Can I finance cosmetic surgery?
Yes. Cosmetic surgery finance is usually an unsecured personal loan, assessed on your income, expenses and credit history — not on the procedure or your reasons for it.
Some people have been thinking it over for years; others already have a date pencilled in. Either way, finance means the decision can rest with you and your surgeon rather than how long it takes to save.
People often choose finance so they can:
- Choose a surgeon for experience, not price
- Pay the full quote upfront instead of juggling several bills
- Keep savings aside for recovery time away from work
- Fit the procedure around work, family or travel
What costs should cosmetic surgery finance cover?
Everything on your written quote, plus the smaller costs around it. The surgeon’s fee is only one part of the total, so ask the clinic for a full breakdown before choosing a loan amount.
| Cost | What it usually includes | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Consultations | Appointments before surgery | Are consult fees deducted from the final bill? |
| Surgeon’s fee | The procedure and theatre time | Is an assistant surgeon included? |
| Anaesthetist | Anaesthesia and monitoring | Is this billed separately? |
| Hospital or day-surgery facility | Theatre, nursing, any overnight stay | What if I need an extra night? |
| Implants or devices | Where relevant to the procedure | Is the device cost in the quote? |
| Aftercare | Garments, dressings, medication, reviews | How many post-op reviews are included? |
How to get a cosmetic surgery loan
Meet your surgeon, get a full written quote, then enquire — ideally during your cooling-off period, so finance is lined up if you decide to proceed.
- 1
Referral and consultations
Australian guidelines generally require a referral and more than one consultation before cosmetic surgery is booked.
- 2
Get the full quote in writing
Ask for every fee — surgeon, anaesthetist, facility, devices and aftercare.
- 3
Enquire while you reflect
The guidelines also build in a cooling-off period. Use it to explore finance with us, with no obligation.
- 4
Apply once you’ve decided
Nothing touches your credit file until you choose to apply, and we’ll give you a heads-up first.
- 5
Settle and confirm your date
Settlement timing depends on the lender; some can pay out within 24 hours of approval.
Does Medicare cover cosmetic surgery?
Generally, no. Medicare and private health insurance don’t usually cover procedures done purely for appearance, though some with a clinical reason — such as certain reconstructive or functional surgery — may attract a rebate.
If there’s a medical element to your procedure, ask your surgeon whether any Medicare item numbers apply, then check with your health fund. Any rebate reduces what you need to borrow.
Personal loan or credit card for cosmetic surgery?
For a planned procedure, a personal loan is usually easier to manage because it has set repayments and a clear finish date. Card balances can linger when only the minimum is paid — Australians were carrying about $19.4 billion in credit card debt accruing interest in May 2026, according to RBA data.
| Feature | Personal loan | Credit card |
|---|---|---|
| Repayments | Set amount on a set schedule | Minimum varies with the balance |
| End date | Fixed from day one | None until the balance is cleared |
| Amount | Matched to your quote | Capped by your credit limit |
| Afterwards | Loan closes once repaid | Card stays open for new spending |
Want the bigger picture first? Our personal loans hub explains how these loans work across every purpose.
What you’ll need
- Your full written quote, itemised by provider
- Your preferred surgery date and any deposit deadline
- Current photo identification
- Proof of income — payslips, or tax returns if you run your own business
- Details of existing debts, including cards and buy now pay later
- An idea of any unpaid leave you’ll take while recovering
Who it usually suits
- Adults 18 and over
- Citizens and permanent residents, plus some visa holders with certain lenders
- Income you can show — salary, wages, casual or self-employed earnings
- Room in your budget for repayments during and after recovery
- A credit file that shows how you manage money today, even if the past was bumpy
