Help with Weight Loss Surgery When You Have No Insurance

The decision to have weight loss surgery can be overwhelming most especially when you do not have insurance. Finding assistance for the surgery when you have no insurance involves speaking to your surgeon or a selection of financial institutions.

Financial Planning

According to Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery, gastric bypass surgery cost ranges from $18,000 to $35,000 and gastric banding also known as Lap-Band surgery, ranges from $17,000 to $30,000. The costs vary greatly depending on the experience of the surgeon and any complications or additional assistance needed with the case. The bypass surgery cost generally includes pre-operation workups, like labs and x-rays, the anesthesia for the procedure, the hospital fees and the surgeon's fees. Post-procedure costs like fitness or dietary plans are additional. The banding procedure cost will include the pre-operation workup plus some post-operation costs such as follow-up appointments and adjustments to the band. Either procedure is costly for a person without insurance.

Unfortunately there are no free services available so the surgery will be paid for out of pocket. Finding the right plan for your financial situation is the best strategy. Speak to your physician about financing options that are readily available through the doctor's office. Many physicians are supported by and linked with financial institution so they can offer a financial plan. If your physician does not have a plan available, some independent companies offer financing to patients.

Credit Companies

The company best known for patient financing is CareCredit, a GE Money company. They offer payment plans that range from three monthly payments with no interest to 60 monthly payments with interest. For a loan of $25,000 payment options are estimated at $8,333 per payment for three months or $580 per payment for 60 months using the CareCredit online calculator. They can offer no interest for payment arrangements done within an 18-month period. The interest and terms will vary upon your credit score and the total amount of the loan.

Springstone Patient Financing offers similar options. For the same $25,000 amount a 60-month payment option would have a payment of $534 to $640. Again the final amount varies based on your personal credit.

Banks

If you are in a position in which you do not need all of the money financed, you can work with a company like Chase bank, which offers financing options for patients as well but will normally only offer up to $12,000 of financing. They will allow up to 48 months for repayment and that calculates to about $329 to $419 a month.