The cost of brain surgery varies massively, from potentially thousands to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on complexity, location, hospital, and insurance, with examples showing costs like $20,000 to over $50,000 for tumor removal in the US, while in some countries like India, it can range from ₹2 Lakhs to ₹12 Lakhs+. Public systems (like the UK's NHS or Australia's Medicare) cover most costs for public patients, but private treatment incurs significant out-of-pocket expenses.
The cost of brain surgery in India can vary widely depending on several important factors. The average cost of a standard brain surgery typically ranges between ₹2,00,000 and ₹7,00,000, or even higher. In cases involving complex or high-risk procedures, the cost may even go up to ₹12,00,000.
Medicare. If you're treated as a public patient in a public hospital, Medicare can cover 100% of your brain and nervous system treatment. Public hospitals will only charge the MBS fee, and that will all be covered if you have Medicare.
How Much Does a Craniotomy for Brain Tumor Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Craniotomy for Brain Tumor ranges from $26,168 to $33,045. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.
more than 95 out of 100 people (more than 95%) survive their brain tumour for 5 years or more. 95 out of 100 people (95%) survive their brain tumour for 10 years or more.
The main known risks of brain tumor surgery can include infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding, healthy tissue. Modern advances in surgical techniques and post-operative care have greatly reduced these complications. Most patients recover well, and experience symptom relief.
1. Transplants: $40,000-$150,000 No matter the organ involved, transplants rank as the most expensive surgeries, with costs ranging from $40,000 for a kidney to close to $150,000 for a heart or liver. Public hospital waiting list: Liver or heart: 9+ months; kidney 5-7 years.
Government Assistance: In some cases, government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid may cover the cost of surgery if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Charity: Sometimes, local charities will help cover the cost of your surgery if it is deemed necessary.
Hospital services
If you're a public patient in a hospital Medicare subsidises things like: emergency care. most surgeries and procedures (there might be a wait time if it's not an emergency) medicines provided to you in hospital.
Services like visiting a GP or hospital, getting surgery, getting specialist treatment, and being taken to hospital by an ambulance are seen as 'free'.
There's no single "best" brain surgeon; it depends on your specific condition (e.g., tumors, aneurysms, spine issues, pediatric) and location, but highly-regarded Australian neurosurgeons with strong peer reviews and expertise in advanced techniques include Professor Brian Owler (Sydney) for adult/paediatric care, Dr. Timothy Steel (Sydney) for complex spine/brain surgeries, Dr. Jeremy Russell (Melbourne) for cerebrovascular & tumours, Dr. Lee Liqun Yang (Gold Coast) for bypass & tumour surgery, and Dr. Jason McMillen (Brisbane) for complex cerebrovascular & tumours, with many other specialists like Dr. Andrew Davidson, Dr. Craig Timms, and Dr. Shanu Gambhir also highly rated.
Most patients don't experience a lot of pain, except for discomfort at the incision site, which is managed with oral medications. “You may feel headachy, but it is a low-level pain that tends to get better pretty quickly,” Dr. Lipinski says.
The most common type of brain tumor surgery is a craniotomy. A typical craniotomy can take from three to five hours. Transsphenoidal surgery, which is performed through the nose, generally takes three to four hours.
In fact, one of the riskiest surgeries that is often performed on the skull and brain is called a craniectomy. This type of surgery requires the doctors to remove part of your skull to help release swelling, bleeding, and pressure that the brain is experiencing.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain tumor and is brain cancer. However, a small group of patients survive 5, 10, and even 20 years after initial diagnosis.
Financial assistance programs, sometimes called “charity care,” provide free or discounted health care to people who need help paying their medical bills. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires hospitals with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to have programs to provide this care .
Spread the cost of treatment with 0% monthly payment plans
Remember, our payment plans are flexible with options ranging from 12 months (at 0% APR) to between 24-60 months at 14.0% APR. You can learn more about monthly payment plans for surgery or get in touch with us on 0330 818 8945.
If you're treated as a public patient you won't be charged for doctors' fees, medication, accommodation or operating theatre fees.
Cataract surgery is the least expensive on our list with an average cost of about $3,441. In this procedure, a cloudy eye lens is removed and typically replaced with an artificial lens.
On average, the cost may range from ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more. For precise and up-to-date cost information, it's recommended to consult with specific hospitals or healthcare providers.
After the recovery room, most people go back to the ward. But some might need go to the intensive care unit (ICU) or the high dependency unit (HDU). You then move back to the ward within a day or so. How long you stay in the ICU or HDU is different for everyone.
Some brain tumours grow very slowly (low grade) and cannot be cured. Depending on your age at diagnosis, the tumour may eventually cause your death. Or you may live a full life and die from something else. It will depend on your tumour type, where it is in the brain, and how it responds to treatment.