Tip 1: Understand Your Needs and Coverage Options
A big step is a bariatric surgery; then, traveling follows. It's wise to think through the particular requirements you could have while on the road after surgery. Should a complication develop, Essential things to consider are access to specialized medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and travel interruption coverage. Where you are going and for what length of time will also determine your needs. Coverage for a brief domestic trip may differ from those for a longer foreign one. Many of the pieces mentioned above
medical tourism insurance
, which provides specific coverage for issues resulting from overseas medical treatments. Regular travel insurance usually does not cover extended hotel stays and airline change fees resulting from medical difficulties, which this kind of insurance sometimes includes. One article notes that standard travel insurance often limits coverage for pre-planned medical procedures and problems. Thus, searching for policies mainly meant for medical tourists is essential. Assume that your present health insurance will protect you overseas. Examine your policy closely, particularly the acceptable language regarding foreign coverage.
Tip 2: Shop Around and Compare Policies
According to one source, several clinics—like the Tijuana Bariatrics Center—have surgical packages, including medical tourism insurance. Although this can be a handy solution, to ensure you get the most excellent coverage for your requirements, compare their offering with other policies available on the market. Another paper lists websites like Clinic Hunter, which provides insurance comparisons for bariatric surgery, among other medical travel operations. Recall that other considerations than cost should guide decisions. Additionally, coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and insurance company reputation are essential to take into account. Search for policies providing 24/7 emergency support, mainly if you are abroad. Many studies stress that although rare, issues following bariatric surgery can arise; hence, knowing you have immediate access to aid in a foreign nation can bring great peace of mind.
Tip 3: Be Upfront About Your Surgery
Regarding travel insurance, the best policy is honesty. When seeking coverage, fully reveal your recent bariatric surgery and any accompanying medical issues. Many publications highlight the need for this. Retaining this material could invalidate your policy and cause denials of claims. One source notes that although you might not have to report the surgical operation explicitly, you must report the underlying medical condition—obesity—that resulted in the operation. Respond honestly and precisely to all medical screening questions. According to one study, certain insurance companies—including AllClear—ask particular inquiries on recent surgery throughout the quoting process. Ensure the policy unequivocally specifies that you are covered for difficulties, primarily from your bariatric operation; some policies may prohibit coverage for complications connected to pre-existing conditions.
Tip 4: Consider Specialist Travel Insurance Providers
Many stories point to specialized companies offering travel insurance following surgery. All Clear, for example, notes providing estimates for customers who have had surgery and may find coverage elsewhere challenging. Another mentioned is Medical Travel Shield, which provides customized coverage for those heading overseas for elective surgery, including bariatric operations. Benefits, including coverage for extended stays resulting from medical issues, medical evacuation, and travel cancellation resulting from surgical dates, abound in this specific insurance. They know the particular requirements and hazards connected with flying following surgery.
Tip 5: Factor in All Travel-Related Costs
Although reasonably priced travel insurance is crucial, consider all your travel-related costs following bariatric surgery. One piece especially notes factoring in travel, lodging for any companions, and possible aftercare assistance expenses upon your return—all of which can rapidly add up. While some medical tourism packages lack accommodation and transportation, others do. Check the fine print, too. It also emphasizes the need for meal budgets since a balanced diet is vital following bariatric surgery. Think about reserving lodging with kitchens so you may cook your snacks and meals. This can also guarantee that you follow your post-operative dietary recommendations and aid in managing expenses. Another piece advises carrying your high-protein munchies to stave off airport temptations. Not miss essential supplies like compression stockings for flights, which various papers advise to lower the risk of blood clots following surgery. At last, investigate your location to find appropriate dining options and medical facilities available.
