Health Costs

Simple guides to help Australians reduce healthcare costs, understand Medicare, compare private health insurance, and check support options such as PBS and Medicare Safety Nets.

Health Costs

Elective Surgery: Is Waiting in the Public System Worth It? Australia Wait Times, Medicare and Private Options Compared (2026 Update)

Public elective surgery can save you thousands, but the wait may be weeks, months or longer depending on your urgency category, procedure and state. Here’s how Medicare, public waitlists and private hospital options compare in Australia in 2026.