If you need Bariatric Surgery, waiting for diagnosis and treatment can be stressful. This guide explains the conditions that commonly lead to it and how private medical insurance can help you get seen and treated sooner.
What conditions lead to Bariatric Surgery?
Morbid Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes
Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity (BMI over 40, or BMI over 35 with significant comorbidities). Procedures including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric band surgery cause sustained weight loss that resolves type 2 diabetes in over 80% of patients, dramatically reducing cardiovascular risk, sleep apnoea, joint disease, and cancer risk. The NHS waiting list is among the longest of any surgical specialty.
How private health insurance can help with Bariatric Surgery
Private health insurance (where it includes bariatric cover) funds specialist bariatric consultation, pre-operative dietary and psychological assessment, the surgery and hospital stay, and post-operative dietetic support – treating obesity at its root rather than waiting two years on the NHS.
Depending on your policy, cover can include:
- Faster access to a specialist consultant
- Diagnostic scans such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray
- A choice of consultant and private hospital from your insurer's list
- Surgery, hospital stay and, where included, post-treatment physiotherapy or rehabilitation
Cover, limits and exclusions vary between insurers and plans. Most policies don't cover pre-existing or chronic conditions, and you'll usually need a GP referral before claiming. Always check what your policy covers before starting treatment.
How it works
- Get a quote – tell us about yourself and what you want covered, using the form on this page.
- Compare policies – an adviser compares plans from leading UK insurers and recommends suitable options.
- Get covered – choose your plan and start cover once your insurer confirms it. Claims are then made through your insurer.
Want to know more? Read our guides to individual health insurance and family health insurance.
