Access Super for Weight Loss | Dr Stephen Watson

Weight Loss Surgery Funding Through Your Superannuation

Did you know that you may be able to request part of your superannuation early to help pay for your weight loss surgery or other applicable medical procedures?

Because weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be an effective treatment for chronic obesity, an increasing number of Australians are requesting early release of super to help cover the cost of gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other bariatric surgery.

If you would like assistance to access your superannuation for surgery, please let our team know prior to your initial visit as this will need to be discussed with Dr Watson during your consultation.

Accessing via Your Specialist and GP

I do not have health insurance and want to withdraw money from my super to pay for the entire cost.

Total Estimate*: $23,000 (Patients can expect some Medicare refunds)
*These costs are an estimate only. Final costs can only be provided after an initial consultation with Dr Stephen Watson.
Applications can be done by the patient in appropriate cases with forms from the specialist and GP to be submitted to the ATO.

I have health insurance but want to access my super to pay for the gap.

If you currently have health insurance and are eligible to claim your health fund benefits for your weight loss procedure, you may be able to access your super to help fund the gap payment.

Take a look at our fees page to see the fees and gap payment/rebate for patients who currently have an eligible health fund.

Accessing Via Third Party – SuperCare or Access My Super

SuperCare and Access My Super can facilitate you through a process of contacting the ATO for the approval to request that your superannuation fund trustee release part of your super early. This release of funds can be used to fund weight loss surgeries.

This is a great option for patients who require weight loss surgery, but do not have the funds to pay the excess costs of surgery. It’s also possible to use this method to pay for family members who are in accordance with the Superannuation Industry and unable to pay their surgery costs.

However please note that your superannuation fund has the right, based on its policies, to refuse the release of your super funds, even with ATO approval.

For more information, please contact Dr Stephen Watson or click here to go to the SuperCare website or Access My Super website.

We recommend that you obtain financial advice from your accountant or tax advisor before lodging an application as the release of your Superannuation will impact your income tax and may affect your Family Benefits position.

To learn more about early release of super for procedures such as weight loss surgery, visit the ATO website.