How much will weight loss surgery cost?

The cost of surgery depends on a number of factors including the type of surgery, surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, the hospital where the procedure is done and any medications that might be prescribed for you after surgery. For example, on average gastric band surgery ranges from approximately $10,000 to $14,000. Unfortunately gastric band surgery is not covered by Medicare.

If you have private health insurance you will be covered for gastric band surgery but you may have some out of pocket costs. Obesity is considered a pre-existing condition by private health funds so there is generally a 12-month waiting period between joining a fund and being able to have gastric band surgery. Contact your private health fund for more information and quote item number 30511.

Contact your surgeon for detailed information on out of pocket expenses associated with gastric band surgery and other weight loss surgery procedures (eg. sleeve gastrectomy).

Can I access my superannuation to pay for weight loss surgery?

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) can only approve an early release of superannuation benefits on ‘specified compassionate grounds’. One of these grounds refers to Medical Treatment.

Accessing your superannuation may be available to help pay for medical costs where medical treatment is necessary to treat a life threatening illness or injury, or to alleviate acute or chronic pain, and where such treatment is not readily available through the public health system.

Please contact APRA on 1300 13 10 60 for further information or visit www.apra.gov.au