Compare health insurance in 5 clicks
Get cover to suit your budget and lifestyle.
How does health insurance cover spinal fusion?
All silver-tier health insurance policies must include spinal surgery, but we’ve found basic ones that’ll cover you for $45 less per month.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Both Medicare and private health insurance can cover spinal fusion. Medicare can contribute towards 75% of the MBS fee for spinal surgery; health insurance can pay for the remaining 25%.
We looked at over 30 policies and found basic and bronze ones that'll cover you for around $72 per month. Plan ahead and you can keep out of pocket expenses to a minimum.
What is a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is surgery which permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine, thereby stopping motion between them and reducing pain. During the operation, your surgeon places bone (or a bone-like material) between the space in the two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates are often used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal as one solid structure.
You might need spinal fusion for:
- Spinal weaknesses. Your spine can become weak and unstable as a result of conditions such as severe arthritis in the spine or specific injuries.
- Herniated disk. After the removal of a herniated disk, you might need a spinal fusion.
- Spinal deformities. Spinal fusion is often used to treat spinal deformities such as scoliosis.
What does the surgery involve?
Spinal fusion surgery usually take between three and seven hours. You will be under general anaesthesia during the whole operation. The procedure may vary depending on the location of the vertebrae that need to be fused, as well as factors such as your general health and age. Your surgeon may remove a part of the spine that is compressing nerves. They will place the bone graft material between the two spinal vertebrae and use metal plates, known as internal fixation, to help fuse the vertebrae together.
Generally, you will need to stay in hospital for at least two days following the procedure. It's often the case that you will be in some pain afterwards. Pain medication is usually administered to alleviate any discomfort.
How does Australian health care treat spinal fusions?
Both Medicare and private health insurance cover spinal fusions. See how their costs compare below.
Public
With Medicare, you can find spinal surgery items within sub-group 17 (spinal surgery) of group T8 (surgical operations) on the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS). Item numbers 51011 to 51171 cover various spinal surgery operations, including spinal fusions. Costs vary depending on the surgery and surgeon but for a rough guide, item number 51013 has a fee of $2,430.55 with a benefit of 75%, meaning you could be looking at around $607.60 out of pocket for surgery fees.
Keep in mind though that your doctor doesn't need to adhere to the MBS fee. You might also have out-of-pocket expenses for anaesthesia fees, consultations, nursing fees and hospital fees. In some cases, Medicare will cover most of the costs which means you'll have very little out-of-pocket expenses. In any case, ask your doctor about costs and check the MBS for the item number that is applicable to you.
Private
You should be able to find cover for spinal fusion with all silver tier hospital policies under back, neck and spine. Silver-rated hospital only policies usually cost around $25 to $30 a week. Most policies come with a 2-month waiting period so you are able to see a doctor quickly. The waiting period goes up to 12 months if you have a pre-existing spinal condition.
Hospital treatment with private health insurance for back, neck and spine usually covers the investigation and treatment of the back, neck and spinal column, including spinal fusion. This includes sciatica, prolapsed or herniated disc, spinal disc replacement and spine curvature disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis.
How to compare your options for private spinal fusion
Before you agree to a procedure, make sure your health provider will cover you. Ask them about potential out-of-pocket expenses, such as consultation and anaesthesia fees. Be sure to ask for the MBS item number from the surgeon as well. That way, you'll have a good idea of any out-of-pocket expenses.
Keep in mind that if you opt to receive treatment as a public patient in a public hospital, waiting times can vary significantly. If you're not considered at risk, you might be waiting a while for treatment in a public hospital. You will also be assigned a surgeon by the hospital. You can generally only choose when and who treats you if you go private. For a thorough comparison of costs and cover, check out from our Finder partners below.
Quotes are based on a single individual with less than $90,000 income, $500 excess and living in Sydney.
Other things to know if you need a spinal fusion
Before surgery
If you choose to go private, it's likely your health fund will have a No Gap scheme. Always ask the surgeon you use if they are participating in the scheme; this will keep out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. Doctors' fees can vary significantly so it's smart to ask them about their fees before commencing treatment.
Because spinal fusion is a complex procedure, you may encounter out-of-pocket costs for an orthopaedic surgeon, specialist consultations, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist, pathologist and radiologist. Ask your health insurance provider about costs for these services before surgery.
After surgery
You will probably need rehabilitation after spinal surgery and your activities should be limited for the first 6 months. Every surgeon will have slightly different post-op care to adhere to so be sure to follow your surgeon's advice. You shouldn't bend past 90 degrees, lift anything heavy at all and avoid twisting your back as much as possible. Physiotherapy is often an important part of the recovery process as well. You won't be allowed to drive for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
Compare more health insurance options from Australian funds
Use this free tool to see more options from Australian health funds.
Picture: GettyImages
More guides on Finder
-
Cancer health insurance in Australia
Health insurance for cancer improves on what Medicare covers by giving you more control and quicker treatment.
-
Health insurance for sleep apnoea
Think you may have sleep apnoea? Here's what you need to know about public and private healthcare cover.
-
Occupational therapy and health insurance
Find out how both Medicare and private health insurance cover occupational therapy to get the assistance you need.
-
Are vaccinations covered by health insurance?
While COVID-19 vaccinations are free in Australia, other vaccines with out-of-pocket costs can be covered by private health insurance with some extras policies.
-
7 health insurance deals to save you money at tax time
Avoid the MLS tax and get a rebate by taking out health insurance. Here are 7 deals that’ll save you money on your tax returns.
-
Medical expenses up 8.3% – how can you avoid being stung?
Out-of-pocket medical expenses have shot up by 8.3% for private healthcare patients, according to new figures from APRA.
-
Start these 10 money habits and you could (potentially) save enough to cover your rent
SPONSORED: Even little adjustments can lead to big savings. Here are just a few things you can do to put more money back in your pocket.
-
Health insurance costs rise from April 1: 5 ways to save
Avoid paying hundreds more a year by following these simple steps.
-
Optical inclusion: Extras cover the top reason for taking out health insurance, survey finds
Extras cover is the number one drawcard for Australians who take out private health cover, new research from Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site, reveals.
-
4.1 million Australians may cut ties with their health insurance provider in 2021
Millions of Australians are shopping around for cheaper health insurance in the new year, according to new research by Finder.
Save on your health insurance
Health insurance deals
Great offers, promos, and deals for today.
Do I need health insurance?
Hospital, extras, or neither? Find out in 1 minute.
Overseas Visitors Health Cover
Compare visa-compliant OVHC today.
Ask an Expert
