How to fund weight loss surgery costs
They are essential procedures with a potentially life-saving impact, but the financial barriers imposed by weight loss surgery can be debilitating. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) received more than 15,000 applications to withdraw super funds for weight loss surgeries over the 2021-2022 financial year, showcasing the increasing prevalence and monetary pressure which surround such procedures.
The positive takeaway from this data, however, is that help is available for those who need it. While 95% of weight loss procedures are still funded through private health insurance plans, there are some financial aids available for those looking to abate costs in both private and public settings.
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
The cost of weight loss surgery in Australia varies widely, and is highly dependent on factors like your location, health insurance coverage and the specific procedure that’s required.
Below is a general breakdown of the average costs for some of the most common weight loss surgeries. Keep in mind that these prices apply to patients seeking procedures without private medical insurance, and additional out-of-pocket costs may be incurred depending on your choice of clinic.
· Gastric Bypass Cost: Between AUD $14,000 and $18,000.
· Gastric/Lap Band Cost: Between AUD $10,000 and $16,000.
· Gastric Sleeve Cost: Approximately AUD $20,000.
· Bariatric Balloon Cost: Approximately AUD $6,000.
As the precise care needed can’t be determined until you meet with a consultant, weight loss surgery costs can be tricky to predict. The government’s Medicare programme may be able to reimburse a portion of your costs, but contacting a clinician will give you the best idea of how much you’ll need to pay.
3 ways to get help paying for bariatric surgery
While bariatric surgery costs are undeniably high – even with private insurance – there are some financial aids out there that make these procedures more accessible. When you consider the life-changing impact these surgeries can have on your future and wellbeing, the incurred costs often end up proving worthwhile.
Here are three free resources you can use to help pay for bariatric surgery without private medical insurance:
1. Government aid for weight loss surgery costs
he government’s Medicare service can help cover some of the costs for bariatric procedures. While it won’t pay for the entirety of your procedure, Medicare offers fixed reimbursements depending on the type of care required.
You’ll need to meet certain medical criteria relating to Body Mass Index (BMI) and morbid obesity in order to apply for bariatric Medicare benefits. While some additional costs for consultations and follow-up visits may apply, you can find the fixed payments provided by the government under numbers 31569 to 31581 and 20791 in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
2. Online fundraising for bariatric surgery costs
If you don’t have private insurance or qualify for Medicare benefits, the cost of bariatric surgery can feel overwhelming. Luckily, online platforms like GoFundMe provide an empowering way to fund some – or even all – of your expenses, and you can get started right away.A crowdfunder on GoFundMe can help to finance your procedure in a safe space among friends and family, while reducing the stigma around bariatric surgery for others who might need it. Along with dedicated customer support and the security of the GoFundMe Guarantee, you’ll be able to access your funds within 2-5 business days in most cases.
3. Charity support for bariatric surgery
While no Australian charities fully subsidise the cost of weight loss surgeries, there’s no shortage of amazing organisations that are eager to help in whatever way they can.
The Obesity Collective is Australia’s leading establishment for awareness around obesity, educating the public on the scientific realities of the disease and advocating for improved health support. They’re big believers in the effectiveness of collective action, and you can join the collective today to increase your knowledge while making a tangible difference.The Obesity Research Centre of Australia (ORCA) offers support to people affected by obesity, metabolic syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It’s a registered medical charity with the mission of finding a cure for lifelong diseases, and offers research-based alternatives for those who still have options besides surgery.
Tips for creating a successful weight loss surgery fundraiser
Meeting the costs of weight loss surgery without institutional help can feel daunting, but it’s never a challenge you’ve got to face on your own. If you’ve decided to start crowdfunding for bariatric surgery, follow these helpful medical fundraising tips to ensure you’re going about it in the most effective way possible.
- Connect with donors by sharing your story. Be open and honest about the challenges you’re facing, and let your donors know the impact that their help can have on your life.
- Share your fundraiser on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and ask your friends and family to share your GoFundMe link on their accounts.
· If you’re not too tech-savvy, fundraising without social media is entirely possible too. Connect with your offline network through simple messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Email, or visit potential donors in person to make your story all the more impactful.
GoFundMe success stories for weight loss surgery
Asking for help to pay for expensive medical treatments isn’t always easy, but you may be surprised by just how many people are willing to lend a hand. Weight loss surgery can save your life, and those who care about you will be more than happy to contribute.
See how others are using the power of crowdfunding to reach their weight loss goals:
Nadia’s Bariatric Surgery
Like many who struggle with morbid obesity, Nadia suffered a long history of trauma and abuse that led to life-altering issues with her weight. Following the diagnosis of several weight-related health conditions and some stark meetings with Specialist Doctors, she learned that her situation had become life threatening.
Nadia began crowdfunding for Bariatric Sleeve Surgery in 2023 at the age of 51, and set a target of AUD $8,195 to cover the remainder of her total cost. Family, friends and many people she didn’t know personally were moved by Nadia’s story, resulting in all funds being raised within a short period of three months.
Shaul’s Weight Loss Surgery
Having tried all the traditional diets and lifestyle changes associated with weight loss, Yossi knew that his brother Shaul required a more drastic intervention. Leading doctors in Sydney concluded that a Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure was the only hope, and Shaul’s crowdfunding journey began.
As the three-year wait time in the public system was too big of a risk for Shaul’s condition, the total cost of a private procedure ended up amounting to AUD $25,500. Help soon arrived from friends, family and a slew of anonymous donors – resulting in a life-changing AUD $9,299 being raised.
Start crowdfunding for weight loss surgery today.
Whatever your reasons for considering a procedure, there are plenty of resources for funding your weight loss surgery cost without medical insurance. Countless crowdfunders have used GoFundMe for medical fundraising to help cover costs – because seeking help for your health, happiness and quality of life is always worth it. Tap into the magical power of medical crowdfunding today, and start your fundraising journey to get one step closer to a brand-new life.