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Health and Wellness Programs are available to support eligible members towards a healthier lifestyle. Each Health and Wellness Program is subject to its own eligibility criteria.
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Understanding elective surgery in Australia
Have you been told you need elective surgery? Despite what the name might suggest, elective surgery isn't always optional. While they're not classified as an emergency, these types of procedures can have a major impact on a person's health and quality of life, from cataract surgery to joint replacements.
Whether you or a loved one is seeking treatment, understanding what an elective surgery is and how the process works might help you feel more informed and confident about your options.
Here's what you need to know, from elective surgery categories to the difference between going through the public or private systems in Australia.
What's the difference between elective and emergency surgery?
In Australia, elective surgery refers to any procedure that is not an emergency and can be delayed for at least 24 hours. Elective surgeries are usually planned in advance. On the other hand, emergency surgery is a procedure that needs to be performed urgently or immediately to save someone's life or prevent serious harm.
How do I get an elective surgery?
Typically, a specialist will determine if you need elective surgery after a clinical assessment. They will either refer you through the private hospital system or add you to a public hospital waiting list.
How are elective surgeries prioritised?
There are three different tiers of elective surgeries, each one outlining the impact of the person's condition and the preferred timeframe for treatment.
Category | Clinical description | Meaning |
Category 1 |
| Treatment recommended within 30 days* |
Category 2 |
| Treatment recommended within 30 days* |
Category 3 |
| Treatment recommended within 30 days* |
The categorisation of each treatment is determined by medical professionals and depends on each patient's condition and circumstance.
*These definitions are based on the timeframe in which admission is recommended, as judged by the treating clinician. Public hospitals make every attempt to meet these timeframes; however patients requiring emergency surgery or a hospital bed are given clinical priority.
Table: Government of WA Department of Health
What are some examples of elective surgeries?
Elective surgeries cover a wide range of procedures, from getting your tonsils removed to heart valve replacements. Examples of elective surgeries include:
- Cataract surgery (eye surgery)
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- Haemorrhoidectomy (haemorrhoid removal)
- Cystoscopy (examination of bladder and urinary tract)
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Total knee replacement
- Varicose veins treatment
- Tonsillectomy (tonsil removal)
Do elective surgery categories differ by state and territory?
In Australia, each state and territory has their own Elective Surgery Access Policy that provides guidance to health services on elective surgery management. We’ve made it easy to find out more information relevant to wherever you are in Australia
- Elective surgery in NSW
- Elective surgery in VIC
- Elective surgery in WA
- Elective surgery in QLD
- Elective surgery in SA
- Elective surgery in ACT
- Elective surgery in Tas
- Elective surgery in NT
Please note that some states and territories may not have made their detailed Access Policy publicly available.
What's the difference between getting an elective surgery as a public or private patient?
Under the public system, patients are treated according to their urgency category. Patients are then usually treated in the same order in which they were added to the waiting list.
Because of the COVID-19 restrictions on elective surgery during 2020, public waiting times for most procedures increased. Since then, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data shows public wait times are slowly decreasing, with 50% of patients admitted for elective surgery within 45 days between 2024 and 2025, compared to 46 days in 2023 to 2024.
As a private patient, once you have been seen by a specialist who has recommended surgery, you can book in at a suitable private hospital. Wait times can vary depending on your specialist, the hospital, your level of cover and individual circumstances. Between 2024 and 2025, AIHW data found that 67% of elective surgeries in Australia were performed in private hospitals.
Read more about the private patient journey from your GP appointment through to recovery.
Do you have the right Hospital cover for your needs and lifestyle? Here’s how you can find out.
Have you got a surgery planned?
If you’re having surgery soon, we’re here to help make sure you’re prepared. Find out everything you need to know before a stay in hospital. If you’d like to shorten or even avoid a hospital stay, subject to eligibility criteria, you might be able to take part in one of our Hospital Substitute Treatment programs.
If you might need surgery, we recommend giving us a call to confirm you're covered. We can also help you understand any out-of-pocket expenses you might have to pay. Speak to our Member Services team on 1300 654 123.
You should also get a written quote from the medical professionals who will be involved in your treatment. This itemised quote is known as informed financial consent (IFC), and you are legally entitled to request it.
Sources
https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Elective-surgery
https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/509f8a18-73c9-416c-92a5-f5073201df46/15778.pdf.aspx?inline=true
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Performance/Pages/surgery.aspx
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/surgical-services-policies-and-guides
https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Improving-WA-Health/Elective-services-reform
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/397440/qh-imp-342-1.pdf
https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/surgery
https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/hospitals-health-services/about-operations-and-surgical-procedures
https://www.aihw.gov.au/hospitals/topics/admitted-patient-care
https://www.aihw.gov.au/hospitals/topics/elective-surgery
All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.