Paying Privately or with Private Health Insurance
If you choose to avoid public waitlists, you can fund your surgery yourself or via private health insurance. This pathway lets you schedule your operation sooner and select from a wider range of hospitals and surgeons. The information on this page helps you understand the typical costs and how to obtain informed financial consent.
Typical fee components
- Surgeon's fee – varies based on procedure complexity and the surgeon’s experience.
- Anaesthetist's fee – often billed separately; ask if they charge a gap.
- Assistant surgeon fee – may apply for more complex operations.
- Hospital and theatre fees – covers the facility, prosthesis and other consumables.
You should request an itemised estimate from each provider (surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant and hospital) and ask your health insurer about what they cover. This process is known as Informed Financial Consent (IFC) and gives you clarity on any gap payments before proceeding.
Questions to ask providers
- What is the expected total cost and what will my insurer pay?
- Will there be any gap or out‑of‑pocket fees?
- What exactly is included in your quote (surgeon, anaesthesia, prosthesis, aftercare)?
- How long is the waiting time and recovery period?
Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not replace professional medical or financial advice. Always obtain written estimates and consult your health fund before making a decision.