What is informed financial consent?

Even if you have private health insurance, you will probably have to pay part of the cost of your treatment.

Informed financial consent is a process that involves your doctor, healthcare provider, health insurer and hospital so you understand how much you have to pay out of your own pocket before your treatment.

Before you are treated, you are entitled to ask the following people and organisations about any extra money you must pay out of your own pocket:

• your doctor
• your healthcare provider
• your health insurer 
• the hospital.

Follow these steps to find out whether you have to pay any out-of-pocket costs: