Cochlear™ Implant Funding Options in Australia

Discover the main funding options available to Australians for Cochlear implants and sound processors.

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Private Hospital Cover

Did you know that Gold, Silver and some Bronze private hospital policies typically cover the cost of Cochlear Nucleus®, Baha® and Osia® implant systems?1 Private hospital policies may also cover the cost of private hospital fees and future sound processor upgrades.

Find out what your private hospital policy covers from the fact sheet below, along with a useful script to help you learn more about your entitlements from your health fund.

Fact Sheet: Private hospital cover funding for Cochlear™ devices in Australia

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"When it came to funding, I could go with my private health fund... It was a great relief to hear that."

- Caroline, Cochlear Implant Recipient

Veteran Cards

Australians with a Veterans Gold Card typically receive funding for the latest Cochlear Nucleus, Baha and Osia implant systems from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Veteran White Card holders with hearing loss as an accepted service-related condition, typically receive funding as well.2-6

With pre-approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), funding can also be offered for:

  • Cochlear accessories (such as TV streamers)5
  • The hospital procedure in a private hospital6

To ensure you have access to the full benefits for Veterans, see the fact sheet below.

Fact Sheet: Veterans funding for Cochlear™ devices in Australia

Public Cochlear Implant Programs

Australians of all ages can access government funded Cochlear Implant Programs, which typically offer fully funded Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems to eligible patients.7-11

The Cochlear Implant Programs can also offer:

  • Bulk billed cochlear implant audiological assessments7
  • Access to leading Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons7
  • Bulk billed cochlear implant procedures and associated surgical costs7
  • Bulk billed audiological appointments post-surgery7

Discover the full benefits of the Public Cochlear Implant Programs from the fact sheet below:

Fact Sheet: Public funding for Cochlear™ devices in Australia

"The public hospital footed the bill for the whole operation. I didn’t know that kind of help was available."

- Jason, NSW - Cochlear Implant recipient

Funding Cochlear devices yourself

If you want the latest Cochlear hearing technology without delay, you can choose to self-fund. To enquire about pricing or for more information, contact the Cochlear Engagement Team.


Frequently asked questions

Several funding models cover the costs of a cochlear implant and surgery in Australia. Depending on your level of cover, private health insurance is one option. Veterans who meet eligibility criteria can also access funding for cochlear implant surgery and devices. Contact your health fund or our Cochlear Engagement Team to understand your options.

 

Like any surgery, there may be hospital-related expenses such as accommodation and specialist fees. Many of these costs can be funded by private health insurance. To learn more, contact the Cochlear Engagement Team.

 

Australians of all ages can access government-funded Public Cochlear Implant Programs, which typically fund eligible patients.

 

Yes, some extras policies cover hearing aids. Check with your insurer for details.12

 

Subsidised devices are available for eligible Australians. Learn more about options from the Hearing Services Program.

 

If hearing aids are no longer enough, it may be time to consider a cochlear implant to improve hearing clarity. Contact the Cochlear Engagement Team to book in an appointment with an audiologist to discuss options to improve your hearing experience.

 

Contact the Cochlear Engagement Team for support with:

✓  Cochlear implant funding options available to you
✓  Booking an appointment with your nearest Cochlear Implant clinic
✓  Free information sessions and events for Cochlear implant candidates and loved ones
✓  Free support services available to Cochlear implant candidates
✓  The steps from initial cochlear implant assessment to surgery
✓  Cochlear implant candidacy requirements

Phone: 1800 875 212
SMS: 0447 243 454
Email: hearinghelp@cochlear.com

Request a call back

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NDIS funding for cochlear implant recipients

If you are a cochlear implant recipient under the age of 65, you can apply for a plan with the NDIS which may fund future sound processor upgrades, accessories and other costs.

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Have a question or want more information?

Get in touch with Cochlear

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More information

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Upgrading your device

A new sound processor can help improve your hearing and experience of life. Discover why upgrading to next-generation technology matters.

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Warranty coverage

We understand things can happen to your device. That's why Cochlear's products are covered by a global warranty.

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Your Cochlear stories

People who know hearing loss speak about their experience. These inspirational stories give you real insights into life with a Cochlear™ device.

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Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.

For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.

Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.

The information provided is for general information purposes only. Whilst we have taken care to ensure its accuracy, Cochlear accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and patients must make their own enquiries to confirm funding eligibility. Contact the health insurance provider or the relevant government agency to determine eligibility and coverage.

References

  1. Product Tiers [Internet]. PrivateHealth.gov.au; (2019), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/howitworks/producttiers.htm
  2. Veteran Gold Card [Internet]. Department of Veterans’ Affairs; (2024); [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: Available from: https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/veteran-healthcare-cards/veteran-gold-card
  3. Veteran White Card [Internet]. Department of Veterans’ Affairs; (2024); [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/veteran-healthcare-cards/veteran-white-card
  4. Assistive Listening Devices [Internet]. Department of Veterans’ Affairs; (2021); [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/care-home-or-aged-care/services-support-you-home/assistive-listening-devices
  5. When we will pay for your hospital stay [Internet]. Department of Veterans’ Affairs; (2020); [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/local-or-overseas-medical-care/when-we-will-pay-your-hospital-stay#can-i-choose-which-hospital-i-am-admitted-to
  6. Cochlear Implant Services for adults [Internet]. Next Sense; [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.nextsense.org.au/assets/downloads/NextSense-Cochlear-Implants-For-Adults.pdf
  7. Mater Cochlear Implant Clinic [Internet]. Mater Health; [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.mater.org.au/health/what-we-do/audiology/mater-cochlear-implant-clinic
  8. Audiology [Internet]. Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group; [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.fsfhg.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Audiology
  9. Audiology Clinic at Flinders Medical Centre [Internet]. SA Health; [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/services/hospitals/flinders+medical+centre/services+and+clinics+at+flinders+medical+centre/outpatient+clinics+at+flinders+medical+centre/audiology+clinic+at+flinders+medical+centre
  10. Victorian Cochlear Implant Program [Internet]. The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/victorian-cochlear-implant-program/
  11. Hearing supports [Internet]. | NDIS; (2024), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-other-government-services/hearing-supports
  12. Hearing Aids and Insurance [Internet]. Hearing Australia; (2024), [cited 9 April 2024]. Available from: https://www.hearing.com.au/hearing-products/hearing-aids-and-insurance