The cost of gastric bypass

introduction

For some people, gastric bypass is the last option against being overweight.
However, since the operation is a major procedure, the cost is high. There are cheaper offers abroad. In addition, gastric bypass is associated with extensive aftercare. The assumption of costs by the health insurance company is very time-consuming and is not always approved.
But what are the costs of self-assumption?

How high are the costs for those with statutory health insurance?

The costs of a gastric bypass in Germany are around 10,000 to 15,000 euros. In addition, there may be additional costs due to the stay in hospital.
For more precise information, a direct request must be made to the relevant clinic.
However, some clinics do not perform gastric bypass surgery if the costs are not covered by your health insurance. At other hospitals, the costs can be paid off in installments. In any case, it is worth asking the health insurance company first whether the costs will be covered, even if this can be very time-consuming.

As a rule, BMI of over 40 kg / m², the entire costs are usually covered by the statutory health insurance companies. However, the actual cost of an operation cannot be precisely quantified in advance. In the event of complications, the costs can be covered by the health insurance. But they often defend themselves, so that ultimately you are left with the additional costs.
Depending on the complication, this can easily be several thousand euros.

For possible complications, insurance can be taken out in advance to cover the additional costs. However, this usually costs between 1,000 and 2,000 euros, but can protect against ever increasing costs in the event of severe complications.

Find out more about the topic here: These are the risks of gastric bypass

How high are the costs for privately insured persons?

The costs for privately insured patients also amount to 10,000 to 15,000 euros for self-payment.
The conditions for the health insurance to assume the costs are in principle the same as for statutory health insurance. However, some private health insurances are more willing to pay for the operation than others. That is why it is always worthwhile to make a request to the health insurance company to cover the costs.

Even in the event of complications, it is questionable whether private health insurance will cover the follow-up costs. Here, too, it is advisable to inquire first and then, if necessary, to take out follow-up insurance.

also read: The cost of a stomach reduction

What are the costs for follow-up treatment?

The costs of follow-up treatment vary greatly from person to person. They depend on how the operation went and how the patient copes with the gastric bypass and the associated life changes after the operation.

Some people have few problems and get along very well with their diet and circumstances. While others struggle with many problems such as nausea and psychological consequences. In any case, follow-up treatment includes a check-up several months after the operation. Various blood values ​​must also be checked here.
In addition, vitamin B12 must be administered intramuscularly every four months. This vitamin can no longer be absorbed by the body after the operation. In addition, the inclusion of other vitamin preparations is recommended, which usually have to be paid for by the health insurance company itself, even if they are not covered.

Read more about the topic here: Post-gastric bypass nutrition.

How and where can I apply for cost coverage?

The cost assumption is requested from the health insurance company. The exact conditions for the assumption of costs are different for the individual health insurance companies.

As a rule, a BMI of over 40kg / m² must be available. If there is an obesity-related disease, a BMI of over 35kg / m² may be sufficient. In addition, conservative weight loss therapies, such as diet and exercise therapies, must have already been exhausted without success. All this has to be proven to the health insurance company. For this purpose, the attending physician must prepare an opinion.
In addition, the patient application with detailed information on obesity, including other illnesses, and a psychotherapeutic statement must be submitted. This statement aims to discuss factors that could have a negative impact on the success of the therapy after the operation. In addition, lifelong aftercare must be ensured.

It can take some time for the health insurance company to process the application. In the event that all points are met, the health insurance company will cover the entire cost.

Also read: The cost of a stomach reduction.

Does it make sense to go to cheaper foreign countries because of the costs?

If you only look at the cost of gastric bypass surgery, it is cheaper to go abroad. There is already a whole market here with different offers. However, it is questionable how credible and what the quality of the respective offer is.
In addition to the question of security, there are other disadvantages. Gastric bypass surgery therefore requires lifelong follow-up care, during which one is professionally accompanied during weight loss. It is important in this phase to be advised on your diet and lifestyle and to have a contact person in the event of problems or complications. Because after gastric bypass surgery, the first step has been taken, but the goal has not yet been achieved.
Another problem is that possible complications during or immediately after the operation can significantly increase costs. In the worst case, a second operation may be necessary, increasing the costs many times over. However, even in Germany, the additional costs are not always covered by the health insurance company due to complications. Finally, communication problems can lead to problems.

If you should decide to have an operation abroad despite the risks, it is advisable to obtain sufficient information about the clinic, to have reserves for unexpected complications and to have organized follow-up care.