Depending on the insurance company, it might be covered out of state...as long as that provider is participating in the network. Just for instance, say you are covered by a Blue Cross/Blue Shield policy (just to throw out a name-could be ANY) in your state. If your chosen surgeon is participating as a Blue Cross/Blue Shield provider in California, it may be covered as an In-Network visit. You would have to call the surgeon's office and ask if they accept your type of insurance.
Another way it could possibly work is if you pay upfront for your surgery and the non-participating surgeon provides what is called a Superbill that you submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement...which is usually at a lower rate, and not all companies will do so. It helps to know the language of your particular policy as far as how inclusive the coverage is, and ALWAYS call both the provider AND the insurance company to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Getting coverage for procedures performed overseas is likely NOT possible due to differing standards of care and the type of liability assumed by insurance carriers in the U.S.
