Overview of Reimbursement Criteria for Bariatric Surgery in 23 Countries

OBJECTIVES: Bariatric surgery is a weight loss procedure that modifies the digestive system, promoting significant and long-term weight reduction for individuals with severe obesity. It offers improvements in obesity-related health conditions and can be life-changing. The aim of this study is to examine the reimbursement criteria for bariatric surgery in specific countries.

METHODS: The method involved conducting a comprehensive review of reimbursement criteria for bariatric surgery in selected 23 countries. Relevant databases and government healthcare websites were searched to identify official reimbursement policies and guidelines. Data from each country were compared to identify commonalities and differences in reimbursement criteria. The findings provided insights into the variations in reimbursement criteria for bariatric surgery across different countries.

RESULTS: Research shows that reimbursement in countries like Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, Turkiye and the United Kingdom is possible for individuals with a BMI over 40. Bariatric surgery treatments are not reimbursed in Hungary, Nigeria, Libya, and Romania.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed significant variations in the reimbursement criteria for bariatric surgery across different countries. While many countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, Turkiye, and the United Kingdom reimburse bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI over 40, there are others like Hungary, Nigeria, Libya, and Romania where such treatments are not reimbursed. This disparity indicates a need for a more uniform approach towards bariatric surgery reimbursement criteria, taking into account its proven benefits in treating severe obesity and related health conditions. Future research could further investigate the specific conditions and requirements for reimbursement, and the effects of these policies on access to and outcomes of bariatric surgery.