Looking for weight loss surgery that’s affordable can be tricky. Not every health insurance plan covers it. If you’re looking for options, the good news is that there are some ways to work around this.
Weight loss surgery can be life-changing. With it, you may reduce your medical costs in the future. Some people extend their lives. No matter your goals, if your doctor is on board, consider a few ways to lower your costs. Renew Bariatrics, a bariatric surgery practice in Mexico, presents tips and strategies to help you afford bariatric surgery.
Self-Pay Bariatric Surgery – Without Insurance
Self-pay is one way around the no-insurance weight loss problem. With self-pay, you pay for the costs out of your pocket. Some US bariatric centers offer these services. In fact, most surgical centers that offer this type of service will allow you to obtain the surgery without insurance.
Keep in mind that you will need to pay for the costs upfront. You will also find a vast difference in terms of costs. Some locations are two or three times as much as others. Factors like location and procedure make the biggest difference in what you’ll pay.
Medical Tourism – Mexico Bariatric Centers
An alternative option is to head to Mexico. Numerous Mexico bariatric centers exist right across the border, including in areas such as Tijuana. These locations offer virtually the same type and level of service as in the U.S. Many have U.S.-trained (and in some cases licensed) providers. The medical facilities are modern, too.
The difference is they do not rely on insurance. This drops the cost considerably. You get the same types of care for less. Bariatric self-pay options in Mexico are typically half the cost of those in the U.S.
Discounts and Tips
How can you spend the least on weight loss surgery? Consider a few tips that could make a difference in your situation:
Cash Discounts Exist for Certain Bariatric Centers
In the U.S., some bariatric centers will charge cash-paying patients less. There is less bureaucracy involved and a more straightforward payment arrangement. Look for those locations that offer discounts for cash payments for bariatric surgery.
The tip to remember here is that many locations will offer these discounts. Ask for them. Even if they are not advertised, ask if a cash payment reduction in cost is available.
Use Tax Refunds as Payments
If you’re getting a tax refund this year, apply the value to your weight loss procedure. That’s a great way to cover more of the cost over time.
Use HSA or FSA Accounts
As long as you go to a U.S. certified doctor and a recognized hospital for care, you can use your HSA and FSA tax-advantaged accounts to cover your costs for weight loss surgery. This could help you get a tax break for the care you desire.
Consider Your Tax Deduction for Medical Expenses
If you itemize your taxes each year, your weight loss surgery costs could be a medical deduction. Speak to your tax professional.
Here is our guides to bariatric surgery taxes for patients from the US. Here is our guide to bariatric surgery taxes for patients from Canada.
Learn more tax benefits of bariatric surgery:
Careful of Hidden Costs with Self-Pay
Before you get started, make sure you learn all of the costs related to the procedure. Ask for a written contract that outlines all fees before you move forward. If the location does not disclose costs, that could be a concern for you on self-pay.
Considering Affordable Bariatric Surgery Options in Mexico? Affordable care without compromise is possible with Renew Bariatrics in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. As a low cost provider of bariatric surgery, Renew Bariatrics aims to provide a comparable bariatric surgery product equal to that of what you would receive at home. Contact our surgical team today to see if you qualify or call 844-736-3963 now.
