.svg)
How Much Does Prostate (or TURP) Surgery Cost in Australia?
How Much Does Prostate (or TURP) Surgery Cost in Australia?
Written by
Tina Sendin
Edited by
Andrew Kemp
Reviewed by
Andres GutierrezCompare Health Insurance Policies
Save time and effort by comparing a range of Australia’s health funds with iSelect
What is prostate surgery?
Long story short
Going in as a public patient means you won’t have to pay anything
Medicare covers all the costs of your prostate surgery, but you face public wait lists and don’t get to choose your surgeon.
You could skip public waiting times by becoming a private patient
Going private gives you greater say when it comes to your surgeon, hospital, and schedule.
You might have to shell out for the gap
Even with Medicare and private health insurance, 80% of private patients paid out-of-pocket expenses. Most paid around $650 for TURP.
You could be covered if your policy includes the ‘male reproductive system’ category
It’s available in bronze policies and up, but it’s worth checking with your health fund to make sure.
What is prostate surgery?
Prostate surgery refers to medical procedures performed on the prostate – a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder in men.
The goal of prostate surgery depends on the condition being treated. For an enlarged prostrate, the aim is to relieve urinary symptoms by removing some or the prostate gland. For prostate cancer, you may need some or all of your prostate removed to prevent the cancer spreading.
Because of this, there are different categories of prostate surgery.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
TURP is a minimally invasive procedure to remove excess prostate tissue and improve urine flow. It’s a standard procedure for older men (usually) who may be experiencing urinary issues due to an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Because the prostate sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the urinary tube), its enlargement can squeeze this channel, causing frustrating and disruptive symptoms.
TURP isn’t used to treat cancer; its primary goal is to improve quality of life.
You might be a candidate for a TURP procedure if you have:
- trouble starting to urinate
- a weak, or stop-start, stream
- the constant feeling that your bladder isn’t fully empty
- frequent urination, including throughout the night
- a sudden, urgent need to go.
A TURP is generally recommended when symptoms significantly affect your daily life and medication isn’t providing enough relief.
Although not commonly performed in Australia, a partial prostate surgery called ‘simple prostatectomy’ could be presented as an alternative treatment for BPH. It’s an option to treat very large prostates (over 300 grams) where TURP wouldn’t be as effective. It can be done through open surgery or robotic-assisted surgery.
Radical prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate, making it an effective and potentially curative treatment for localised prostate cancer.
The procedure will involve one of the following methods:
- Open radical prostatectomy involves a single incision in the lower abdomen to access and remove the prostate.
- Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a keyhole surgery that uses small incisions and a camera for a minimally invasive approach.
- Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is a form of laparoscopic surgery where a surgeon operates robotic instruments for enhanced precision.
What’s the cost of TURP surgery?
The cost of TURP surgery depends on whether you plan to go public or private.
Will health insurance pay for prostate surgery?
Yes, as long as your policy has cover for the ‘male reproductive system’ category. Whether you’re a private patient in a public or private hospital, hospital cover and Medicare will take cover some or all of your surgical costs. Here’s the breakdown:
- Medicare pays 75% of the government-set Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee.
- Your private health insurer pays the remaining 25% of the MBS fee.
Going in as a private patient means you can choose your own urologist and skip the long wait in the public system. But this could also mean having out-of-pocket expenses.
Let’s have a look at 2023–24 data from the Australian Government’s Medical Costs Finder showing how much private patients end up paying out of pocket for a TURP.
TURP surgery costs in Australia
| Prostatectomy (transurethral resection of the prostate – TURP) | |
| Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number | 37203 |
| Typical specialists’ fees | $3,300 |
| Medicare rebates | $1,300 |
| Insurer typically paid | $1,200 |
| Typical out-of-pocket cost | $650 |
| % of patients with an out-of-pocket cost | 80% |
Source: Medical Costs Finder – Prostatectomy (transurethral resection of the prostate -TURP)
Note: These are the amounts patients typically paid for these services, rounded to the nearest dollar. They do not include hospital payments such as excesses, co-payments, or other payments. These fees may vary depending on your situation. Not all patients had out-of-pocket costs; those who didn’t aren’t included in these figures. Data retrieved February 2026.
Does Medicare cover TURP surgery?
If you hold a Medicare card, a prostate surgery in a public hospital is performed at no cost to you. Medicare covers the fees for the surgeon, anaesthetist, and all hospital costs.
The catch? You’ll be treated by the surgeon on duty and placed on a waiting list.
Are there other out-of-pocket costs for TURP or prostate surgery?
Yes, unfortunately. Even with Medicare and private health insurance, you’ll need to pay for some out-of-pocket costs.
- Hospital fees: These are the costs associated with your stay and treatment. According to the 2023–24 data from Medical Costs Finder, hospital fees for TURP was $5,000.
- Hospital excess: This is a fixed amount you agree to pay to the hospital when you take out your policy. It’s paid directly to the hospital upon admission.
