Health Guide

Costs of Cancer Surgery treatment

If you have private health cover and opt to be treated privately:

* You will be able to choose your surgeon.
* Waiting times for the first consultation and subsequent appointments may be shorter.
* You will have a say in where and when you want to be treated.
* A private patient is entitled to free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital.

You can claim some rebates for doctors’ services from Medicare and your insurance may cover some or all of the costs of a range of services including:


* hospital accommodation;
* doctors’ services;
* diagnostic tests;
* operating theatre fees;
* medications;
* prostheses;
* dressings;
* fees for allied health services like physiotherapy.

If the health insurance does not fully cover you for any of these services, you may still have to pay for "gaps."

If you do not have private health cover but choose to be treated privately you will be able to claim your Medicare rebate but will have to pay the balance which can amount to a lot of money.


If you are not privately insured or choose to be treated as a public patient in a public hospital:

* The costs of all your tests and treatments will be covered by Medicare.
* You may not be able to see the doctor of your choice at a public hospital and may see different doctors during your treatment. However they are all part of the same treatment team. During team meetings, your case is discussed with all the members and you will benefit from the advice of several specialists.
* You will not be able to choose your surgeon. However most major operations even if performed by registrars, are supervised by consultants.
* Though it may take longer to be admitted for treatment in a public hospital, it is unusual to have to wait long for a bed if you need urgent treatment for cancer.
* Services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work are available at no charge in public hospitals.
* Some public hospitals provide financial assistance towards the purchase of prostheses or wigs.

| Posted in » Cancer, surgery