More than 30 types of gender reassignment surgery could be funded by Aussie taxpayers at a cost of up to $80,000 each

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA 02:14 13 Oct 2026, updated 03:01 13 Oct 2026

Australian taxpayers could soon help cover the cost of more than 30 types of gender reassignment surgery under a proposal to expand Medicare rebates for procedures that patients currently pay for largely out of their own pockets.

Some of the procedures can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with vaginoplasty costing up to $60,000, while facial feminisation surgery can cost up to $80,000.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons has applied for new Medicare Benefits Schedule items covering consultations and gender-affirming surgery for adults diagnosed with gender incongruence, a condition in which a person’s experienced gender differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.

The proposal is now before the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), which advises the Albanese government on whether new medical services should receive public funding.

The ASPS is seeking new Medicare item numbers for consultations before and after surgery, as well as procedures including chest masculinisation, breast augmentation, hysterectomy, the removal of ovaries or testes, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, metoidioplasty and facial feminisation surgery.

Currently, access to funding for these procedures is limited. Some patients rely on existing Medicare items that were not specifically designed for gender-affirming care, while others pay out of pocket or travel overseas for treatment.

The ASPS argues the proposed changes would create a clearer and more consistent pathway for adults seeking gender-affirming surgery and related medical care.

‘Collectively, the objective of these amendments and additions to the MBS is to facilitate a multidisciplinary best model of care framework for patients pursuing medical interventions for gender affirmation that extends before and after any surgery,’ the proposal says.

The application estimates there could be more than 128,000 transgender Australians who may be candidates for gender-affirming medical interventions.

An estimated 47,087 people are expected to access the proposed services in the first full year if the application is approved, which could balloon to millions of dollars to the public.

Supporters argue the procedures play a significant role in improving quality of life and mental health outcomes.

ASPS documents note that trans and gender-diverse people experience higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality, and some individuals seek medical and surgical interventions as part of their care.

But MSAC has requested a more comprehensive review of the clinical evidence after finding initial materials submitted did not adequately assess all relevant information according to its guidelines.

As a result, a more robust assessment of the effectiveness and safety of gender-affirming surgery was required before the application could move forward.

The review also found considerable differences internationally in how patients access surgery.

It noted many countries require psychological assessment, a formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence.

In some cases, candidates must go through periods of hormone therapy before major surgery is performed.

MSAC is considering the application in stages, with the first focused on clinical evidence and safety, and the second examining the economic impact and financial implications of public funding.

The committee is scheduled to consider the matter later this year.

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