Question:
How soon can I apply for surgery after purchasing insurance??

I'm planning to buy a new policy with a company that I know often covers WLS. My question is how soon after purchasing the policy do I have to wait until I apply for the surgery? This will be a completely new policy, no existing policy whatsoever with this company. I know there will be a 30 day waiting period but after that how soon can I approach them on wls? Thanks for your help.    — Jennifer M. (posted on March 26, 2003)

March 26, 2003
I am not an expert but.... if you have coverage now with ANY insurance, as long as there is no lapse between them you should not have to wait at all. Unless the previous coverage is less than 12 months.I switched in feb. and have not had to wait as my previous coverage was for 2 years with no lapse. Hope this helps good luck dawna
   — Dawna B.

March 26, 2003
I started with BC/BS PPO Nov 1, 2002 and had my surgical consult Nov 17, 2002. They approved me within 2 days of getting my information. I would say ASAP...Good Luck
   — Cindi S.

March 26, 2003
If you've had no coverage at all prior to this policy then you may have that 12 month waiting period on any pre-existing conditions. I was told that as long as you've not seen a doctor within the past 12 months for something it can not be considered pre-existing. So if you've not seen your doc specifically to talk about WLS (or had it somehow mentioned in the chart) then you should be OK. I think its great you've found a private policy to cover this. In my state I had a terrible time finding a policy that would cover it and then once I did they refused to allow me access. Because of my weight alone they considered me high risk. Anyhow, congrats!
   — Shelly S.

March 26, 2003
I just switched to BCBS PPO January 1. Had my sleep study Jan. 6, my consult Jan 22 & my surgery on March 4 and I was approved!
   — jarrett318

March 27, 2003
IF you have a Pre-existing condition clause you will have to wait 12 months. I had a different surgery 3 weeks after I got my policy. It was an emergency surgery and BCBS of GA PPO denied the claim because of that clause, they told me they question any surgery in the 1st 12 months. But they eventually paid it, after a lot of BS. But with this sort of "elective" surgery they would not have made the exception. Read your policy you might be lucky enough to not have a clause. Best wishes:)!
   — Kimmie C.

March 29, 2003
I became effective on my husband's insurance on Feb.1st of this year, I had my consultation on the 19th of Feb. and they requested it that same day. I was approved just about one month later!! Surgery scheduled for May 9th! Get in there asap~!
   — Sylvia E.