We understand that navigating hospital fees and payments can feel overwhelming. At Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown, we are committed to providing transparent and detailed information about hospital fees to help you prepare for your healthcare journey.

 

What are hospital fees?

Hospital fees cover the services and care you receive during your stay or treatment. These may include:

  • Accommodation charges for your hospital stay. 
  • Fees for medical procedures and treatments. 
  • Charges for any medications, tests, or additional services you may need. 

The total cost of your hospital visit depends on factors such as your health insurance coverage, the type of treatment, and the length of your stay. 

 

Key information for patients

Health insurance

If you have private health insurance, it’s essential to confirm the following 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 I’ll be admitted to? 
  • What insurance benefits apply to hospital costs, doctor’s fees, and associated services?
  • Are there any additional charges for doctors’ fees or related services?

Note: If you’ve been insured for less than 12 months, your insurer may not cover pre-existing conditions or related symptoms.  Out-of-pocket costs, such as your excess or co-payment, must be paid before or on admission. 

Payment profiles and payment guidelines

Repatriation (DVA) patients

  • DVA gold card holders: Covered for all treatments.
  • DVA white card holders: Covered for approved treatments, subject to DVA approval

Unless payment approval is received from your insurance company, you or your nominee must pay the estimated hospital costs before or on admission.

Similar to WorkCover patients, estimated hospital costs must be paid unless the hospital has received approval from your insurance company.

Healthcare without health cover is possible. You can still access private healthcare at Peninsula private 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 prior to or on admission.

Self-funded process

  1. Contact us for information about our specialists
  2. Visit your GP to get a referral to a specialist
  3. Discuss treatment options with your specialist
  4. Contact us for a personalised quote
  5. Complete your payment and prepare for your surgery
  6. Take the first step towards getting your life back on track

Ramsay Health Care offers international patients access to Peninsula hospital through its Travel for Treatment service.

If you have overseas health insurance, you must pay the estimated hospital costs before or on admission.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We will provide you with an Estimate of Patient Costs after processing your admission paperwork. While every effort is made to provide accurate estimates, unforeseen circumstances (e.g., changes in treatment or extended stays) may result in additional costs.

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, or allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy, pharmacy).

You may also receive separate bills from other providers involved in your treatment, such as: 

  • Doctors, 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.)
    • Please note, to improve safety and streamline your experience, our hospital does not accept cash payments.
  • 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.

For assistance, contact us directly.