How much does it cost to get your tonsils removed in Australia?

Your tonsils are 2 small glands in the back of the throat, 1 on each side. They help you deal with infections, particularly in childhood. In some situations, you may need to have an operation to remove your tonsils, called a tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy is a common surgery performed in children, but it is also done in adults.

Why is tonsillectomy performed?

You might need your tonsils taken out if you have regular or repeated problems with inflammation or infection in your tonsils (tonsillitis) or around the tonsils. Sometimes people have their tonsils removed because they are big enough to cause breathing problems or sleep disorders.

How to prepare for tonsillectomy

You will need to fast (not have anything to eat or drink) for some time before your tonsillectomy — the hospital or your doctor will give you specific instructions about this. There might be some medicines you should avoid before the operation, like anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Nurofen) and aspirin. Learn more in our Preparing for surgery article.

What happens during tonsillectomy?

You will be given a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep for the operation. The doctor will remove the tonsils through your mouth, so there are no cuts to the skin.

What happens after a tonsillectomy?

When you wake, you will probably have a very sore throat and feel sick. You should discuss with your doctor what medicine you could take to help with this, and what to avoid.

Some people will go home the day of the operation and some will stay in hospital overnight, but this can be different for different people. Children might need a week or two off school.

It might help to avoid certain foods, like oranges and lemons, which can hurt your throat. It is normal to have a white patch in the throat where the tonsils used to be.

What can go wrong?

This is a safe procedure. Sometimes there can be bleeding or infection in the area where the tonsils used to be. If you have fresh bleeding, or a high temperature, or you cannot eat or drink, you should call your doctor or the hospital. If the bleeding is heavy, you should go to the hospital emergency department immediately.

If you live in a remote area, it is important to stay close to the hospital in which you had your surgery for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, due to the risk of bleeding.

More information

Visit the healthdirect surgical procedures page to learn more about surgical procedures in general with information such as:

• Questions to ask before surgery
• Preparing for surgery
• How to find the right health professional

**Dr. Jefferson cannot book patients to public hospital operating lists from his private rooms**

There are many Ear Nose and Throat conditions that do not require surgery.  These problems can be assessed and managed in our private rooms without an operation.

If surgery is recommended and you are not covered by health insurance you have 3 options:

1. Pay for the operation yourself (self-fund) through the private hospital system
2. Join a Health Fund  *RECOMMENDED*
3. Apply for Compassionate Release of Superannuation

 Self-Fund

Many of our patients choose to “self-fund” their procedure.  This allows you to have the operation performed by the surgeon of your choice, at a private hospital on a date that is convenient for you.

There are 3 fees associated with an operation at a private hospital: 1.  The surgeon’s fee  2. The anaesthetist’s fee  3.  The hospital fee

Our surgeon’s fees:

* Please note: These fees are current as of July 2021 and are subject to change at any time

Join a Health Fund

In most cases, it is more cost-effective to take out private health cover now and have surgery in 12 months time. Most health funds require a 12-month waiting period for surgeries on pre-existing conditions. Private health will cover most, or all of the hospital fees, depending on your excess. The hospital fee is typically the most expensive part of having surgery in the private system. Private health funds will also cover most of Dr Jefferson’s fees as well as the majority of the anaesthetist’s fees.  If you choose to take out health insurance, please let us know the date you joined. We will schedule in a phone consult with our Practice Nurse in 12 month’s time to determine whether surgery is still required. If your condition has changed, we may book you in for a review with Dr Jefferson prior to considering a surgery date.
To compare health funds here: Compare Private Health

Compassionate Release of Superannuation

The Australian Government may allow you to access your superannuation for medical treatment if you meet certain requirements. You can find a list of the requirements and the process for applying here: Eligibility for Compassionate Release of Super

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