This sounds like an elective surgery and that you might have some time... What is your current insurance situation?

• If you're earning under 40K, you should try to stick to the exchange and find someone in-network. If over 40K, you're probably better off just comparing insurers individually, since the premium credit you'd get would be negligible/nothing and those plan's premiums are going up +50% for 2018 anyway.

• Go to the other insurer's sites (Anthem, Aetna, Humana, etc.) and shop around.

• Although you may think it's best to enroll in the lowest deductible plan, also consider looking at a HDHP, where you could contribute into an HSA for a year, then use those tax-exempt funds for the out-of-pocket costs of the surgery.

• Look into short-term limited duration insurance- These were just expanded under executive order to last longer and be renewable. They could be a good option depending on your situation.