Costs & Payment Options

What’s Included in Your Bariatric Surgery Journey

At Aurora Bariatrics, your care is comprehensive — from your very first appointment to long after your procedure. Here’s what you can expect along the way:

1. Pre-Operative Care:

• Your pre-operative phase includes consultations with your surgeon, bariatric GP, and dietitian, along with blood tests, medical assessments, and diet planning.
• Some patients may also be referred for an upper GI endoscopy or psychological support, depending on their individual needs.
• This preparation ensures your body and mindset are ready for a successful surgery and recovery.

2. Surgery & Hospital Stay

All surgical and hospital-related costs are included, such as:

• Hospital admission and theatre fees
• Surgical equipment and prostheses
• Fees for the surgeon, assistant, and anaesthetist

Our team performs all procedures at accredited private hospitals to ensure safety, comfort, and a smooth experience.

3. Post-Surgery Care & 12-Month Aftercare Program

Your 12-month After Care Program is included in your Bariatric Management Fee and covers:

• Follow-up appointments with your Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, and Bariatric GP
• Access to support for any readmissions or revision surgery, if required
• Please note any  dietetic aftercare and discharge medication will incur an additional cost.

We’re here for you — not just for the surgery itself, but for the lifestyle change that follows.

Your Options At a Glance

Option 1: Private Health Insurance & What's Covered

If you have private health insurance — or are planning to take it out — you’ll need to make sure your policy includes bariatric (weight loss) surgery. This usually means having Gold-level hospital cover for at least 12 months before your surgery date. Check with your health insurance provider whether you are covered for a Sleeve Gastrectomy (item number 31575) or a Gastric Bypass (31572 or 31584). 

What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?

Your health fund typically pays for most of the hospital costs including:

• Hospital stay – ICU/HDU stay if needed
• Procedure costs and fee
• Theatre time and surgical equipment – for example stapler devices, haemostatic agents, general equipment

Your health insurance may also partially cover:

• Tests and investigations done in hospital (if required)
• Some medications, like antibiotics and discharge meds
• Anaesthesia-related costs

What’s Not Covered by Health Insurance?

• Your Bariatric Management Fee (see below)
• Anaesthetic gap fee
• The assistant surgeon’s fee

Option 2: Uninsured Patients

If you don’t have private health insurance — or your current policy doesn’t include hospital cover for bariatric surgery — you may still be eligible to proceed with surgery through our Fixed-Price Package for Uninsured Patients at St John of God Murdoch.

This option is designed for patients who:

• Do not have private hospital insurance
• Only have extras/ancillary cover (not hospital cover)
• Have inadequate cover (bariatric surgery usually requires Gold-tier hospital cover)

Eligibility for Uninsured Surgery

Not all patients are suitable for uninsured surgery. To be eligible, you must:

• Be aged between 18–55 years
• Have a BMI under 45 and weigh less than 150kg
• Have no more than two significant medical conditions (e.g. severe sleep apnoea, uncontrolled diabetes)
• Be registered with Medicare
• Be approved by your surgeon and bariatric GP - During your consultation with Dr Blackham we will give you a complete and comprehensive report of your sleeve risk/benefit calculator, personalised to you. The initial consultation will need to be an in-person consultation; all other appointments can be done via Telehealth.

Note: This package is only available for gastric sleeve surgery. If you're considering bypass surgery or revision procedures, please contact us directly.

What’s Included in the Fixed-Price Package?

We offer a complete gastric sleeve surgery package for uninsured patients for $21,499. This includes:

• Aurora Bariatric Management Fee (see below)
• Your Procedure Fee
• Anaesthetist & Assistant Surgeon Fees
• Two-night hospital stay (including theatre time and surgical equipment fees)
• Post-op follow-up appointments with your Surgeon, Bariatric GP and Nurse Practitioner

What’s Not Included?

The following are not covered by the package:

• Pre-operative appointments (those excluded from the Bariatric Management Fee)
• Dietetic aftercare
• Discharge medications

Important Considerations

If you experience complications or need readmission after surgery:

• You cannot be readmitted to St John of God Murdoch under this package
• Additional care (including emergency surgery, readmission hospital stays, or IV medications) will be at your own expense

That’s why eligibility screening is so important — we assess your risk carefully to ensure this option is safe for you.

Option 3: Superannuation Access via SuperCare Self-Funded

If you're uninsured and not eligible for the fixed-price package, self-funded surgery is still possible in some circumstances under a "Compassionate Release of Super" process where you can use your own or a family member's super. The application process is managed by SuperCare.

• Please note: if you're planning to use superannuation to help cover the cost of your surgery, please let us know during your initial consultation. The application process can take 6–8 weeks, and funds must be cleared at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery date. If approval isn’t received in time, your surgery will be rescheduled.

We will provide:

• A support letter
• An official fee quotation
• Clear instructions to guide your application

You can:

• Apply directly through the ATO portal, or
• Use a third-party provider like SuperCare or Access My Super who can handle the application for you (note: service fees apply).
• For more information, visit:  www.supercare.com.au

Total Estimated Cost: $25,000+
Includes:

• Private hospital fees including hospital stay, theatre time, surgical equipment fees
• Surgical, anaesthetic and assistant fees
• Aurora Bariatric Management Fees (see below)
• Aftercare support - post-op follow-up appointments with your Surgeon, Bariatric GP and Nurse Practitioner

This is best suited to patients with a BMI under 45 and minimal medical risks. Speak to our team before proceeding.

The Aurora Bariatric Management Fee & What's Included

Our one-off Bariatric Management Fee covers your comprehensive pre and post-operative care for 12 months post-op, including:

• Pre-operative consent appointment
• Pre-operative planning with Bariatric GP, Surgeon and Dietitian
• All post-op consults with Aurora After Care Plan - this is a minimum of 6 appointments for 12 months post-op with your Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Bariatric GP and access to SleevePlus
• Administrative support and care coordination

All Patients: Your Aurora Box

Every patient receives an Aurora Box — a curated welcome pack including:

• Bariatric Nutrition Guide & Cookbook
• Protein shake/bar and vitamin samples
• Portion control container and water bottle
• Meal replacement card for dining out discreetly
• Lip balm and hand cream
• Personalised welcome letter from Dr Blackham

*Note: contents may vary depending on availability of products.

Flexible Payment Plan Options

We offer access to leading medical payment providers:

1. ZipMoney

• Interest-free for 6 months
• From $36/week
• Apply online or contact us for support at  Zip.co

2. TLC (Total Lifestyle Credit)

• Loans from $2,000–$50,000
• Covers all medical and clinic costs
• Flexible terms up to 84 months
• Aurora TLC Portal: Apply Here

Medical Weight Loss Program (Non-Surgical)

You’ll be cared for by our experienced Nurse Practitioners via Telehealth, with no subscriptions or lock-in contracts.

• Initial Consultation (40 mins): $135
• Medicare Rebate: $73.80
• Out-of-pocket: $61.20
• Follow-up (20 mins): $70
• Medicare Rebate: $50.05
• Out-of-pocket: $19.95

We tailor your plan to your needs—whether you’re starting your weight loss journey, preparing for surgery, or needing help after surgery. Find out more at Non Surgical Weight Loss Options: Medications.

Still Have Questions?

Choosing weight loss surgery is a major decision — financially and personally. We’re here to make it clear, manageable, and empowering.

Contact Us:
📞 (08) 6478 7631
✉️ info@aurorabariatrics.com.au or head to the Contact Us page to submit an inquiry.