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If you’ve considered weight loss surgery in the past and been put off by high or unclear pricing, you’re not alone. In 2023, Australia recorded 15,985 primary bariatric surgeries, a decision that yielded life changing results for many.
However, despite the potential benefits, bariatric surgery remains under-utilised: only an estimated 1% of clinically eligible people actually undergo surgery.
As a leading weight loss clinic, Healthy Weight Australia understands weight loss surgery costs can be a significant factor in your decision-making.
This is one of the reasons that we feel so strongly about transparency when it comes to the weight loss surgery costs Australia.
In this article, we’ll break down the cost of weight loss surgery, what’s included, and what you can expect from insurance and payment plans.
What is weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is an umbrella term that can refer to procedures like a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve (laparoscopic sleeve) but is also sometimes used when talking about keyhole procedures like a gastric sleeve.
Weight loss surgery means just that— surgery that aids long term weight loss.
There are a number of different kinds, which may or may not be suitable depending on factors like your BMI, other health concerns, and your goals.
All weight loss surgery is a financial commitment with big payoffs for your health and wellbeing, but the prices will vary depending on what procedure you need.
How much does weight loss surgery cost Australia?
Below is a look at the average cost of weight loss surgery across a number of procedures :
| Type of Surgery / Scenario | With Private Health Insurance (Out-of-Pocket / “Gap”) |
Without Private Health Insurance (Out-of-pocket after Medicare rebates) |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve (general range) |
$3,990 – $7,000 | $14,999 – $19,500 |
| Gastric band / Lap-band surgery | $3,000 – $6,000 for the surgery itself (not including hospital or other fees) | $12,000 – $16,000 |
| Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y / alternative bariatric surgery) |
$3,990 – $7,000 | $17,500 – $25,000 |
What’s included in the cost of weight loss surgery Australia?
This might vary from clinic to clinic, but Healthy Weight Australia aims to provide a comprehensive package, covering :
- Two nights stay in a private hospital
- Anaesthetist and surgeon fees
- 3 appointments with a bariatric surgeon
- 7 allied health appointments
- 5 nurse practitioner appointments
- Digital smart scale and app for remote monitoring
- Members portal access
This ensures that our patients are given the guidance and support they need for 12 months following their surgery.
Financing options for weight loss surgery
If weight loss surgery seems like a big financial jump, then the options available through Healthy Weight Australia can make it more manageable.
Here is a brief overview of your financing options :
| Financing/Payment Option | What this means |
|---|---|
| Medical financing | Medical loans help to spread the cost of surgery over time easing the burden of upfront costs. We recommend Pantheon Financial Services.
They offer a hassle-free application process and a range of financing options, allowing you to concentrate on your program goals instead of worrying about medical expenses. |
| Early release of superannuation | Some patients may be eligible for early release of superannuation to fund part (or all) of the surgery and associated costs, which may ease the burden of up-front payment. |
| Private health insurance | If you have private health insurance you may be covered for hospital and surgery costs, which will significantly reduce your total costs.
Check with your fund if you are covered for bariatric procedures. |
Does private health insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Depending on the kind of surgery and other health factors, Medicare may provide a partial rebate for a portion of your fees, but that still leaves the lion’s share of the bill. So, can private health insurance help?
Private health insurance can cover weight-loss surgery, but only if you hold the right level of hospital cover.
Most bariatric procedures fall under Gold-tier policies, and if you’re insured at that level with an appropriate waiting period served, your insurer may cover a significant portion of hospital and theatre fees.
Ready to start your weight loss journey?
Whether you want to know more about weight loss surgery options cost, or want to discuss your non-surgical paths to sustainable weight loss, Healthy Weight Australia can help.
From popular options like the gastric sleeve, to the Allurion balloon, and the endoscopic sleeve, we have a solution for every individual.
If you’re ready to start the next chapter of your life, contact us today at Healthy Weight Australia.
