Last updated on October 31, 2026
Is varicose vein treatment covered by Medicare?
Are you tired of living with painful and unsightly varicose veins? If so, you’re not alone. Thankfully, varicose vein treatment is available and can help alleviate symptoms and reduce discomfort. In fact, one of the most common questions patients ask is whether this procedure is covered under Medicare. If you’re looking for answers, keep reading to learn more about your options.
How Medicare Helps With Varicose Vein Costs
Medicare rebates apply when varicose veins are causing symptoms or signs, and an ultrasound shows faulty valves (venous reflux). Treatment that is purely cosmetic isn’t covered.
Medicare may cover varicose vein treatment if deemed medically necessary.
What Types of Varicose Vein Treatments Are Covered by Medicare?
Surgical procedures, such as vein stripping and endovascular procedures, may be covered by Medicare.
It is best to check with your vein specialist to determine what treatments are covered and if there may be any out-of-pocket costs.
Private Health Insurance and Payment Plans
If you have private hospital cover, treatment can be done as a day procedure at the Mater Hospital, with a sedation or anaesthetic option. The treatment and results are the same as in our rooms. Your health fund may also contribute to compression stockings.
Payment plans are available through humm.
Treatments such as endovenous laser ablation are used for treating varicose veins and may be covered by medical insurance.
What You Pay at Vein Doctors Sydney
- Consultation: $330, with a Medicare rebate of $88.40 if you have a GP referral. It takes 45 to 60 minutes and includes a vein ultrasound.
- Ultrasound: bulk billed with a GP referral and a Medicare card.
- Varicose vein treatment in our rooms: radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation or VenaSeal, plus any sclerotherapy or phlebectomy needed, is $3,000 per leg out of pocket after the Medicare rebate, for patients who meet the criteria.
- Treatment in hospital with private health insurance: the gap is $1,800 per leg. Your hospital excess depends on your policy.
- Follow-up: follow-up sclerotherapy sessions and follow-up ultrasound are bulk billed.
- Spider veins: sclerotherapy usually doesn’t attract a Medicare rebate, unless a larger feeding vein meets the criteria.
You get a written quote at your consultation. See our fees page for full details.
How to Get Varicose Vein Treatment Covered by Medicare
To get varicose vein treatment covered by Medicare, you will need to meet several eligibility requirements and provide proof to your doctor that the procedure is medically necessary.
How Can Vein Doctors Sydney Help You?
Dr Ryan McConnell assesses and treats varicose veins in Manly and St Leonards. Ask your GP for a referral so you can claim the Medicare rebate, then book a consultation.
FAQs
If you require more information on whether varicose vein treatment is covered by Medicare, please read our most frequently asked questions:
How do I know if my varicose vein treatment is medically necessary?
Your doctor can determine if your varicose veins are causing symptoms that require medical treatment.
Does Medicare cover varicose vein treatment?
Yes. Medicare provides rebates for varicose vein treatment when it’s needed for symptoms such as pain, swelling, skin changes or ulcers, and an ultrasound confirms the vein problem. Your doctor will confirm whether you’re eligible at your consultation.
Is varicose vein treatment bulk billed?
Varicose vein treatment at Vein Doctors Sydney isn’t bulk billed. If you meet Medicare’s criteria you receive a Medicare rebate, and some parts of your care are bulk billed: your vein ultrasound (with a GP referral and Medicare card), follow-up sclerotherapy sessions and follow-up ultrasound. See our fees page for what you’ll pay.
Can my GP help with varicose veins?
If you develop varicose veins, your GP can help diagnose them and refer you to a specialist for further treatment, if necessary.
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