is australia self pay??? or does health care cover it? does anyone know?

My healthcare (Mediband Private) covered my lapband surgery but I did have pay $2500 extra (anaethetist, dietician, fills and an amount above the covered fee for the surgeon)

In Australia, youcan have the band for free under the public health system, if you need it and can wait your turn.

If you have private medical insurance, you can choose your doctor, hospital, date to suit you. Under the private system, there is a gap between how much the insurance will cover, and what the total cost is, which is your 'out of pocket expenses' or 'gap fees'. Typical out of pocket expenses are around $3,000 to $4,000. If the doctor says you need it, the insurance covers most of it, and you pay the gap fees. That's it.

my husband hs thinking about moving back to Australia, so i have some questions. so if i buy private insurance how long do you have to wait before you can get them to cover the lab band??? i would like to lose the wait before we move but the surgery will cost me over $16000 plus $4000 for travel, here in Canada. anything else i should know??

thanks

Andree