Australia Insurance n Medicare

[dink007 15]

Hi Everyone.

I go for my first specialist appointment.

I'm very concerned about my out of pocket expenses when it comes to surgery and post surgery.

I'm with BUPA and have basic hospital coverage, do I need to up it?

Can anyone tell me any pitfalls they have encountered?

I'm also worried this procedure is out of my price range even though I'm thinking this is very much needed.

Love to hear from others in Australia.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

i am not from australia, but your surgeon should be able to tell you what to expect with expenses. they will need to submit to your insurance carrier a pre-authorization. from that the insurance company will tell them what they will be paying. and in turn tell you what you will be paying. good luck as you begin this. and hang in there.

[Mel7 47]

My op was not covered by Medicare. My private health insurer paid hospital fees. Medicare covers appts with specialist if you have a referral.

Cost differential for me was about 5600, but a bit of that I got back from private extras cover (psychologist). Hope that helps.

[Ditdee 12]

Ring the surgeons office and ask for the item number for the srugery then ring your health insurance and ask if you have appropriate cover. Even with very good cover my surgery cost around $6000 but we could be in different states and we are with different provate health. Also when u ring the srgeons office ask how much it will cost for the surgeons consultations and dietian etc. so seem to have this in the price but mine did not so that was extra.

It defiently is alot of money, i had to take out a loan, but chin up. Try find out exactly what it might cost before you stress to much

[dink007 15]

<p>i am not from australia, but your surgeon should be able to tell you what to expect with expenses. they will need to submit to your insurance carrier a pre-authorization. from that the insurance company will tell them what they will be paying. and in turn tell you what you will be paying. good luck as you begin this. and hang in there.</p>

Thanks Terry

[dink007 15]

My op was not covered by Medicare. My private health insurer paid hospital fees. Medicare covers appts with specialist if you have a referral.<br> Cost differential for me was about 5600, but a bit of that I got back from private extras cover (psychologist). Hope that helps.

I'm guessing my fees will be somewhere around this amount.

Thanks

[dink007 15]

Ring the surgeons office and ask for the item number for the srugery then ring your health insurance and ask if you have appropriate cover. Even with very good cover my surgery cost around $6000 but we could be in different states and we are with different provate health. Also when u ring the srgeons office ask how much it will cost for the surgeons consultations and dietian etc. so seem to have this in the price but mine did not so that was extra. <br> It defiently is alot of money, i had to take out a loan, but chin up. Try find out exactly what it might cost before you stress to much

Thanks for you reply. Definitely a lot of money.

[dink007 15]

Thanks to you all.

I'm just scared to payout a lot of money incase I blow it and mess up.

Not just my money if you know what I mean. Money taken away from family.

You would think the government would assist better with this type of thing. Saves them money in long run.

[Ditdee 12]

I agree the gov should help out more. For me it was almost like it was a last chance at a healthy life for me and my family. I guess i figured the money i was taking away from my family i could make eventually by being able to work longer when i was healthier and that my kids would prefer a healthier, happier mum and have money be tight for a while. Anyway really only you and your family can work through whats best for you. Wish you all the best!!

[dink007 15]

Hi all

Just wanted to update to my first specialist appointment.

My out of pocket expenses will be $2800

Very much affordable than what I feared.

Thanks to you all for you help.

David.