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Undergoing bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision that requires careful planning; not just for the procedure itself but for the financial investment involved. In Australia, the cost of bariatric surgery can vary widely depending on whether you have private health insurance or are paying out of pocket for hospital costs.
We’ve outlined the key factors to consider when budgeting for bariatric surgery, from understanding insurance coverage to managing additional expenses. With the right preparation, you can make informed decisions and focus on achieving your health goals.
Costs Before Bariatric Surgery
Your first consultation with a bariatric specialist will incur a fee, which varies depending on the doctor you choose. This fee has a Medicare rebate for eligible patients, which offsets the cost. Before surgery, you may also require pre-operative assessments such as blood tests or imaging, which may not be fully covered by Medicare.Â
Bariatric Surgery – With Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance it can significantly reduce your hospital charges, but there are other considerations:
Waiting Periods: Private health insurers require a 12-month waiting period for bariatric surgery coverage. Before booking your surgery, make sure you are eligible (see below). If you are still waiting for your cover to become available for bariatric surgery, you can download our free eBook ‘12 Month Pre-Surgery Guide’.Â
Coverage for Procedure: Not all procedures, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, may be covered under your policy. Confirm your coverage details with your provider using the correct procedure number (below).
Sleeve Gastrectomy – 31575Â
Gastric Bypass – 31572Â
Gastric Band – 31569
Excess Payments: Check your policy for any hospital excess fees or co-payments you may need to pay upfront.
Gaps in Coverage: Out-of-pocket expenses such as anaesthetist or assistant fees that are not covered by your insurer.
Although post-operative care such as follow-up appointments and Dietitian consults are included in the clinic fee at our practice, there are other things to consider when budgeting for bariatric surgery. All bariatric surgery requires a short hospital day of approx. 2 – 3 days with a subsequent recovery period of around 2 weeks (for most people). It is important to budget for time off work during this period. If you live in a remote or regional area, it’s also important to factor in travel expenses when you are budgeting for bariatric surgery.Â
Multivitamins After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery changes your digestion and limits the amount of food consumed at a mealtime therefore limiting the nutrients your body can absorb. Studies undertaken on patients who have had Bariatric surgery indicate that as many as 15% will end up with neurological (nervous system) disorders if they don’t take supplementary vitamins. As a result, it is important to take multivitamins daily for the rest of your life to protect you from long-term deficiencies. Therefore budgeting for lifelong multivitamins is an important factor to consider.Â
Long-term Value of Bariatric Surgery
Although bariatric surgery can seem expensive, consider the long-term savings on medical costs associated with obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or joint issues. The improvements in quality of life and overall health of a person following weight loss after bariatric surgery are invaluable.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery and want to learn more about what to expect, reach out to our clinic to make an appointment.Â
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