Hospital fees
We know that understanding hospital fees and payments can feel confusing. We are committed to providing clear and detailed information to help you feel prepared and informed about your healthcare costs.
What are hospital fees?
Hospital fees cover the services and care you receive during your stay or treatment.
These may include:
- Fees for medical procedures and treatments
- Charges for any medications, tests, or additional services you may need
The total cost of your hospital visit will depend on factors such as your health insurance coverage and the type of treatment.
Insurers: Privately Insured Patients
If you have private health insurance, it’s important to confirm the following details with your insurer before admission:
- Is my procedure or treatment covered by my hospital policy? Are there exclusions, restrictions or waiting periods?
- Is my treatment covered under a no-gap or gap cover scheme?
- Will I need to pay excess, co-payment or out-of-pocket costs? If so, how much?
- Are prosthetic devices or other medical equipment covered?
- Does my insurer have an agreement with the hospital where I’ll be admitted?
- What insurance benefits apply to hospital costs, doctors' fees and associated services?
- Are there any additional charges for doctors’ fees or related services?
Note: If you’ve had insurance for less than 12 months, your insurer may not cover pre-existing conditions or related symptoms.
Any out-of-pocket costs, such as your excess or co-payment, must be paid before or on admission.
Patient profiles and payment guidelines
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Repatriation (DVA) patients
- DVA gold card holders: Covered for all treatments.
- DVA white card holders: Covered for approved treatments, subject to DVA approval.
WorkCover patients
Unless your insurance company provides payment approval, you or your nominated representative must pay the estimated hospital costs before or on admission.
Third-party patients
Similar to WorkCover patients, estimated hospital costs must be paid unless the hospital has received approval from your insurance company.
Self-funded patients
You can access healthcare without private health cover by self-funding your procedure or surgery.
As a self-funded patient, you are required to pay the estimated hospital costs before or on admission.
Self-funded process
- Contact us for information about our specialists .
- Visit your GP to get a referral to a specialist .
- Discuss treatment options with your specialist .
- Request a personalised quote from us .
- Complete your payment and prepare for your surgery.
Overseas patients
Ramsay Health Care offers international patients access through our Travel for Treatment service.
If you have overseas health insurance, you must pay the estimated hospital costs before or on admission.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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How do I know what the hospital cost will be?
Once we process your admission paperwork, we will provide you with an estimate of patient costs.
While we strive to provide accurate estimates, unexpected factors, such as changes in treatment or extended hospital stays, may result in additional costs.
What costs might not be covered by my insurer?
Some costs that may not be covered by your insurer include:
- ambulance transfers
- non-medical services (e.g. hairdresser, beauty services)
- non-PBS and discharge medications
- interpreter or special communication services
- boarder accommodation, visitor meals or personal items
- non-Medicare rebateable items or services
- pathology, radiology, pharmacy or allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy)
You may also receive separate bills from other providers involved in your treatment, such as:
- doctors including surgeons and anaesthetists
- emergency centre services
- radiology or pathology services
Payment options
We offer several convenient payment options:
- In-person: EFTPOS, bank cheque, Visa or Mastercard. (American Express or Diners cards are NOT accepted.)
- Telephone payment: Visa or Mastercard
- BPAY™: Via internet or phone banking
- Online payment: If you complete your admission form using Ramsay Health Hub, online payment may also be available.
Please contact us for assistance.