Medicare and health insurance won't pay for cosmetic surgery because it's not medically necessary — for example, surgery intended to improve a person's aesthetic appearance. However, you can get insured for reconstructive surgery that corrects abnormalities and repairs bodily function. You'll find it included in a bronze-level health insurance policy or above.
Here's a sample of policies from Finder partners that include private cover for plastic surgery. All prices are based on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and living in Sydney.
Why compare health insurance with Finder?
We don't ask for your phone or email to see prices.
With 1 click, you can open your results to nearly every fund in Australia.
You pay the same price as going direct – we charge no fees.
Why compare with us
Our customers trust us
Plastic surgery can be split into two categories:
Reconstructive surgery is performed to correct abnormalities, whether they're congenital or acquired, and repair damage as a result of trauma.
Cosmetic surgery is typically carried out to improve appearance rather than health. For example, facelifts, implants, eyelid surgery and liposuction.
| Response | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic or reconstructive surgery | 0.96% | 0.21% |
If you need to undergo reconstructive plastic surgery, you can get cover for the following types of procedures:
It's impossible to predict what the future holds and what sort of medical treatment you may require. If reconstructive plastic surgery is excluded from your cover, you could be hit with significant out-of-pocket costs should you ever need treatment.
You can also get health insurance for plastic surgery with some bronze plus policies. These only cost around $95 a month. If you want peace of mind, it may be worth switching to a policy that covers you.
Find out how to claim vasectomies and tubal ligation with Medicare or private health funds, and the things you should know before going in.
Dialysis treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is covered by Medicare and private health insurance, but which offers the best cover?
Find out the steps needed to find adequate cover, and give you an assurance that you won’t have to pay the full cost of your podiatric surgery.
Want to get health cover for grommets? Find out how private health insurance and Medicare costs compare and what you'll be covered for. Choose the option that suits you best.
What is covered by the third-highest tier of hospital insurance policies?
Think you may need hip surgery in the future? Compare your options for public and private treatment.
What are joint fluid replacement injections and are they covered by private health insurance? Find out here.
What is home care, is it included in Medicare and is any cover provided by private health insurance? Find out here.
Palliative care is the practice of easing the pain of a patient with a terminal illness and making them as comfortable as possible before death.
Find the answers to the most common questions about health cover excesses in this helpful guide.