Transparent pricing from 50+ Sydney surgeons: $15,000-$25,000 self-funded or $5,000-$12,000 with insurance. Compare costs, Medicare rebates, and payment plans below.
| Payment Method | Total Cost | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Funded (No Insurance) | $15,000 - $25,000 | 2-4 weeks | Urgent surgery, no insurance |
| Private Health Insurance Most Popular | $5,000 - $12,000 | 12-month wait + 2-4 weeks | Planned surgery, have insurance |
| Public Hospital (Sydney Metro) | $0 - $500 | 1-3 years wait | Limited income, willing to wait |
| Medical Finance (Payment Plan) | $250 - $600/month | Immediate (approval required) | Need payment flexibility |
Most Sydney patients pay between $8,000-$18,000 when combining private insurance + Medicare rebates + out-of-pocket expenses. Exact costs depend on surgeon, hospital choice, and health fund coverage.
Understanding exactly where your money goes helps you make informed decisions and identify potential savings.
The surgeon's professional fee covers their expertise, time, and ongoing care throughout your journey.
Hospital costs vary significantly based on facility choice and length of stay.
The anaesthetist ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Average Sydney Anaesthetist Fee: $2,500 - $3,000 for gastric sleeve surgery. Higher BMI or complex medical history may increase cost due to extended monitoring requirements.
These often-overlooked costs can add $2,000-$5,000 to your total investment:
Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, sleep study (if required), gastroscopy
$500 - $1,500Minimum 2-3 pre-op visits, 4-6 post-op visits in first year
$800 - $1,500Required by most surgeons and insurance companies
$300 - $500Lifelong requirement (bariatric multivitamin, calcium, B12, iron)
$60 - $120/month ($720 - $1,440/year)First 6-8 weeks post-surgery (liquid and soft food stages)
$300 - $600Multiple wardrobe updates as you lose weight
$500 - $2,000+Understanding how Medicare and private health insurance work together can save you $10,000-$15,000.
Private health insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket costs to $5,000-$12,000. Here's how major Sydney funds compare:
Gold Plus or Hospital Extra plans with bariatric surgery inclusion
Coverage: Hospital costs fully covered (after $500-750 excess)
Gap: Surgeon/anaesthetist gap fees $3,000-$8,000 typical
Waiting Period: 12 months
Gold Hospital or Top Hospital with weight loss surgery
Coverage: Hospital costs covered (after $500-750 excess)
Gap: Medical Gap Scheme reduces specialist gaps significantly
Waiting Period: 12 months
Top Hospital or Classic Plus plans
Coverage: Full hospital accommodation covered
Gap: Known Gap Scheme - know costs upfront
Waiting Period: 12 months
Top Hospital or Gold Hospital policies
Coverage: Hospital costs covered after excess
Gap: Gap Cover Plus available for lower specialist fees
Waiting Period: 12 months
Some Sydney surgeons participate in health fund "gap cover" schemes. These surgeons agree to charge limited or no gap fees beyond Medicare rebates, potentially saving you $5,000-$10,000. Ask your health fund for their list of participating bariatric surgeons.
Can't pay upfront? Most Sydney surgeons offer flexible payment solutions.
Book a consultation with Sydney's top bariatric surgeons. Get accurate pricing based on your individual circumstances, insurance status, and medical history.
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Cost information is provided for educational purposes only and represents typical ranges as of January 2025. Actual costs vary based on individual circumstances, surgeon choice, hospital selection, insurance coverage, and medical complexity. All pricing should be confirmed directly with your chosen surgeon and health fund. This information does not constitute medical or financial advice. Consult qualified healthcare professionals and financial advisors for personalized guidance. Weight Loss Surgery Australia is a lead generation platform and does not provide medical services.
Sources: Pricing data compiled from publicly available information from 50+ Sydney bariatric surgeons (January 2025), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), private health insurance fund policy documents, and Australian medical finance providers. All medical information verified against Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) guidelines and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards.
