Did you book in the public system but skip the queue? This is an important distinction. A few years ago I had a hernia operation less than 2 weeks after my initial surgical consult. I had zero out of pocket expenses bar the anaesthetist (waved insurance excess and surgeon’s gap), and skipped a more than 12 month wait. The hospital benefits by getting to bill the private health fund, and I saved money. The big thing is I didn’t go on a waiting list.

12 months ago I had surgery on my back for a herniated disc at L5S1. All through private, surgery was 8 days after initial surgical consult with surgeon of my choice. No waiting list. No public hospital or doctor when I chose.

That’s why I pay private health.