Question:
Is anyone aware of insurance for complications from self-funded surgery?

We have medical insurance, but it does not cover gastric bypass surgery. We will have to pay out of pocket. We are concerned that if serious complications result from the surgery, the bill have the potential to get into the hundreds of thousands dollar range. Has anyone found insurance that covers complications from self-funded surgery? We found that the cosmetic surgeons have something like this but know of none for bariatic surgery.    — Gayle R. (posted on January 8, 2004)

January 8, 2004
Gayle, I'm not sure if this helps but I've heard that you can obtain the insurance policies that cover hospitalizations and emergencies only and pay out of pocket per diem. I'm not quite sure how to contact a company but perhaps the hospital can help you. I was a self-pay for my surgery and was also worried about this, I didn't have any major complications at the time of surgery but did have complications that required an additional surgery to revise my original bypass and my insurance company payed for the revision!!! I guess I was one of the lucky ones :0) Best of luck. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any more questions. Denise 280/150/148 (9 months post-op RNY)
   — denisel