to leave a deposit when you book the surgery, and pay the rest right before the surgery. Many people pay right out of their wallets in cash and if you can afford it, that is the best option.
Should you put it on you credit cards?
Only if you have an airline credit card and you have the money to pay the balance in full as soon as you receive your next statement (there is nothing wrong with that because you pay no interest at all and can collect the miles). We strongly recommend that you should not carry credit card debt that came from an elective surgery. Wait till you have the money to pay.
There are special loans to pay for plastic surgery and some of them are arranged by plastic surgeons or their associate companies. As with any other loan, be careful before you sign on the dotted line. Make sure you understand how much you are borrowing, what is the interest rate, and what happens if you are late in making payments. Consult with a
financial advisor to make sure that you do not commit mistakes in paying for the surgery. The sums are huge and these loaning companies know that most plastic surgery candidates are "rich," and therefore, easier to take advantage of.
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