- Co-payment: This is what you pay for each day of your hospital stay. In the case of TURP, you might stay for a couple of days.
- Pathology and diagnostics: Any tissue removed is sent to a lab for analysis, which could incur a separate fee. You may also have costs for pre-operative tests or imaging.
Hospital cover could help you avoid thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses in a private hospital.
Helpful tip
The specialists’ fees in the table refer to what your lead urologist, assistant surgeon, and anaesthetist typically charge. But they can also charge more than 100% of the standard MBS fee – in which case you might need to pay for the gap. Always ask your surgeon for a full quote that includes the item numbers for every part of the procedure. Then, call your insurer to confirm exactly what’s covered and what your gap will be.
It’s also worth chatting with your insurer and individual specialists if they have a medical gap scheme with each other. Asking the question could save you from paying for gap!
Andres Gutierrez
General Manager – Health
Are there other costs after TURP or prostate surgery?
Yes, there are other costs to think of even after the surgery, including:
- Follow-up appointments: You will need to see your urologist for post-operative checks, usually several weeks after your surgery.
- Pain relief and supplements: You might need pain relief for the burning or stinging sensation when peeing after the procedure. And because you should avoid constipation after surgery, your doctor might suggest taking fibre supplements or medication.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Regaining bladder control is a key part of recovery. Your specialist will often recommend sessions with a physio. Some of this cost may be claimed on your extras cover, if you have it.
How long will I have to wait for prostate surgery?
In the public system, waiting times vary significantly by state. For elective procedures like TURP, you could be waiting from a couple of months to around a year. While cancer surgery is prioritised, the wait for non-urgent procedures can have a major impact on your quality of life.
As a private patient, you won’t have to wait as long. As soon as you and your chosen surgeon and hospital are ready, the procedure can be booked. This is one of the perks of having hospital cover.
But it’s worth noting that there’s also your policy’s waiting period to consider.
If you’re new to health insurance or upgrading your policy, a 12-month waiting period applies for any pre-existing condition. This includes issues like BPH that you had symptoms for before joining or upgrading. (It pays to get covered before you need it.) For new conditions, the waiting period is two months.
What level of health insurance do I need to cover prostate surgery?
Prostatectomy and TURP often falls under the ‘male reproductive system’ clinical category, which is available in bronze policies and higher. It’s always worth having a chat with your health fund to check your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does TURP surgery typically cost in Australia?
A typical TURP surgery including specialist and hospital fees could cost around $8,300 in total – with specialist fees amounting to $3,300 and the cost of treatment and hospital stay around $5,000. This is according to 2023–24 data from the Australian Government’s Medical Costs Finder. However, the total costs depend on factors like your healthcare providers’ fees, health cover, and location.
What happens during a TURP procedure?
The doctor guides a thin tube with a camera through your urethra and then uses a special device to trim away some of the prostate tissue. Throughout the entire procedure, you’ll be asleep or numb as it’s usually done under a spinal or general anaesthetic.
The surgery usually takes about an hour, and you’ll likely stay in hospital for a couple of days afterward.
You may have a catheter for a short time, and it’s normal to notice some blood in your urine or feel a burning sensation when you pee at first.
Your doctor will advise taking it easy for several weeks (no heavy lifting or strenuous activity) and keeping your bowels regular with plenty of fluids and fibre as you recover.
Is TURP a high-risk surgery?
A TURP is a minimally invasive procedure that removes extra prostate tissue to help you pee more easily. But as with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications.
These include bleeding (and sometimes the need for blood transfusions), a small risk of getting a urinary tract infection, erection problems, retrograde ejaculation, and some urinary symptoms. Although having urinary incontinence is rare after a TURP.
There are other alternative treatment options like medicines, laser treatment, and open surgery – although minimally invasive techniques like TURP are becoming more common as they may have fewer side effects and faster recovery. It’s worth getting medical advice from your doctor on the best way forward depending on your situation.
Find and compare plans
Navigating medical bills while dealing with something like a prostate issue is a challenge no one wants or needs. Understanding your options – and how private health insurance could help – makes the journey less stressful for you and your loved ones.
iSelect can help you compare policies from different providers to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Give our friendly team of health insurance comparison experts a call on 1800 784 772 or use our online comparison tool to find and compare policies.
Compare health insurance policies the easy way
Save time and effort by comparing a range of Australia’s health funds with iSelect
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Need help with health insurance?
We can help you find a suitable product for your needs
Health Insurance & Tax
Tax Implications on Health Insurance
The Medicare Levy Surcharge
About the Life Time Health Cover Loading
The Private Health Insurance Benefit Codes
iSelect does not compare all health insurance providers or policies in the market. The availability of policies will change from time to time. Not all policies available from its providers are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements, your stated needs and circumstances, not all policies compared by iSelect are available to all customers. Some policies and special offers are available only from iSelect’s contact centre or website. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers