Question:
Can you get approved for WLS with a temporary policy?

I have had Kaiser for the last two years through my employer and cannot switch to BC/BS PPO until March. With no lapse in coverage, I was told that I could get the pre-existing conditions waiting period waived. I want to purchase a temporary policy effective now (Jan) through March so that I can begin my consultations, testing and so forth. Will I be able to get approved before March or should I just wait it out? I want to begin my new life as soon as possible. And if it's not possible, what can I do to make the interim a little more bearable?    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 3, 2002)

January 3, 2002
Temporary policies typically have a 5 year pre-existing exclusion and anything related to WLS. The policies are used in case of a sudden, unexpected type of accident or illness. I would NOT advise getting a temporary policy for testing and such. It probably wont be covered.
   — Patty H.

January 3, 2002
I would not go without insurance for any amount of time--if it's the choice between having insurance and not having insurance, get the insurance. It won't help you regarding surgery, though. I've had short-term insirance several times and still had to pay out of pocket for most services as the deductibles are quite high and they don't cover much. I had mine because my husband and I were traveling to Europe and needed the insurance in case we were in some major accident of developed some weird illness! Good luck! March really isn't that far away--I switched to AETNA in July but couldn't get in to see my surgeon until the end of October, after my sleep study and various appointments I'm still waiting for a surgery date.
   — jenn2002