I want to get top surgery ASAP as since coming out my chest dysphoria has been through the roof. I just have no idea how things work here and I can't really find much information online. Does medicare cover any of it? If so, how much? I live in Sydney so I'm thinking of Dr Megan Hassell as I've heard good things about results, but also that it's expensive. Are there any private health covers that will cover it? If so, how can I go about getting them and how long will it take from when I get the health cover to when I can have the surgery? I turn 18 in less than a month so that should be fine. Also, would there be any way to pay the cost overtime without getting a loan? Sorry, I don't know much about this stuff lol.

Basically if you've had top surgery in Australia, what was your process like? How long did it take from your initial move/consult whatever til the actual surgery? Thanks

Have you tried contacting her office? They may be able to help answer some, if not all those questions. I suspect that most private health care funds would cover some if not most but that you would probably need to be on for 12 months. I see in your sig that you are 17, if you are on your parents health cover it might cover you if they have the right cover. Keep in mind this ends the day you turn 18 and you'll need your own.

This is something I don't know much about, but if you are under 18 you may have difficulties getting the op without parental consent. Another thing to check with the doctor.

Quote from: Ms Grace on March 27, 2016, 10:20:45 PM
Have you tried contacting her office? They may be able to help answer some, if not all those questions. I suspect that most private health care funds would cover some if not most but that you would probably need to be on for 12 months. I see in your sig that you are 17, if you are on your parents health cover it might cover you if they have the right cover. Keep in mind this ends the day you turn 18 and you'll need your own.

This is something I don't know much about, but if you are under 18 you may have difficulties getting the op without parental consent. Another thing to check with the doctor.

I've sent queries with no reply. I turn 18 in less than a month so I'll have to get my own cover unfortunately I guess.

Are you seeing a gender therapist? No Aussie surgeon will do trans surgery without two letters.

When you take out health insurance ensure it covers 'psychological' issues. The Aussie health funds are trying to get out of paying for transmedicine by saying it is psychological. Don't bother arguing, they will refuse cover.

Medicare covers the basics but you have to pay the gap. If it is deemed cosmetic surgery make sure you are covered.

Most of the Aussie surgeons working on trans people bend the rules as much as they can. In the case of transmen they go for double mastectomy for health reasons (potential cancer), same for hysto. For transwomen they go for penilectomy and orchidectomy, based on broad health reasons as well. They just state the medicare number so far they don't have to justify but I hear they may have to do so for private insurance claims.

Try HCF and HBF for private funding.

I've seen several Australians get top surgery in the #topsurgery tags on instagram and tumblr (been looking a lot to prep myself for my own procedure in a couple months) I would suggest maybe looking in there and maybe messaging some post op Australian guys?

Quote from: Cindy on March 28, 2016, 01:44:57 AM
Are you seeing a gender therapist? No Aussie surgeon will do trans surgery without two letters.

When you take out health insurance ensure it covers 'psychological' issues. The Aussie health funds are trying to get out of paying for transmedicine by saying it is psychological. Don't bother arguing, they will refuse cover.

Medicare covers the basics but you have to pay the gap. If it is deemed cosmetic surgery make sure you are covered.

Most of the Aussie surgeons working on trans people bend the rules as much as they can. In the case of transmen they go for double mastectomy for health reasons (potential cancer), same for hysto. For transwomen they go for penilectomy and orchidectomy, based on broad health reasons as well. They just state the medicare number so far they don't have to justify but I hear they may have to do so for private insurance claims.

Try HCF and HBF for private funding.

Yes, I have a psychologist who wrote me my letter for T and he can do this as well. What do you mean by 2 letters? Can the other be by a GP or does it have to be another psychologist/therapist? Thanks, I'll look into those private fundings.

Quote from: groudon18 on March 28, 2016, 03:30:41 AM
I've seen several Australians get top surgery in the #topsurgery tags on instagram and tumblr (been looking a lot to prep myself for my own procedure in a couple months) I would suggest maybe looking in there and maybe messaging some post op Australian guys?

Thanks for the advice, I'll look that up now.

Most private health funds will cover it, as long as you are at least one step above basic hospital cover (covers medicare listed procedures). When you shop around, quote the MBS item numbers to make sure they are covered and mention you are treating gender dysphoria, and it is not cosmetic surgery. You need to be on it for minimum 12 months to get hospital cover.

You still need to pay the gap after medicare rebate for the surgeon's fee.

FYI I only needed one letter from a psychiatrist (not psychologist) to proceed with top surgery (and hysterectomy). However to see a psychiatrist you need a referral from a doctor, so...

Another surgeon in Sydney I would recommend is Dr Steve Merten. Hassall generally has a really long waitlist so if you wanted to go with her you'd have to book everything in advance.

Thought I'd post some information here that I received from the offices of Andrew Ives in Melbourne, and Steve Merten in Sydney, for the benefit of future peeps looking for information on them.

Andrew Ives

His office told me that they would need me to get a referral, and to travel to his office for a consultation. No virtual consults. Subsequent appointments can be done over the telephone.

Fees (AUD):
Consultation fee: $250.
Surgical fee: $4,500
Hospital and anaesthetist fee: $10,000-$11,000
Total: $14,750-$15,750

They will require you to remain in Melbourne for 7-10 days.

Steve Merten

He will need a support letter from a qualified mental health professional recommending top surgery. You have to go down to his office for an initial consultation and a second pre-op consultation. No virtual consults. His office said that they can try to keep the consultation and surgery dates close together so that you can get in all done in a single trip.

Fees (AUD):
Initial consultation: $300
Pre-op consultation: $100
Surgeon's fee estimate for an average 3-hour top surgery: $9,000
Anaesthetist: $1,925
Assistant: $450
Hospital: $3,678.40
Total: $15,453.40

Dr Merten's fees include the postoperative surgical vest and 12 months' aftercare. They would like patients to stay for 2 weeks after the procedure.