This page outlines the main payment pathways available to patients of Winnett Specialist Group.

The right payment approach depends on the procedure, and the right procedure depends on a proper clinical assessment. The first step is always a consultation with Dr Jason Winnett, so we can understand what’s right for you, including the best way to approach costs.

Why prices aren’t listed online

Our fee doesn’t just cover the surgery. It includes extensive follow-up care, including regular appointments every three to six months, blood work, and an annual gastroscopy to monitor your stomach over time.

Without that context, a price listed on a website would be misleading. Some clinics advertise prices that reflect the cost after rebates and insurance claims have been applied, which can look significantly cheaper but is not a like-for-like comparison.

The most accurate picture of what surgery will cost you personally can only be put together once we know which procedure is appropriate for your situation. That conversation happens at your consultation.

Payment pathways

There are three main ways patients fund bariatric surgery at Winnett Specialist Group.

Private health insurance

To be covered by private health insurance for weight-loss surgery procedures, you need Gold cover. Silver, bronze, and basic policies don’t cover the Medicare item numbers used for bariatric surgery.

With Gold cover in place, your health fund covers the hospital component of your surgery. However, a gap fee still applies. Medicare contributes a portion of these costs alongside your health fund, but doesn’t cover the gap in full. 

Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your fund and procedure. This is discussed in detail at your financial consultation (see further down the page).

A tip about upgrading health insurance

If you don’t have Gold cover, you may want to upgrade your policy so it helps fund your bariatric surgery. But it’s worth doing as soon as possible. Most health funds apply a 12-month waiting period before your upgraded cover applies to bariatric surgery. 

Coming in for a consultation early means you can start the clock if you decide to proceed.

Self-funded (private pay)

Patients who are able to pay directly out of pocket can do so without the need for insurance approvals or superannuation applications. 

The financial process is straightforward. The practice provides a full itemised estimate covering all parties involved: surgeon, anaesthetist, surgical assistant, and hospital.

Pre-operative appointments (including consults with dietitian, cardiologist, and your gastroscopy with Dr Winnett) still apply regardless of how surgery is funded. 

Superannuation early release

This is an option for patients who need surgery for a chronic or life-threatening condition and have no other means to fund it.

The process involves several steps. The practice prepares an itemised quote, a supporting letter from Dr Winnett outlining the medical necessity, and documentation for your GP to complete. You then upload all materials to the ATO directly. 

The timeline from start to finish is typically six to seven weeks: around one week to process your paperwork, three to four weeks for ATO approval, and a further week for funds to clear into your account. Surgery can only be scheduled once funds are confirmed.

If this pathway may be relevant to your situation, it is best discussed at your consultation.

Your financial consultation

After your clinical consultation with Dr Jason Winnett, you’ll meet with our practice manager, Vivienne. She’ll walk you through the costs specific to your situation and recommended procedure.

This is the appropriate place for a detailed financial conversation. Vivienne can answer questions about gap fees, health fund claims, Medicare rebates, and the superannuation pathway if relevant.

Frequently asked questions about payment options for bariatric surgery

Does Medicare cover bariatric surgery?
Medicare contributes to the cost of bariatric surgery when performed alongside private health insurance, but does not cover it on its own. Medicare and your health fund together provide a partial rebate on surgeon, anaesthetist, and assistant fees, but a gap fee remains. The hospital component is covered by your health fund.
Do I need private health insurance to have bariatric surgery at Winnett Specialist Group?
No. Patients without private health insurance can self-fund surgery or, in eligible circumstances, access superannuation early release.
What level of private health insurance covers bariatric surgery?
Gold or top-level cover covers the hospital component of your surgery (a gap fee still applies). Silver, Bronze, and basic policies do not cover the Medicare item numbers used for bariatric surgery procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.
How much does weight loss surgery cost in Melbourne?
The cost of surgery varies depending on which procedure is appropriate for your circumstances, your health insurance status, and the level of aftercare involved. For that reason, Dr Winnett’s team does not quote prices over the phone. A consultation is the right starting point.

Book a consultation with Winnett Specialist Group

If you have questions about the cost of bariatric surgery in Melbourne, the next step is a consultation with Dr Jason Winnett at our clinic in East Melbourne. 

From there, we can determine the right procedure for your situation and walk you through your payment options in full.