Doctor checking child tonsils

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Get an overview of the out-of-pocket costs associated with your procedure so you know what to expect.

What are tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Tonsils are small lumps on either side of the back of your throat.

Adenoids are small lumps at the back of your nose.

They both help fight off infection, but sometimes they get too large and cause problems with breathing and sleeping.

Having them surgically removed with tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy can solve the issue.

Both procedures are done under a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep) and the tonsils and adenoids are removed through your mouth.1, 2

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are most often done for children.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are performed by an Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

How much does tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy cost?

Our out-of-pocket calculator will provide you with a clear understanding of the typical costs associated with this common hospital procedure.

It’s important to understand how getting your procedure in a public or private hospital differs.

QuestionPublic system 
(Without health insurance)
Private system 
(With health insurance)
Will I avoid public hospital waiting lists?

No.

Yes.

Will I be able to choose my hospital?

No.

Yes.

Will I be able to choose my doctor or surgeon?

No.

Yes.

Will I have out-of-pocket costs?

No.

Yes.

In a public hospital, tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is covered by Medicare for eligible residents.

Once you are discharged from hospital, you may still need to pay out-of-pocket for things like medicines and health services (like physiotherapy or occupational therapy).

In a private hospital, private health insurance can cover some costs of tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

You may have an out-of-pocket cost if you use private hospital cover when you get treatment. You can minimise some of these costs by choosing a hospital and specialist that have agreements with your health insurer.

If you have an excess on your cover, you will have to pay for that out of pocket.

Hospital excess is the amount of money you contribute upfront (out of your own pocket) before you can claim a benefit on hospital treatment. With HBF hospital cover, you choose an excess option when you first get hospital cover, but you can change your excess at any time.

With HBF, you only pay hospital excess once per person, per calendar year (to a maximum of twice on a family policy) when you’re admitted to hospital.

Are you an HBF member? You can check your excess in myHBF or the HBF App. This is the set amount you’ll pay when you’re admitted.

A hospital out-of-pocket cost is the portion of a hospital bill that you pay from your own pocket for which you won’t be reimbursed – by either health insurance or Medicare.

If you want private health insurance cover for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, look for HBF hospital cover (not extras cover) that includes a category called ‘Tonsils, adenoids and grommets’.

You need to hold hospital cover that includes ‘Tonsils, adenoids and grommets’ for two months before you can claim for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy (or 12 months if you need a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy due to a pre-existing condition).

Find hospital cover for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy

Ask your GP for an open referral

Your GP is the one who’ll most likely refer you to a specialist – but you may want the option to choose your own specialist.

Asking for an open referral can let you:

Young boy in hospital bed

Signs you may need a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy

Tonsillectomy may be recommended if the tonsils cause:3

Adenoidectomy may be recommended if the adenoids cause:2

If both the tonsils and adenoids are causing problems, they can be removed at the same time through adeno-tonsillectomy.1

Young boy getting nose checked by doctor

Alternatives to tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

If the tonsils are causing problems, the only alternative is to wait and hope that the problem gets better.1

If the adenoids are causing problems, your doctor can use nasal sprays to improve a blocked nose. Aside from that, the only option is to also wait and see if it gets better.1

Child drinking water in bed

Tonsillectomy recovery

Some people go home the same day they have surgery, and some stay in hospital overnight. Full recovery takes a few weeks.3

Mother helping child with cleaning nose

Adenoidectomy recovery

Most people leave hospital the same day following surgery, but some may stay overnight. Full recovery only requires a few of days of rest.2

Looking for health insurance? Get a quote in minutes

Compare our hospital and extras cover options now. Or use our recommendation tool to select your needs and find our most affordable cover to suit.

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Further reading

Doctor with notebook
Understand your hospital cover and reduce stress during your stay with our simple hospital guide.
Learn more
Woman having a cup of tea with laptop
Already an HBF member? See what you’re covered for and manage your cover by logging into myHBF.
Learn more
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See if one of HBF’s support programs could help you get healthy or stay healthy.
Learn more

1 Health Direct - Adeno-tonsillectomy (2023)

2 Health Direct - Adenoidectomy (2023)

3 Health Direct - Tonsillectomy (2023)