Posts Tagged ‘beauty’

Cosmetic Surgery – Are You Covered By Health Insurance?

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Cosmetic surgery, in its true sense, is an elective procedure that is performed to reshape or enhance body parts a patient may find unflattering. Since cosmetic surgery has an intrinsic aesthetic intent, it is usually not covered by health insurance.

The argument put forth by insurance firms is that a person can very well do without cosmetic surgery, and the procedure is used for mere beautification instead of being a life saving surgery. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery is generally covered by health insurance, though the extent of coverage may vary a lot from one case to another.

In many ways, the answer to the insurance question lies in discerning whether the plastic surgery procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive. For instance, abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck), when performed on an obese patient to guard the patient against heart problems, is eligible for health insurance.

Breast reduction surgery, when carried out with the intent of reducing weight of the breasts to curtail orthopedic pain, is typically covered by health insurance. On the other hand, breast implants or augmentations are performed with the aesthetic aspect in mind and, therefore, don’t normally qualify for an insurance.

There is a fine line dividing the two categories of plastic surgery, namely cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as far as eligibility for insurance is concerned. For instance, eyelid surgery, when performed to attain an aesthetic enhancement is considered cosmetic and ineligible for insurance.

The same procedure may be covered by insurance if the eyelids are drooping to the extent of obscuring a patient’s vision. The hard fact remains that most of the plastic surgery procedures are performed with an aesthetical intent, in order to enhance alluring portions of the body.

To summarise, plastic surgery that is performed to improve function instead of aesthetics is normally eligible for an insurance cover. However, it’s best to discuss your case with an insurance agent, in order to determine if you are eligible for an insurance cover.

You can find more Cosmetic Surgery Articles at Publish Articles

Facts About Financing Plastic Surgery

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

There are medical insurances that cover the cost of a reconstructive plastic surgery. A cosmetic plastic surgery, however, is a different story. You may have to finance a cosmetic plastic surgery yourself through a loan.

Now, there are already several options for people who can’t afford a cosmetic surgery. Before we look into those options, let’s take a look at what else you should know about financing plastic surgery.

Don’t Go for Bargains

You may be tempted to pick a surgeon who asks for less if you do not have clear options for financing plastic surgery. This is however, the worst possible mistake you could ever make. Plastic surgery costs are usually steeper if the surgeon who will conduct the procedure is already seasoned and an undisputed expert. An expensive doctor however is also more likely to be a safer option and eventually a more cost effective one. Cheap doctors may also have cheap services that may result in more financing plastic surgery problems because you would have to pay for corrective surgery on a botched up work.

Costs and Plans Vary

The extent of work to be performed, the type of procedure and the region you belong to are also some of the other factors that affect the cost of plastic surgery. Doctors and clinics will also therefore have different payments schemes or offers for financing plastic surgery. You would have to discuss this aspect as extensively as the procedure itself. Be warned that there may also be hidden costs or miscellaneous fees that you may not have asked about and may not be included in offers for financing plastic surgery.

No Plan Scheme

Some clinics and plastic surgeons don’t allow financing plastic surgery or will not allow you to present loan or installment plans. Some patients may not immediately realize it but such a policy may be as much for the patient’s advantage as it is theirs. This is because such a strict policy will ensure that a patient can truly afford the procedure and its corresponding after surgery costs.

In some cases, doctors or clinics will even ask for a complete payment before the procedure to secure the patient’s assurance. This may be potentially dangerous though especially if accidents happen.

Finance Companies and Banks

Now, there are already several finance companies and banks that provide options for financing the procedure. Individuals can now fill up forms for approval to cover cosmetic plastic surgery. Most companies will tell you that they have affordable and flexible rates but the truth is that applying for a loan may be a little more difficult than imagined especially in banks.

A loan for plastic surgery is actually unsecured by collateral. This means that a bank or company may have to meticulously investigate your credit history and report to find out if you are capable of paying. Even if you do pass an application for financing plastic surgery, some companies may have higher interest rates than others simply because it is their only security if you are suddenly unable to pay.

What are your options in financing plastic surgery? Know more about plastic surgery cost.