Hello

I'm new here and just after some advice re out of pocket costs with PHI (And which PHI did you use?)

I have been scouring forums since recently deciding to finally apply for Private Health Insurance in preparation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Brisbane after a couple years of consultations with a couple surgeons (but always ended up shying away from the surgery)

Basically, I have gotten a couple quotes from PHI (Medibank, BUPA, IHM, Westfund etc) and they all tend to state that out of pocket expenses with top cover would be under 5k... but reading a few posts from you guys on this forum, most have out of pocket expenses between 8-12k???

So for those who have had the sleeve done, I ask you:

* What PHI company did you go with?

* What were your monthly fees (and did you get hospital + extras or just hospital?)

* What ended up being your FULL out of pocket expense for the sleeve?

Thank you so much.

Medibank with full hospital cover would cost you under 5000 with Phil lockie at north west private. But phone the insurance to check you will be fully covered. They have assured me that I am. Exciting for you, best of luck [emoji4]

Hello
I'm new here and just after some advice re out of pocket costs with PHI (And which PHI did you use?)
I have been scouring forums since recently deciding to finally apply for Private Health Insurance in preparation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Brisbane after a couple years of consultations with a couple surgeons (but always ended up shying away from the surgery)
Basically, I have gotten a couple quotes from PHI (Medibank, BUPA, IHM, Westfund etc) and they all tend to state that out of pocket expenses with top cover would be under 5k... but reading a few posts from you guys on this forum, most have out of pocket expenses between 8-12k???
So for those who have had the sleeve done, I ask you:
* What PHI company did you go with?
* What were your monthly fees (and did you get hospital + extras or just hospital?)
* What ended up being your FULL out of pocket expense for the sleeve?
Thank you so much.

Oh and also other expenses 2 x psychologists $240 but $73 back each time from Medibank, dietitian $140 and $43 back. Endoscopy anaesthetist $175 - haven’t claimed back yet but might get something.... then I think you have a few more of the dietitian ones and maybe a psyc at 6 weeks then every 3 months after. The actual cost of the op is $5000. But there will be a rebate on that too I think! But not totally sure... anyway this gives you an idea.... oh and barium swallow was $180 I think which already included the Medicare rebate [emoji4]

It will all depend on how much your surgeon charges, each surgeon if different.

My costs were $3000 out of pocket plus my $250 excess. The surgeon fee's are separate from the hospital cover which your health insurance pays for.

Good luck

Hello

I'm due to be sleeved on the 27th of November...eek... so can't quote actuals but:

Company: Peoplecare

Level of Cover: Mid Hospital and Premium Extras

Excess: $500

Cost: $44.99 per week after the rebate and I am 26 years old.

My Surgeon (Dr James Chau in NSW) doesn't have a gap but charges a fee which is not covered by PHI of $3500, this includes all the dietician fees and follow ups and consultations etc.

There is also the anaesthetist fee which is about $1600 and not sure if there is any Medicare rebate on that.

I have also spent money on other things like the optifast shakes, vitamins, a fitbit, scales and a food processor...so there are other costs that I'm out of pocket for, some necessary, some not.

Hope this helps