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Private hospital treatment without insurance – what are the costs?

10 September 2024

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Your private health care
By choosing to self-fund your health care you can experience the benefits of our private hospital care including quick access, your choice of specialist and your choice of hospital. Our Chief Operating Officer Ben Edwards explains what the likely costs of self-funding your operation or procedure are at one of our hospitals.

First published 10 September 2021. Updated 10 September 2024.

Everyone is different

When it comes to health and wellbeing, we know that everyone is different and your care will be tailored to you.

That means we need to consider all aspects of your health when providing you the likely costs for your care.

If you are choosing to self-fund hospital care it is important to know what the likely costs will be. 

They may include fees for:

  • the surgeon, surgical assistant, and anaesthetist 
  • general hospital costs - nursing care, theatre (including day surgery), accommodation, and any other incidentals
  • medications
  • blood tests and diagnostic imaging (x-rays and scans). 

Hospital cost estimates

We know that it can be difficult to find out all of the costs involved in your health care. That’s why we are working hard to ensure that patients don’t have any surprises when it comes to costs relating to private hospital care.

We now have a dedicated phone line – 1300 940 199 – so you can get estimates for the care you need, whether it is day surgery costs or fees relating to a procedure which may require a few nights stay in hospital.

Our Find a Specialist search has also been updated so you can search for specialist doctors who treat patients who self-fund hospital treatment. Simply click the ‘more options’ item when you search for a specialist and check the ‘treats self-funded patients’ box.

You may also need to request separate estimates for the other costs outlined above and pay them separately. It is worth noting that you may be eligible for a payment plan through a third-party provider. Our caregivers are here to help guide you so don’t hesitate to call 1300 940 199 or read our self-funded care guide.

Talk to your doctor

Your specialist will also be happy to help explain the costs for self-funded care - ask your specialist about their fees at your consultation.
 
If you hold a valid Medicare card, you may also be entitled to claim some money back. Your specialist will let you know before treatment if you are eligible to claim.

Costs may vary depending on treatment

There may be some circumstances where the cost of your treatment and care is different to the amount you were estimated and paid upfront prior to admission.

This could occur if your needs change during surgery or if you require additional or less time in hospital to recover. 

We will outline all expected and potential costs prior to admission.

Any additional costs will be discussed with you, including the reasons for these costs and the options for payment.

Any adjustments or refunds will be processed on or shortly after your discharge.

For more information, see our guide to self-funded care.

Ben Edwards, Chief Operating Officer, St John of God Health Care
Ben Edwards - Chief Operating Officer
Ben Edwards is St John of God Health Care's Chief Operating Officer. He has more than 20 years' experience in health care leadership. Having started his career in the UK's National Health Service, Ben also worked in management consulting in the UK and Australia before moving to St John of God Health Care. He was CEO of St John of God Murdoch Hospital from 2017 to 2022.