Bariatric surgery, very much like any privately funded treatment, can become costly if you don’t have private health insurance to assist in covering costs. Obesity is considered a pre-existing condition for most patients, therefore with private health funds, you are usually required to hold your policy for between 12-24 months to be eligible for surgery.
Last year the Australian Government introduced major changes to the ways that private health insurance is presented, in order to give greater clarity around services covered. Meaning it is easier for patients to compare hospital products so they can identify the best cover for them.
It is now classified into four tiers; Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Bariatric surgery has been classified within the Gold level of health insurance cover. This means that in order to be eligible for Bariatric surgery cover through your private health insurer you will require a Gold membership.
Although the tariffs of cover have now been standardised into these four different tiers, the amount that each private health fund covers will differ between providers. If you are considering bariatric surgery and want to know the costs associated with each procedure then you can speak to your provider giving them the below item numbers, then they will be able to give you more information.
Sleeve Gastrectomy – Item No. 31575
Gastric Band – Item No. 31569
Gastric Bypass – Item No. 31572
If you would like more information on the costs associated with bariatric surgery, you can find more information on our Costs page of our website.
To make an appointment to discuss your bariatric surgery options, please make an appointment with our team today by calling (02) 9553 1120 or contact us online.
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