To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, the varicose vein procedure needs to be medically necessary and not just cosmetic. You'll find hospital treatment for varicose veins under Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers including 32523, 32500, 32504 and 32507.
For treatment in a public hospital, you should have minimal to no out of pocket costs. In a private hospital, Medicare will cover between 75% and 85% of the MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) fee, then you and your health insurer will cover the rest. Here are the recommended MBS fees - note that most private hospitals will charge more than this.
Private surgery for varicose veins is generally covered under heart and vascular services on silver or gold policies. A silver policy generally costs around $20* a week and will usually cover surgery as well as laser and endovenous therapies.
Like Medicare, private surgery for varicose veins must be medically necessary to be covered by the majority of insurers. The removal of spider veins, for instance, usually isn't covered by insurance as it's often only done for cosmetic reasons.
Here are some policies from Finder partners that will cover medically necessary treatment for varicose veins in a hospital. All prices are based on a single individual with less than $90,000 income and living in Sydney.
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Varicose veins occur when valves in your veins are weakened or damaged. There are a number of reasons people develop varicose veins.
Treatment options for varicose veins vary depending on severity but may include lifestyle changes, the use of compression stockings or a range of surgical treatments.
The cost of varicose vein treatment - without health insurance or Medicare coverage - depends on your symptoms. Start by speaking to your GP, who should then refer you to a specialist. The specialist is best placed to outline your options. The table below lists come of the cost estimates for varicose vein treatments we've found online.
| Treatment | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consult and scan | Around $300 | A small Medicare rebate may be available with a GP referral. |
| Sclerotherapy | From $500 - $1,200+ per treatment | Moderate to severe varicose veins often require multiple treatments. |
| Vein Glue | From $2,000 to $3,250+ | Generally pain-free, and does not require compression stockings. |
| Laser treatments | From $3,400 to $10,500+ | Several treatment types are available, and their costs will vary. |
| Compression stocks | Around $110 a pair | These are generally used after another treatment. |
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