Question:
I've read that some insurance companies will not insure

people who had WLS. Is that true? Has anyone been rejected by a company for medical or life insurance coverage?    — vitoria (posted on July 9, 2004)

July 9, 2004
I can't imagine why. We are at least 100 pounds thinner, no or less co morbidities, less medication and much healthier. We no longer have those "pre exsisting" conditions. I think the reason insurance companies pay for the wls, is because we end up healthier after, so that doesn't make any sense.
   — ZZ S.

July 9, 2004
Yes, I've heard many people say they've had trouble. It's OK if you're with a group policy at work, but individual life insurance or health policies present a problem. I think after a certain number a years though it's easier.
   — mom2jtx3

July 9, 2004
I just commented on a question earlier yesterday about this subject. My current insurance broker claims that as far as life insurance goes, they don't care if you are more likely to have medical needs, they are concerned as to whether you live or die altogether. I think it is much tougher to get health insurance as an individual.
   — Fixnmyself

July 9, 2004
WEll, rather than turn us down outright, they "rated" us. Based on the elevated liver enzymes so common with us. They weren't THAT high, but WLS made them nervous 7-8 yrs ago. We have not applied since because of that question, "Have you ever been turned down for life ins?" The other issue was long term care ins. I figured they'd automatically turn us down, but they came out because of our long term status. Becauswe we looked healthy (and then passed the physical), my husband got the policy we wanted. Mine, however, has an exception because of my bone density. IF I can bring the bones density up ONE MORE NOTCH, the exception will be removed and I'll have the better policy. Now, if I had not had the bone density study done, would they have made us have one and then would this info have come to light? I don't know that one. So, is it a sure thing to be accepted or denied? No.
   — vitalady

July 10, 2004
I could not get an individual health insurance policy. My family could, as long as I didn't apply also. Anthem told me their waiting period is three years. They said their research showed that most complications (hernia, etc.) happened within that time frame.
   — Dragonfly2B2