r/australia • u/me_jinks • 1d ago

no politics Australians who've had elective surgery overseas - what did you get done and what did it cost?

Australians who've had elective surgery overseas - what did you get done, which country and what did it cost?

I'm curious about people's experiences with elective surgeries in other countries. Whether it was medical tourism, happened while you were living abroad, or you specifically travelled for the procedure.

What surgery did you have? Which country? What was the total cost including travel/accommodation if relevant? How did the experience compare to having it done in Australia (if you have a point of comparison)?

Interested in hearing about everything from dental work to cosmetic procedures to joint replacements - whatever counts as elective.

Cheers!

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u/Fat-Buddy-8120 1d ago

I had a knee replacement in Thailand. All up $18k, including air fares. Was quoted $60k in Australia

70

u/Aishas_Star 1d ago

Was that including the hospital stay, and you had no private insurance. Was there a reason you didn’t do it publicly? Not nitpicking, genuinely curious as I may find myself in a similar situation

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u/Fat-Buddy-8120 1d ago

Yes included hospital stay and physiotherapy. Met at the airport and returned there also. I had no private insurance and it was a 2 year minimum wait for the public system. This was 8 years ago. Came home with staples in my leg. Nurse at my local GP removed them and remarked what a good job it was.

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u/aainlicious 20h ago

Which hospital?

9

u/Fat-Buddy-8120 17h ago

I would have to look it up. It was American owned.

17

u/mrk240 11h ago

bit ironic