Provider/Resource | Coverage Specifics | Cost | Eligibility/Requirements | Additional Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
AllClear | Emergency medical expenses up to £10m-£Unlimited, Cancellation up to £2k-£25k, Travel Delay up to £300-£1.5k, Personal Belongings up to £2k-£5k, Personal Liability up to £2m, Legal Protection up to £50k-£100k. Waiting list cover available on some policies. | Dependent on policy and individual circumstances. | Must be declared fit-to-travel by a doctor. Declare medical condition requiring surgery, not surgery itself. | 24-hour emergency assistance, multilingual support. Won't cover travel for the purpose of receiving medical treatment abroad. Covers loss of medication up to £300 on Gold/Gold Plus policies. |
JS Travel Insurance (partnered with Staysure) | Cancellation/Curtailment: £2,000-£5,000. Medical Expenses/Repatriation: £10,000,000. Personal Liability: £2,000,000 (Gold/Platinum). Personal Possessions: £2,000-£3,000 (Gold/Platinum). Personal Money: £400 (Gold/Platinum). Delayed Departure: £100 (Gold/Platinum). Missed Departure: £500 (Gold/Platinum). Legal Expenses: £25,000 (Gold/Platinum). Scheduled Airline Failure: £1,500. Overseas Return Quarantine: Included. Medical Excess: £0-£500. Standard Excess: £0-£100. | Dependent on policy (Silver, Gold, Platinum). | Declare Gastric Bypass even if controlled. Wait 6-8 weeks post-surgery before travel. Check airline policies. | Specific cover for Gastric Bypass. Provides advice for travelling after Gastric Bypass. |
Medical Travel Shield | Covers complications from planned elective procedures (including bariatric) up to £2m. Costs towards extended stay due to medical reasons. Costs towards return trip for complications within 12 months. Standard travel insurance inclusions. | Dependent on treatment and trip length. Contact Medical Travel Shield for a quote. | UK Residents. Covers specific elective procedures (including bariatric), but excludes oncology, cardiac, transplants, stem cell treatments. | Specialized for elective surgery abroad. Covers Thailand, Lithuania, Turkey, and more. |
Clinic Hunter (Partnered with Medical Travel Shield) | Life-threatening complications (related to planned surgery): £2,000,000. Medical transport, repatriation, 3rd party liability: £1,000,000. Refunds/Deposits: up to £5,000. Global medical coverage (some exclusions). Extended trip: £1,500. Return trips: £2,000. Companion coverage available. | Dependent on treatment and trip length. | UK Residents. Companions must not be undergoing a procedure. | Specific cover for cosmetic, dental, elective (including bariatric), and IVF treatment abroad. Some countries excluded. |
Tijuana Bariatric Center | Covers complications after bariatric surgery (up to 45 days post-op), diagnostic tests, treatment, readmission, extended hotel stays, airline change fees. | Included in surgery packages. | Patients of Dr. Fernando Garcia. Restrictions apply. | Only provider in Mexico including this insurance with procedures. Offered through Global Protective Solutions. |
Mexico Bariatric Center (through Global Protective Solutions) | Principal Sum up to $25,000. Travel companion coverage. Accidental death & dismemberment. Medical expenses. Disability. Additional medical/surgical treatment. Travel/meal/accommodation expenses. Family coordination. Emergency evacuation. Repatriation of remains. Residence modification. | $200-$500 depending on plan and term. | Patients undergoing medical tourism. Not available for patients over 70. | Specifically designed for medical tourism complications. Discounted rates for MBC patients. |
General Tips (from various sources) | Look for policies covering medical evacuation, repatriation, complications related to surgery, trip cancellations/interruptions due to medical reasons. Consider medical tourism insurance. Some standard travel insurance policies may not cover medical tourism. Medicare Australia is unlikely to cover overseas medical treatment, and private health insurance may also not. | Variable. | Variable, check policy details. Fit-to-fly. | Check with insurance provider about specific requirements for bariatric surgery coverage. Declare all pre-existing conditions. Ensure adequate coverage for potential complications and extended stays. Consider reciprocal healthcare agreements. |