I spent $4,000 on a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift). Three weeks later, I had an infection and fat necrosis. My surgeon ghosted me. I went to the ER, and my health insurance denied the $20,000 claim because it was a “complication of an elective cosmetic procedure.” I was left physically scarred and financially ruined.
Key Takeaways
- Health Insurance Excludes “Cosmetic”: Standard health insurance (ACA) does not pay for elective surgery OR the complications arising from it, unless it becomes a life-threatening emergency (sepsis).
- Surgeon’s Malpractice is Hard to Trigger: You have to prove negligence, not just a bad result. If you signed a consent form listing “infection” as a risk, their insurance won’t pay.
- CosmetAssure: This is a specific insurance product you (or your surgeon) can buy that covers medical bills for complications (infection, DVT) for 45 days post-op.
- Revision Policy: Always ask the surgeon for their written “Revision Policy.” Do they do touch-ups for free? Do you pay for anesthesia? Get it in writing.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Elective Procedure” Exclusion
Health insurance covers “medically necessary” care. A BBL, fillers, or breast augmentation are “elective.”
Most policies have a clause: “We do not cover services related to or resulting from cosmetic surgery.”
This means if you get a filler embolism (blindness risk), the emergency treatment might be covered if it’s life-threatening, but the corrective surgery to fix the deformity will be denied.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I looked for how to protect your body investments.
1. CosmetAssure
- The Product: Specific insurance for complications.
- The Catch: It must be purchased by the surgeon (Board Certified only). You cannot buy it as a patient.
- The Lesson: Only choose surgeons who offer CosmetAssure coverage. It shows they are insurable and safety-conscious.
2. Aflac / Hospital Indemnity
- The Product: Pays cash if you are hospitalized.
- The Verdict: Some older policies pay out even for elective complications, but newer ones often exclude cosmetic surgery recovery. Read the fine print carefully.
3. Corrective Surgery Insurance (Blink / Niche)
- The Product: Emerging market for “Botched” insurance.
- The Reality: Very rare and often scammy. The best insurance is a good surgeon and a savings account.
Comparison Table: Surgery Risks
| Scenario | Standard Health Ins. | CosmetAssure | Malpractice Lawsuit |
| Infection (ER Visit) | Maybe (Life Threat) | Covered (up to limit) | No |
| Bad Aesthetic Result | Denied | Denied | Hard to win |
| Surgeon Error | Denied | Denied | Covered (Years later) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Ask: “Do you participate in CosmetAssure?” If the surgeon says no, ask why. It is a red flag.
- Budget for Complications: Set aside 20% of the surgery cost in a “Revision Fund.” If the BBL is $10k, save $12k.
- Check Your Health Plan’s “Complications” Clause: Call your insurer before surgery. Ask: “If I get an infection from elective surgery, is the ER visit covered?” Record the call.
- Don’t Go Overseas (Without Cash): “Medical Tourism” insurance exists, but if you go to Turkey or Colombia, US malpractice laws don’t apply, and US health insurance definitely won’t touch the complications.
FAQ
Q: Does filler blindness count as an emergency?
A: Yes. Go to the ER immediately. That is a “stroke-like” event and health insurance should cover the emergency stabilization.
Q: Can I buy insurance for my implants popping?
A: The implant manufacturer (e.g., Allergan) usually offers a warranty that pays for the replacement implant and some surgical costs. Register your warranty!
[IMAGE: A graphic showing the CosmetAssure logo and a list of covered complications: DVT, Infection, Hematoma.]