Will insurance cover elective procedures?

It might seem odd to lump vasectomies and liposuction together with angioplasties and cataract removal. As long as the procedure is deemed immediately medically unnecessary, regardless of the benefit, it will be classified as elective, thus releasing your insurer from an obligation to offer coverage, or greatly reducing the amount of coverage. Generally, HMO plans don't cover elective procedures. PPO plans may cover certain elective procedures, such as an angioplasty, with you paying a percentage of the bill and the co-pay. These procedures vary from plan to plan, so be sure you are aware of what is covered in your plan before scheduling a procedure with your doctor. Finally, in a fee-for-service plan, your high premiums and up-front costs are rewarded with more coverage for elective procedures. However, you should still check to be sure your elective surgery is included.

plastic surgery
plastic surgery

Photographer: Redbaron I Agency: Dreamstime.com
Most forms of plastic surgery are considered an elective procedures. There are a few exceptions, however.

There are a few key exceptions, including breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, rhinoplasty to correct severe breathing restrictions, reconstructive surgery after a severe accident and bariatric surgery if your weight is an immediate danger to your health.

Medical Tourism: A Face-lift on the Beach?
Thanks to the ever-growing popularity of elective procedures and the ever increasing costs of such procedures in the United States, the cottage industry known as medical tourism is booming. Medical tourism refers to trips in which U.S. patients travel to physicians in other countries where the costs of certain elective procedures are much cheaper. However, it's not just face-lifts these tourists are looking for. In fact, knee and hip replacements are some of the most popular types of elective surgeries in medical tourism today.

For more information on elective procedures, health insurance and related topics, check out the links on the next page.