Any surgeons who do tummy tucks under medicare?

I have a big apron and endometriosis in the caesarian scar which is very painful both as a complication of twins pregnancy. I am really trying to understand how much this will cost me. I don't have private medical insurance and if I am to get private insurance, which one should I get. What would the procedure cost altogether if I don't get private insurance? Is it true that the medicare contribution ceases or tapers after the childs 7th birthday?

March 31st, 2016 NSW

  • Answer
     Pouria Moradi

    Pouria Moradi

    13 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    New South Wales, Australia

    Thanks for getting in touch.The short answer to whether medicare covers tummy tucks is no.There are 2 aspects to this answer.1) NSW Government guidelines won't allow tummy tucks to be performed in a public hospital.2) As of January this year the medicare item number for tummy tucks was removed from the medicare registry. Which means standard tummy tucks won't even be covered by private health insurance.You may still qualify to use insurance (if you ever get it) but you have to meet certain criteria which your PS can discuss with you.
    With all that in mind, the total cost for a tummy tuck, including  hospital, theatre fees and all charges can vary between $15,000-20,000.
    I hope this helps and good luck.
  • Answer
    Dr. Raymond Goh

    Raymond Goh

    123 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    Queensland, Australia

    Hi Yello.
    You should be aware that factors that are required for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to be qualified as been "medical" as opposed to purely cosmetic has changed, and may continue to change in the future. Remember also that even with private health insurance, there will still be out-of-pocket costs for surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital. The biggest saving when a procedure is covered by private health insurance is usually the hospital costs. 
    I would suggest that you start with a consultation with a plastic surgeon to see what your options are, in addition to finding out if private health insurance and medicare rebates would apply.
    All the very best.
    Regards,
    Dr Ray Goh