Informed financial consent means you are told the full cost of your care before you agree to treatment. This includes what Medicare pays, what your insurer pays, and what you pay. Always ask for a written estimate, check all providers, and take time before you agree.
What is informed financial consent?
Informed financial consent means you are given clear information about the cost of your care before you agree to it.
This should include:
- the total cost of treatment
- what Medicare will cover
- what your private health insurance will cover
- what you will need to pay yourself
Why this matters
Clear cost information helps you make safe and informed decisions about your care.
What costs should you be told about?
You should be told about all expected costs before treatment, including:
- surgeon or specialist fees
- anaesthetist fees
- assistant surgeon fees
- hospital or facility fees
- diagnostic tests or imaging
- follow up care
Sometimes, more than one provider will bill you separately. You have the right to understand the full picture before you agree.
When should you receive this information?
You should receive cost information before treatment.
This gives you time to:
- ask questions
- compare options
- decide if you want to proceed
However, in emergencies, it may not be possible to provide full cost information in advance.
Financial consent is not the same as clinical consent
You may be asked to sign consent forms. It is important to understand there are two types:
- Clinical consent: covers risks, benefits, and treatment options
- Financial consent: covers cost
You should receive both.
What questions should you ask before agreeing to care?
Ask these questions:
- What is the total cost of this treatment?
- How much will I pay out of pocket?
- Are there other doctors involved?
- Will they charge separately?
- What Medicare item numbers apply?
- What will my health fund cover?
- Can I have this in writing?
What to do before you agree to treatment
Take these steps:
- Ask for a written cost estimate
- Ask about all providers involved
- Contact your private health insurer
- Check what Medicare will cover
- Take time before you decide
You have the right to pause and ask questions.
What if you receive an unexpected bill?
If you were not clearly informed about costs, you can act:
- Contact the provider and ask for an explanation
- Check your insurer and Medicare details
- Ask for a review or itemised bill
If the issue is not resolved, you can escalate, in Western Australia, you can contact:
- Health and Disability Services Complaints Office
- Care Opinion Australia
- Health Consumers’ Council WA for advocacy support
Key takeaways
Before you agree to care, you should know what it will cost you.
If you do not understand the cost, you cannot give informed financial consent.
Ask questions. Get it in writing. Take your time.
Learn how to advocate for yourself or someone you care for
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