Will insurance pay for belly fat removal?

Asked by: Mrs. Laura Ebert Jr.  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (40 votes)

A tummy tuck is the most effective way to remove fat and extra skin from your abdomen – whether you've recently lost a lot of weight, had a baby, or just want a flatter stomach. However, insurance companies view tummy tucks as elective surgeries that are not medically necessary, and therefore almost never cover them.

What reasons will insurance cover tummy tuck?

Usually, tummy tucks are viewed by insurance plans as being a cosmetic procedure. Sometimes if the patient has severe separation of the rectus abdominis muscles resulting in rectus diastasis, ventral hernia, and excess abdominal skin and fat, the tummy tuck procedure may be covered by insurance.

What is the average cost to remove belly fat?

Cost: Liposuction: Between $4,000 to $8,000 ~ average costs $6,000. (Learn more about liposuction pricing.) Tummy Tuck: Between$6,000 to $$10,000 ~average cost $8,000.

What makes a tummy tuck medically necessary?

What makes your tummy tuck medically necessary? (covered by insurance) 5 things.
  • Treatment of back pain
  • Repairing abdominal wall laxity or diastasis recti
  • improving appearance
  • Treating psychological symptoms.

How to get insurance to cover fat removal?

To get insurance coverage for liposuction, patients need proper documentation for plastic surgery. A doctor must provide evidence that the procedure, such as plastic surgery, is necessary for health reasons. The documentation should include: A detailed medical history.

Will insurance pay for a tummy tuck?

16 related questions found

How to get a free tummy tuck surgery?

Here are some of the ways to potentially qualify for a free or subsidized tummy tuck: Medical Necessity: If excess abdominal skin causes medical problems like rashes, infections, or back pain, a tummy tuck may be deemed medically necessary. In such cases, your health insurance might cover the procedure.

How much is Sonobello without insurance?

For example, Liposuction can range anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, with an average of $3,600 per treatment area. The average cost of CoolSculpting is $3,200 per treatment area. Sono Bello can range anywhere from $2,500 to $4,500.

What disqualifies you for a tummy tuck?

What other factors might delay my tummy tuck?
  • Preexisting health issues.
  • Currently smoking or using tobacco products.
  • Obese or overweight.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30.
  • Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications.
  • Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.

Is Sono Bello covered by insurance?

Does health insurance cover Sono Bello? Sono Bello procedures are elective, so they are not covered by insurance, but we do have several finance plans making our body transformations achievable on practically any budget.

What is the surgery for belly overhang?

Definition. Panniculectomy is a surgery done to remove stretched out, excess fat and overhanging skin from your abdomen. This can occur after a person undergoes massive weight loss. The skin may hang down and cover your thighs and genitals.

How do you realistically get rid of belly fat?

Here's how to whittle down where it matters most.
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

At what age should you not have a tummy tuck?

Strengthening the abdominal wall also helps improve comfort and balance, and can help ensure ideal posture as you age. This is just as important for people in their 20s as people 50 and older, making tummy tuck a suitable treatment for ideal candidates of all ages.

How to afford a tummy tuck?

8 Financing Options for Plastic Surgery
  1. Your Surgeon's Payment Plan. These plans can include low monthly payment options and extended payment options, making them appealing. ...
  2. Personal Credit Cards. ...
  3. Medical Credit Cards. ...
  4. Personal Loans. ...
  5. Home Equity Loan (HELOC) ...
  6. Family Loans/Gifts. ...
  7. Retirement Account/401(k) Loans. ...
  8. Savings.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

Based on a scale of 1 to 10, it is common for patients to rate the pain at around 6-7 during the initial few days to a week, gradually decreasing to approximately 3-4 by the second week. It is important to note that pain levels can differ for each person.

Is a mommy makeover covered by insurance?

Mommy Makeovers are considered elective cosmetic surgeries, and insurance providers typically do not cover the costs. Insurance companies usually only cover treatments deemed medically necessary for health issues or injuries.

Which is cheaper Sono Bello or CoolSculpting?

The final prices for both Sono Bello and CoolSculpting depend on factors such as the provider's expertise, location, and the treatment areas chosen. Sono Bello liposuction typically costs more than CoolSculpting for the same area. Remember, price shouldn't be the sole factor in your decision.

How to get lipo for free?

Qualifying for No-Cost Procedures

For instance, some organizations provide free liposuction to domestic violence victims as part of their recovery process. These programs aim to help individuals regain confidence and start anew. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria set by these organizations.

Is CoolSculpting covered by insurance?

No. CoolSculpting is classified as a cosmetic treatment, and health insurance companies do not cover it. However, one of the benefits of CoolSculpting is that there are often specials and discounts for CoolSculpting that occur periodically.

How to get a tummy tuck approved by insurance?

To get insurance to cover a tummy tuck, you need to prove it's medically necessary. This involves meeting specific insurance criteria: Documentation: Comprehensive medical records, including physician notes and photos. Medical history: Evidence of chronic conditions or symptoms that impact daily life.

What no one tells you about a tummy tuck?

One thing that patients often fail to consider is the recovery time. The recovery period following a tummy tuck procedure can last anywhere from one to two weeks (or longer). Patients should keep this in mind leading up to the procedure so that they don't schedule any social gatherings too soon following the treatment.

How do you get a medically necessary tummy tuck?

To increase your chances of getting a tummy tuck covered by insurance, you'll need to meet specific requirements: Medical Necessity – your surgeon must document the medical necessity of the procedure, outlining how the excess skin or abdominal wall laxity negatively impacts your physical health and quality of life.

What is the downside to Sono Bello?

Sono Bello results may take a bit longer to manifest. Due to the more invasive nature of the laser technology, patients often experience more swelling and bruising, which can obscure the final outcome for a longer period.

Does Sono Bello have payment plans?

Does Sono Bello offer payment plans? Yes, Sono Bello offers financing options with payment plans for patients interested in liposuction, body contouring, skin removal and any other Sono Bello procedure.