Does Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck?

Knowing how you are going to pay for any cosmetic surgery is an important part of the process, worthy of careful consideration. A tummy tuck is no different, and being as informed as possible about your options is a positive first step.

To help you come to your decision, this article will help you understand the role that insurance can play in helping fund your tummy tuck.

Medical vs. Cosmetic Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck procedure can have medical motivations, aesthetic ones, or a combination of both. Whether your surgery is considered aesthetically or medically motivated can have implications for potential insurance coverage. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to choose between a panniculectomy or a tummy tuck.

A panniculectomy is a surgery focused mainly on removing unnecessary skin. This is considered a more functional procedure used after significant weight loss, or after pregnancy. The surgery removes excess tissue in the lower abdomen, thereby reducing sagging.

Tummy tucks focus on the same excess tissue, but can also repair the stomach muscles. The muscles in the abdomen may be damaged by pregnancy or extreme weight loss, so your surgeon will bring them back together, tightening up your core.

Types of Insurance

Different insurance companies may have different criteria for covering the cost of a tummy tuck. This is also true of the National Health Service (NHS), so it is vital to have a clear picture of the options available to you before choosing where to undergo a tummy tuck.

Can I Get a Tummy Tuck on the NHS?

A tummy tuck  is generally considered a cosmetic surgery, and, as such, is not a necessary procedure. For this reason, tummy tucks of any kind are not usually covered by the NHS.

Does BUPA Cover Tummy Tucks?

BUPA often make decisions about their coverage in very similar ways to the NHS, so it is unlikely that they will cover the cost of a tummy tuck as they will consider it a purely cosmetic surgery.

However, there are some circumstances in which they may consider covering the operation. It may be worth consulting with BUPA before making a decision about how to pay for your tummy tuck.

Does Vitality Cover Tummy Tuck?

Much like BUPA, Vitality health insurance will only cover cosmetic surgeries in certain, very specific circumstances. 

Their ‘Lifestyle Surgery’ benefit covers some cosmetic surgeries which are considered clinically necessary, but a tummy tuck does not fall under this category.

How to Finance a Tummy Tuck

The effects of a tummy tuck surgery can be life changing, but the financial cost it incurs can sometimes be challenging. 

If your surgery is not available via the NHS or insurance, it may be necessary to seek alternative sources of funds.

Tummy Tuck Loans

Some tummy tuck candidates may see fit to cover the costs of their surgery by using a loan. 

Different loan providers offer varying rates of interest and repayment schemes, so make sure to be as informed as possible about the conditions of your loan before accepting them.

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

For many people, a tummy tuck surgery can bring a dramatic boost to the quality of life as it addresses both physical and aesthetic concerns. 

A tummy tuck is an extremely effective way to remove troublesome fat deposits that are unlikely to be lost through exercise, as well as enhancing the overall look of your stomach by tightening sagging skin.

However, deciding to undergo a tummy tuck is a deeply personal decision, so it is understandable that you would want to carefully consider the pros and cons of a tummy tuck during the planning stages.

The decision-making process is best done in collaboration with an experienced surgeon, who will be able to give you a clear sense of the best path for you. 

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

If you want to get a clearer picture of how a tummy tuck will work for you, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s specialist tummy tuck surgeon. 

Dr. Tillo will use his vast experience in the field, working with you to create a bespoke treatment plan that pays careful attention to your individual needs. This can be the beginning of your journey to a flatter, more aesthetically pleasing stomach, helping you feel more confident in your body and more comfortable in the skin you live in.