Will My Super Pay for Plastic Surgery?
“Can I access my Superannuation for plastic surgery?” This is another question we often get asked here at the Hub. We recently posted an article on what Medicare covers when it comes to surgeries and procedures. Early release of Superannuation for surgery is another option people wonder about when thinking about getting plastic surgery.
The short answer to this question is “yes, in particular circumstances”. However, early release of your superannuation is not easy or simple. There are definitely conditions and each case is approved on an individual basis. Under the government guidelines early release of superannuation can be considered under “Compassionate Grounds – medical treatment”. These particular types of claims are now administrated by the Department of Human Services – they were previously processed by your individual Superannuation Fund. To quote the Department of Human Services website directly:
“You may be eligible for an early release of superannuation for medical treatment or transport expenses if:
- you or your dependant has a life-threatening illness or injury, acute or chronic pain, or acute or chronic mental illness, and
- you or your dependant need assistance to meet the costs of medical treatment which is not readily available through the public health system or covered by insurance, or
- you or your dependant need assistance to meet the costs of transport to access medical treatment, and
- you do not have the financial capacity to pay for the expenses without accessing your superannuation”
You can make an application for early release of super for surgery through the ATO via your ‘MyGov’ account.
Accessing Superannuation for Necessary Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery
Not all of us have the money lying around to pay for a plastic and reconstructive surgery. For many of us it’s even a daunting task to save the money over a period of time, especially when it’s reconstructive, or a procedure to rectify or help deal with everyday life – for example getting rid of excess skin after a massive weight loss; or rhinoplasty to deal with breathing issues, or even a breast reduction to assist with back problems or chronic pain. Accessing your superannuation to finance your procedure might be an option in some circumstances.
Aside from filling out the appropriate forms and paperwork, you will need to provide two reports – one from a registered medical practitioner, and one from a registered medical specialist qualified in the area of medicine you are looking to have surgery. Any report you provide must be dated not more than 6 months before you submit it.
The most likely procedures to be approved for payment through early release of your super include abdominoplasty, breast reduction, body contouring or skin reduction surgery after massive weight loss.
There is no “list” of surgeries that they do and don’t consider. As with so many other aspects of the Plastic Surgery industry, the growth of this trend in using superannuation to fund these types of surgeries is still outrunning the speed of the government and industry to regulate them. You might have heard reports of cases where someone used their super to fund this and that plastic surgery, but it is a definite grey area.
Each case is treated on an individual basis, but approval of early release depends on your ability to provide all necessary documentation from your doctor and specialist confirming that what you have is life-threatening or absolutely essential to your quality of life. You may also be considered if your situation is causing you chronic mental illness (serious psychological issues), but of course again, this does not apply to everyone.
The main plastic surgery we found that was being financed via early release of super was that as a result of also having had surgery for weight loss in the case of chronic morbid obesity which is considered a life-threatening condition. Keep in mind that you can only apply for early release of your super if the surgery is “medically necessary“ and has an item number from Medicare.
For more information or to download the appropriate forms visit the ATO Early release of Superannuation
* We recommend you consult with your surgeon to identify if they believe you may be eligible to use your Superannuation to fund your surgery.
Trish
Trish is a plastic surgery blogger. She is passionate about wellbeing, health and beauty, and doesn't mind a little bit of 'help' from the amazing cosmetic and beauty procedures that are available today. Trish spends her days talking to women and men who are looking for suggestions and advice on procedures that are available to them. Cutting through the sales pitch and hype, a down-to-earth response on general information is what you will get.
Hi
Could you help please?
25 years ago I was glassed in the face and have signicant scarring on my cheek and under my eye. As I’ve got older I find it increasingly embarrassing and more noticable as I age and lose plumpness in my skin/facial structures. It is effecting my work and social life and my mental state of mind. I want to look into using my superannuation to attempt to change the appearance of my scarring. What are your thoughts on procedures, surgeons and superannuation access for this reason. Thankyou
Hi Nicole
I’ve never heard of a case such as yours, but it would make sense that you can access your super. I can find out from a surgeon that might be able to help answer that question. Where are you based?
Trish
I have employer contributed super in Australian Super i need to have cosmetic surgery on my inner thighs afte er weight loss surgery. Can i take out $7000 for this surgery will my super give me the money?
I am really desperate to find this out.
Hi Oli
Lots of people do. You’d have to download the forms from the department website and go from there.
You can join our FB support forum if you’d like to speak with others that might be in the same boat?
Hi
I have had weight loss surgery two years ago, I have lost 63KG and have a lot of excess skin, can I access my superannuation to have surgery to fix this?
Thanks Lee
Hi Lee
As far as we understand you might be able to – yes!
Would you like to join our closed FB group where you can chat to others who have done so? If so, here’s a link – send a request to join and I’ll accept it for you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PlasticSurgeryHub/
Regards
Trish
Hi Trish
16 years ago I lost a lot of weight, I had plastic surgery to remove the loose skin, and I also have breast implant, with I paid by getting a loan, my at the age of 60 yrs one of my implant have come out off it’s capsules and to be removed, it’s going to cost $15,000 which i cannot afford, can I assess that money from my super.
Regards
Carol
Carol
you should be able to.
If you email [email protected] i’ll send you a link.
Trish
Hi Trish,
I have had two large babies and c sections, weight gains and loss…. it has caused abdominal muscle separation which has caused ongoing back pain. Is it possible to access my super for a ‘tummy tuck’ & ‘breast implants’ to repair the damage from child bearing ???
With thanks
Crystal
Hey Crystal
Many women in your position have accessed super. You have to apply through the Dept of Human Resources. There’s a link on the PSH website – you can do a search for it.
Let me know if you have a problem finding it.
Trish
Hi Trish,
I am looking at getting a breast lift as my breast are sagging and lost alot of tissue from pregnancy and weight loss/gain. The sagging does cause issues both pain and mental issues, and with more weight to lose i would think it would get worse. Could i access my super?
Hi Stacey
You’d have to apply, but sounds like you may be eligible. You will need to have a consultation. Get your GP to give you a referral to a plastic surgeon. Where are you located, I’ll send you a list of specialist plastic surgeons.
Trish
Hi Trish
We run http://www.releasemysuper.com.au assisting clients with the paperwork of applying for early release superannuation.
We speak with the ATO daily during the course of submitting claims to the ATO on behalf of applicants. If anyone requires more detailed consultation on this we are more than readily available to answer questions. 1300 090 261. Kathie
Thanks Kathie!