Insurance won't cover me at Shouldice in Canada

What company is it? Did you ask if they will reimburse you a certain percentage. Will Shouldice give you a superbill?

Thanks sm10. I'm getting a price from a local surgeon this wk. I figure I'll write my insurer (United Health Care Choice Plus COBRA PPO) a letter after that. I would imagine it to cost more in the States, but I don't know that. I'll see if UHC will bend the rules. Not sure what a "superbill" is, but I can call Shouldice & see what they can do. I spoke with a woman from there the other day & she says her billing guy might be able to get something out of UHC, but I figured getting on it now rather than later may work in my favor. Shouldice wants $8800 for the combo inguinal & umbilical hernias.

You submit this superbill to insurance and they reimburse you according to your contract. Call UHC and find out. You may have to put the money up front and then wait to get something back. Good luck. If you can afford the outlay, go there.